Download or read book GWR Collett Castle Class written by Keith Langston and published by Pen and Sword. This book was released on 2015-03-30 with total page 456 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The 'Castle' class 4-6-0 locomotives designed by Charles Collett and built at Swindon Works were the principal passenger locomotives of the Great Western Railway. The 4-cylinder locomotives were built in batches between 1923 and 1950, the later examples being constructed after nationalisation by British Railways. In total 171 engines of the class were built and they were originally to be seen at work all over the Great Western Railway network, and later working on the Western Region of British Railways. The highly successful class could be described as a GWR work in progress, because further development took place over almost all of the locomotives working lives. In addition to inspiring other locomotive designers the 'Castle' class engines were proved to be capable of outstanding performances, and when introduced were rightly described as being 'Britain's most powerful passenger locomotives'. Some of the 'Castles' survived in service for over 40 years, and individually clocked up just a little short of 2 million miles in traffic. In this book, Keith Langston provides a definitive chronological history of the iconic class together with archive photographic records of each GWR 'Castle' locomotive. Many of the 300 plus images are published for the first time. In addition background information on the origin of the names the engines carried, including details of the many name changes which took place, are also included. The extra anecdotal information adds a fascinating glimpse of social history. Collett CASTLE Class is a lavishly illustrated factual reference book which will delight steam railway enthusiasts in general and in particular those with a love of all things Great Western!
Download or read book Great Western King Class 4 6 0s written by David Maidment and published by Pen and Sword Transport. This book was released on 2020-08-30 with total page 503 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An in-depth look at the British railway company’s celebrated class of steam locomotives, with more than three hundred photos. Built by Collett in 1927 after pressure to restore the Great Western Railway’s pre-eminence in motive power and cope with increasing postwar traffic to Devon and Cornwall holiday resorts, the thirty Kings were the final development of the Churchward Stars and the 1923 Castles and remained on top-link main line duty until their final replacement by the ‘Western’ class 52 diesel hydraulics in 1962. This book includes an insight into the thinking of some of Collett’s senior staff at the end of the 1930s and the eventual transformation in the latter years with redraughting and double chimneys. As well as describing their design and construction, the book comprehensively covers their operation and performance, backed up by many recorded logs on all main GW/WR routes over which they were permitted. The author had close experience of the class when working at Old Oak Common between 1957 and 1962, and includes a chapter of his experiences with them, including many footplate trips (as a management trainee, he was greeted with glee by firemen who would hand him the shovel). The book also includes over 300 photographs, one hundred of them in color.
Download or read book GWR Locomotives The Hall Class written by Allen Jackson and published by Amberley Publishing Limited. This book was released on 2019-11-15 with total page 176 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A fascinating illustrated insight into this iconic Hall Class of locomotuves used by the Great Western Railway.
Download or read book Great Western Castle Class 4 6 0 Locomotives 1923 1959 written by David Maidment and published by Pen and Sword Transport. This book was released on 2023-02-16 with total page 313 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Great Western Castles were one of the most successful locomotive designs of the twentieth century in terms of both performance and efficiency. Designed by Charles Collett in 1923, based on the 1907 Churchward ‘Star’ class, 155 were constructed almost continuously, apart from the war years, between 1923 and 1950, in addition to fifteen rebuilt ‘Stars’ and one rebuilt from the Great Bear pacific. Many were modernised with increased superheat and double-chimneys in the late 1950s and the class continued to be the mainstay of all Western Region express passenger services to the West Country, South Wales, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and the West Midlands until replaced by the WR diesel hydraulic fleet in the early 1960s. This book covers their design in a chapter written by Bob Meanley, who masterminded the restoration at Tyseley Works of the Castles Earl of Mount Edgcumbe and Clun Castle, and their history, operation and performance from the high speed of the 1930s through to their rejuvenation in the 1950s, leaving experience of their last years and preservation to another volume. David Maidment had close experience of the class when working at Old Oak Common between 1957 and 1962 and includes his personal experiences there and on the road from his first encounter with one as a six-year old boy. The book includes 350 photographs, some 40 in color, and 23 detailed Swindon technical drawings.
