The Gresley Influence
Throughout the century and a half during which the technology of the steam locomotive moved forward to achieve a degree of development totally beyond the vision of the early 19th century pioneers, many engineers contributed to the evolution of the locomotive. But amongst them were a small number who stood head and shoulders above their fellows, possessing not only outstanding engineering ability but also the confidence to move forward the technology as a whole, combining component innovation and improvement with dimensional increase.
The Great Northern was fortunate in possessing one of these engineers: the subject of this study, Nigel Gresley. Appointed Loco-motive Engineer of the GNR in 1911 at the age of 35, Gresley spent his remaining 30 years with the Great Northern and its post-Grouping successor, the London & North Eastern Railway, introducing a series of locomotives renowned both for their performance and their elegance. His influence on design ranged from improvements to the engines of lvatt to the greater part of the locomotives produced by his LNER successors.
Sir Nigel Gresley's outstanding contribution to the development of the steam locomotive has won him a unique place in the annals of locomotive engineering; his memory is revered by those who still recall the thrill of observing his locomotives in action, as well as by the ever growing numbers of enthusiasts to whom the days before railway nationalisation are a matter of history.
Hardback with dust jacket, 160 pages, black & white photographs
Condition: Very Good
ISBN: 9780711012721
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