Woodhead Lament : 1948-1981
This book takes perhaps the most thorough look yet at this once iconic 1,500v dc route across the Pennines between Manchester and Sheffield drawing from hundreds of previously unpublished photographs.
Inside the author examines every one of both the Class 76s and 77s photographically covering many detail, livery, numbering, naming, withdrawal and working variations, with even the EM2s on freight. The EF1 class of Bo-Bo banking locomotives are not forgotten either.
The publishers have trawled through countless photographer's collections to reveal many scenes scarcely seen in print before now. The story starts of course with Tommy in the Netherlands, before following the early days of the production locomotives from Gorton Works to firstly Ilford in Essex on test and back onto the Woodhead route proper. Likewise the Class 77 Goddesses are covered one by one at work, rest and play. Background of their names and their naming are given along with a number of detail photographs for both classes.
Taking a tour of the route with stop offs as many would have done in their spotting days during the period covered to see some of the changes through the years, starting at Rotherwood, followed by visits the central Sheffield area around not only Victoria station, but Darnall, Woodburn and Tinsley too. Following the line west, there are visits to Wadsley Bridge, Deepcar, Thurgoland, and Penistone before catching the freight only section from Wath depot & yard with visits to Elsecar, Wombwell, Worsborough, West Silkstone, Oxspring and back to snowy Penistone. The 'tour' continues westwards once again via Hazelhead, Dunford Bridge, Woodhead Tunnel, Torside, Hadfield, Dinting including the shed in BR days, Mottram, Godley Junction, Guide Bridge, then a thorough tour of Reddish before a lingering look at Manchester London Road as it morphed into Piccadilly station during the 1960s.
Next, the reader enjoys a look at some the rail tours on the route from the earliest electric one from 1953 to the dying days.
Works visits are covered next with views of the Class 76 & 77 or EM1s & EM2s if you prefer at Gorton, Doncaster and Crewe.
Finally there is a good look at their demise and scrapping with views at Crewe Works, Reddish, Booths and Vic Berry's.
Along the way, the odd Class 04 and J11 steam locomotives and even a Cravens DMU on test are noted, not to mention many of the Class 506 EMUs through the years too.
All of these superb and historic photographs are backed up with detailed captions, surely a blockbuster and one not to miss.
Hardback, 256 pages, large format landscape, illustrated throughout with black & white photographs and map
ISBN: 9781913390082
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