Download or read book Great Western Castle Class 4 6 0 Locomotives The Final Years 1960 1965 written by David Maidment and published by Pen and Sword Transport. This book was released on 2023-02-16 with total page 186 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The author’s second volume about the Great Western’s classic express locomotives covers their final six years in British Railways service. In 1960 the Castles, many now modernized with double chimneys and 4-row superheaters, were still in charge of most of the Western Region’s expresses, but by the summer of 1963 their regular express work was limited to the London – Worcester route. Their declining numbers in the last couple of years covered special summer and relief trains, parcels and freight work, deputizing for failed or unavailable diesels and a flurry of excursions and railtours where their prowess could still be demonstrated. The author worked and lived alongside them in these years and the book includes much of his own personal experience on the footplate, on their trains and on shed. The book recaps briefly their first 25 years and covers their history, operation and performance in their final years and is copiously illustrated including over 100 color photographs.
Download or read book An Introduction to Great Western Locomotive Development written by Jim Champ and published by Pen and Sword. This book was released on 2018-02-28 with total page 314 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The first thought, when contemplating a new study of the Great Western Railway locomotive fleet, must surely be to ask what can there be left to say? But there is no single source which gives a general introduction to the Great Western locomotive fleet. There are monographs on individual classes, an excellent multi-volume detail study from the RCTS, and superb collections of photographs, but nothing that brings it all together. This work is intended to provide that general introduction.The volume begins with a series of short essays covering general trends in design development, whilst the main body of the volume covers individual classes. For each class there is a small table containing some principal dimensions and paragraphs of text, covering an introduction, renumbering, key changes in the development of the class and information on withdrawal.The volume concludes with appendices covering the development and types of standard boilers, the various numbering schemes used by the GWR, the arcane subject of locomotive diagrams and lot numbers, and a short reference on the many lines the GWR engulfed.The majority of illustrations are new profile drawings to a consistent format. Described as sketches, they are drawn to a consistent scale, but do not claim to be scale drawings. Much minor equipment has been omitted and the author has certainly not dared to include rivets! Although most are based around GWR weight diagrams, they are not simple traces of the original drawings. Detail has been added from other sources, components copied from different drawings and details have been checked against historical and modern photographs. One must also bear in mind that steam locomotives were not mass produced. Minor fittings frequently varied in position and changes were made over the locomotives' lifetimes. Nevertheless, this collection of drawings provides a uniquely consistent view of the GWR locomotive fleet.
Download or read book Great Western Manor Class written by Laurence Waters and published by Casemate Publishers. This book was released on 2016-08-31 with total page 293 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The 30 Manor class 4-6-0s were designed by CB Collett in 1938, and built by the Great Western, and the Western Region at Swindon in two batches, 20 in 1938/9, and 10 in 1950. In order to save money the first 20 members of the class were built using parts from withdrawn 4300 class 2-6-0s, and were coupled to refurbished Churchward 3,500 gallon tenders. The lighter 4-6-0s Manors were given blue route classification which allowed them to work over many secondary lines.The construction of the Manors completed the final stage of Colletts plan to provide a full range of 4-6-0 tender locomotives for Great Western passenger services.Over the years the Manors saw extensive use on services in the South West, West Wales and ex-Cambrian Lines in North Wales. They provided motive power for both the Pembroke Coast Express and the Cambrian Coast Express. Many of the class lasted to the end of steam traction on the Western Region, with the last examples being withdrawn in November 1965. Remarkably of the original 30 members of the class no fewer than 9 have survived.In this book, author Laurence Waters charts the history of the class from their construction at Swindon in 1938, right through to the final withdrawals in 1965. Using many previously unpublished black and white, and colour photographs, accompanied by informative captions, each member of the class is illustrated. This book should appeal to those interested in the history of Great Western Locomotive development as well as modellers of the Great Western and Western Region.
Download or read book British Steam Military Connections GWR SR BR WD Steam Locomotives written by Keith Langston and published by Pen and Sword. This book was released on 2016-07-30 with total page 440 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Great Britain there existed a practice of naming steam locomotives. The names chosen covered many and varied subjects, however a large number of those represented direct links with military personnel, regiments, squadrons, naval vessels, aircraft, battles and associated historic events. For example, all but one member of the famous Royal Scot class were named in honor of British regiments. Also the Southern Railway created a Battle of Britain class of locomotives, which were named in recognition of Battle of Britain squadrons, airfields, aircraft and personnel. In addition, the Great Western Railway renamed some of its engines after Second World War aircraft. The tradition has continued into modern times as the newly built A1 class locomotive is named Tornado in recognition of the jet fighter aircraft of the same name. This generously illustrated publication highlights the relevant steam locomotives and additionally examines the origin of the military names.
