Standard Gauge Great Western 4-4-0's. Part 1: Inside-Cylinder Classes, 1894-1910
The years leading to the end of the broad gauge on the Great Western in 1892 had undoubtedly seen GW loco-motive development held in check until the unified standard gauge system was accomplished fact, and not until the mid-1890s did William Dean produce new types of 4-4-0 to cope with heavier trains. But G J Churchward, works manager at Swindon and principal understudy to a by then ailing chief, had to tread warily in overseeing the construction of locomotives to his master's design, yet incorporating some of his own ideas. When Churchward eventually succeeded Dean, and had a free hand, the changes in principles were more dramatic and bridged the gap between Victorian design and the new thinking of the twentieth century. The result is a fascinating and com-plex tangle of locomotive history, involving eight major classes, all with common threads, and a host of major and minor variations and rebuildings, out of which was born Churchward's great locomotive rationalisation and standardisation programme, which stood the test of time until the end of steam more than 60 years later. It was a period of aesthetic change and among the golden years of GWR engine naming. They were also the years when speed and improvements in passenger comfort were paramount, and City of Truro made its long-since disputed 100mph run. Mr Nock describes not only the revolution in GWR locomotive design and the effect on performance but so much else which made the GWR 4-4-0s, some of them much rebuilt and long lived, such favourites then and now.
Hardback with dust jacket, 96 pages, black & white photographs
Condition: Good/Very Good with some sunfading to spine
ISBN: 9780715374115
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