Beyer, Peacock - locomotive builders to the world
3rd Impression, 1998
Beyer, Peacock is a name recognised throughout the world as a builder of railway locomotives. During its 112 year existence, from 1854 to 1966, over 8,000 locomotives were built at its Gorton Foundry in Manchester, ranging from tiny 18 in. gauge works shunters to the giant Beyer Garratts, some of which were the largest steam locomotives in the world outside America.
This book chronicles the formation, growth and eventual demise of the Company. Drawing heavily on the official records which were passed into his care as Director of the Manchester Science Museum the author, Dr RL Hills, has produced a scholarly yet very readable history which is complemented by, and benefits from, the expertise of the book's designer in incorporating over 520 illustrations some full page in the book's 302 A4 pages to take the reader step-by-step through the locomotive development.
The illustrations include official General Arrangement drawings and detail line drawing from the Company archives, in addition to the many official photographs taken by the staff photographers over the years, some being very early examples from the pioneering days of photography. Contemporary views of locomotives in service are also included.
The contents list of illustrations gives an indication of the coverage, with. amongst many, many others, examples from Algerian Rlys: Belfast and County Down Rly: Ceylon: Darjeeling and Himalayan Rly: East African Rly: East Indian Rly: Ffestiniog Rly: Grand Russian Rly: Hudiksvaal and Forssa Rly: Iranian State Rly: Java Rlys; Kenya and Uganda Rly: Lagos Govt Rly: Madagascar Rly: New South Wales Govt Rly: Ottoman Rly; Pennsylvanian Rly: Queensland Govt Rly: Rhodesian Rlys: Swedish Govt Rly: Turkish State Rlys: United Rly of Havana: Victorian Rlys: Welshpool and Llanfair through to Zarogosa and Alsasua Rly.
Tables and appendices give performance details of the Company, one of Britain's major railway producers and exporters, whose stamp will forever be recognised by railway historians and others for its contribution to the development and improvement of man's ability to move vast quantities of merchandise or people by rail, safely and economically.
The book reflects the whole aspect of a British manufacturing industry and a way of life which, like so many others, has disappeared completely. Thanks to the Author's diligence it will not be forgotten.
Hardback with dust jacket, 302 pages, black & white photographs
Condition: Good/Very Good with a little age-related discolouration to extreme edges of pages
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ISBN: 9781898432050
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Updated: 2 January 2025