Great Western Railway Handbook
It has often been claimed that for the layman to gain a good working knowledge of the history, traditions and practices of the Great Western Railway, the acquisition of nothing less than a small library is required. In his Great Western Railway Handbook, respected transport historian and journalist Basil Cooper disproves this theory by providing a thorough review of the Company's engineering and operational achievements between the covers of one readable and well illustrated volume. Having established the background with an examination of the Broad Gauge era, the Author concentrates on the 'Golden Age' of the Great Western — the period that commenced with the Grouping in 1923 (with the resultant expansion of the company's assets and obligations) and ended with the nationalisation of the railways in 1948. Ample coverage is given not only to the design and construction of the locomotives and rolling stock (including the pioneering diesel railcars) but also to that of the stations, works and signalling installations that were in themselves so characteristic of the network. Passenger and freight operations are also examined in detail, including the contribution made by road, sea and air services. In short the book is a mine of information on the policies, strategy and organisation of this country's most famous railway company, and should prove indispensable to enthusiasts, historians and modellers alike.
Hardback with dust jacket, 112 pages, black & white photographs
Condition: Good with light creasing to last few pages
ISBN: 9780711016170
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Updated: 2 January 2025