Download or read book Great Western Grange Class Locomotives written by David Maidment and published by Pen and Sword. This book was released on 2019-03-30 with total page 217 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The renowned British railroad historian delivers “a well-illustrated account of the rationale behind Collett’s construction of this 80 strong class” (West Somerset Railway Association). English railway engineer George Jackson Churchward proposed a 5ft 8in wheeled 4-6-0 for mixed traffic duties in 1901 and it was seriously considered in 1905, but it took until 1936 before his successor, Charles Collett, realized the plan by persuading the GWR Board to replace many of the 43XX moguls with modern standard mixed traffic engines that bore a remarkable likeness to the Churchward proposal. David Maidment has written another in his series of “Locomotive Portfolios” for Pen & Sword to coincide with the construction of a new “Grange” at Llangollen from GW standard parts to fill the gap left by the total withdrawal and scrapping of one of that railway’s most popular classes—to their crews at the very least. As well as covering the type’s design and construction, the author deals comprehensively with the allocation and operation of the eighty locomotives and in particular has researched their performance and illustrated it with many examples of recorded logs from the 1930s as well as in more recent times. As in previous volumes, the author has added his own personal experiences with the engines and has sourced more than 250 photos, over 40 of which are in color. “Superbly researched . . . another extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to . . . British Railroading History collections.” —Midwest Book Review “Granges worked off-region quite widely, so this is not just a book for the copper-capped chimney brigade; enthusiasts for whom these capable machines are favorites will definitely want this volume on the bookshelf.” —Railway Modeller
Download or read book Great Western King Class 4 6 0s written by David Maidment and published by Pen and Sword Transport. This book was released on 2020-08-30 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Built by Collett in 1927 after pressure to restore the GWR’s pre-eminence in motive power and cope with increasing traffic post-war to the Devon and Cornwall holiday resorts, the thirty Kings were the final development of the Churchward Stars and the 1923 Castles and remained on top-link main line duty until their final replacement by the ‘Western’ class 52 diesel hydraulics in 1962. The book includes an insight into the thinking of some of Collett’s senior staff at the end of the 1930s and the eventual transformation in the latter years with redraughting and double chimneys. As well as describing their design and construction, the book covers comprehensively their operation and performance backed up by many recorded logs on all main GW/WR routes over which they were permitted. The author had close experience of the class when working at Old Oak Common between 1957 and 1962 and includes a chapter of his experiences with them including many footplate trips (as a management trainee, he was greeted with glee by many firemen who would hand him the shovel). The book includes over 300 photographs of which 100 are in color.
Download or read book Broad Gauge Locomotives written by Geof Sheppard and published by Noodle Books. This book was released on 2008-09 with total page 64 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Compiled from contemporary records and exciting new research by Geof Sheppard and fellow members of the Broad Gauge Society, this sensational new volume is beautifully illustrated with both familiar and newly uncovered pictures. In addition, the book contains a full index of all locomotive names and numbers as well as appendices listing all the various builders and operators.
Download or read book Great Western Castle Class 4 6 0 Locomotives in the Preservation Era written by David Maidment and published by Pen and Sword Transport. This book was released on 2023-07-30 with total page 170 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This third volume in the series on the Great Western Castle class locomotives focuses on the eight that have been preserved and goes into depth on the reconstruction of three of them, the two Tyseley ones, 5043 and 7029 described by Bob Meanley and Didcot’s 4079 recounted by David Maidment from the records of the Great Western Society, including the full story of 4079’s prolonged stay in Western Australia, its return to the UK and subsequent restoration. The history of all eight is covered and copiously illustrated, including over 100 color photographs, with many during the restoration work by Bob Meanley and in operation by David Maidment. The book includes records of their operation and performance since restoration when some of the most remarkable performances of these locomotives were achieved.
