A Detailed History of British Railways Standard Steam Locomotives - Volume 2: The 4-6-0 and 2-6-0 Classes (hardback)
At nationalisation half of the medium sized mixed traffic fleet was over age with some engines very elderly indeed. Riddles team produced five 4-6-0 and 2-6-0 classes to address this challenge totalling 452 engines, half of the total BR standard locomotives built. Three were based on LMSR designs from Stanier (Class 5s) and Ivatt (Class 4 and 2) with the "unfinished" look of the Ivatt Class 4 pleasingly tidied up.
All the new standard classes except the Class 2 achieved an endearing sense of balance from extending down the high running plate to the front buffer beam and sloping the underside of the cab sheet. These features allowed much pipework to be hidden whilst still achieving improved maintenance access.
This long awaited book by John Walford presents complete design, modifications, livery, allocation and use information for each engine. A fascinating and absorbing review of British railway operations four decades ago.
Hardback, 284 pages, black & white and colour photographs
ISBN: 9780901115935
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