Download or read book Great Western Star Class Locomotives written by Laurence Waters and published by Pen and Sword. This book was released on 2017-04-30 with total page 153 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Designed by G.J. Churchward, no. 40 was constructed at Swindon in April 1906. It was Swindon’s first 4 cylinder simple engine and was the forerunner of Churchward’s famous 4 cylinder Star Class 4-6-0s. Initially built as a 4-4-2 Atlantic, no. 40 was named North Star in September 1906, rebuilt as a 4-6-0 in 1909, and renumbered 4000 in 1913. Including no. 40, the Star class eventually numbered seventy-three locomotives, all built at Swindon in batches between 1906 and 1923. In service the Stars proved to be both free-running and reliable locomotives, and for many years were used to haul the Great Western’s top link services, including the world-famous ‘Cornish Riviera Express’. The introduction of the Collett Castle Class 4-6-0s in 1923, and the King Class 4-6-0s in 1927, saw the Stars relegated to secondary passenger, freight and parcels services. A number of Stars were rebuilt by Collett as Castles, including the prototype no. 4000 North Star, but the remaining Stars continued to give good service. At Nationalisation in 1948, no less than forty-seven of these fine locomotives passed into Western Region ownership, the last example, no. 4056 Princess Margaret, being withdrawn in October 1957. In this book, Laurence Waters charts the history of the class from the prototype, right through to the final workings in October 1957. Using many previously unpublished photographs from the Great Western Trust photographic collection, accompanied by informative captions, every member of the Class is illustrated. This book should appeal to those interested in the history of Great Western locomotive development as well as modellers of the Great Western and Western Region.
Download or read book Rails to Rosslare written by Mike Hitches and published by Amberley Publishing Limited. This book was released on 2010-02-15 with total page 182 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The latest title from railway expert, Mike Hitches, charting the history of the mail route to Ireland as GWR celebrates its 175th year.
Download or read book Great Western Railway Pannier Tanks written by Robin Jones and published by Crowood. This book was released on 2014-01-31 with total page 321 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The name 'Great Western Railway' immediately conjures up images of Stars, Castles and Kings, the legendary express passenger locomotives that were the envy of the world in their day. However, the Swindon empire also produced extensive fleets of all-purpose tank engines - everyday reliable workhorses and unsung heroes - which were standout classics in their own right. The most distinctive and immediately recognizable type in terms of shape, all but unique to the GWR, was the six-coupled pannier tank. With hundreds of photographs throughout, Great Western Railway Pannier Tanks covers the supremely innovative pannier tank designs of GWR chief mechanical engineer Charles Benjamin Collett, the appearance of the 5700 class in 1929, and the 5400, 6400, 7400 and 9400 classes. Also, the demise of the panniers in British Railways service and the 5700s that marked the end of Western Region steam, followed by a second life beneath the streets - 5700 class panniers on London Underground. Also covers Panniers in preservation, plus cinema and TV roles and even a Royal Train duty. Superbly illustrated with 260 colour and black & white photographs.
Download or read book Train written by DK and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2014-10-01 with total page 322 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This glorious visual celebration of train travel keeps you on the right track with stop-offs at the most important and incredible rail routes from all over the world. Your first stop in The Train Book is the groundbreaking steam locomotives of the 19th century and your final destination is the high-speed bullet trains of today. From the Union-Pacific Railroad to the Trans-Siberian Railway, you'll cross the continents to experience epic journeys and staggering scenery. You'll pick a seat on the most iconic locomotives, including the Orient Express, the Blue Train, and the Eurostar. You can also inspect the engines of famous British trains, such as Rocket, Mallard, and Javelin, and international trains, such as India's Palace on Wheels and America's Thatcher Perkins. You'll meet the true pioneers of train and track, including "Father of the Railways" George Stephenson, engineering legend Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and Métro maestro Fulgence Bienvenüe. For train-spotters and transport enthusiasts everywhere, this is your trip of a lifetime.
Download or read book Rails South West From Birmingham in the Late 20th Century 1972 2000 written by Peter J Green and published by Pen and Sword Transport. This book was released on 2024-12-30 with total page 226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Towards the end of the twentieth century, take a photographic journey along the railway lines to the southwest and south of Birmingham. Starting at Birmingham's main stations, New Street and Snow Hill in the centre of the city, you can travel from the West Midlands through the urban, industrial, and rural landscapes of the counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire, visiting the branch lines and the various heritage railways and railway centres along the way. As well as the diesel locomotives and railcars that are illustrated in most of the photographs, various steam-hauled special trains are also included. While the railway has gradually improved as a means of transport, for the author it has become increasingly less interesting as it has been modernised. Fortunately, the spectacle of 'Peaks', Class 50s and many other locomotives going about their daily business has been well recorded, and many scenes are captured in these pages. Much railway infrastructure still remained at this time and many older railway stations and mechanical signal boxes, with their associated semaphore signalling, are also featured, adding to the interest of many of the photographs.
