This book, from the publishers Pen-and-Sword, aims to cover tramway preservation in the United Kingdom. Peter is to be congratulated in compiling details of trams, from examples which are little more than garden sheds to trams which were only recently withdrawn from service. Where possible, there are photographs of the actual tramcar in service.

The photograph credit list reads like a Who’s Who of well-known tramway enthusiasts. I suspect this has more than a little to do with the author’s connections at the Online Transport Archive. Having lived all my life close to Leeds, I was fortunate to have ridden on the last surviving Swansea and Mumbles tram in the short period when it was in use for the Leeds Students rag event. Sadly, it was not to survive, along with other Leeds tramcars. Unfortunately, this was not something peculiar to Leeds, tramcars along with railway coaches would appear to a strong magnet for vandalism.

Returning to happier times many of the tramcars are now secure in the various museums, notably the National Tramway Museum at Crich.

So, in conclusion this work by Peter should be on the bookshelf of any tramway enthusiast where it will be a valuable source of reference.

Bradford Railway Circle

Featured in

Tramfare, November/December 2021

This is a book that well summarises the range of British tramcars that have survived into preservation. The supporting captions add considerably to the value of the book, which should appeal to those interested in a concise history of what has survived of British tramcars.

Tramway Review - June 2022

"This is another worthy addition to the growing library of tramway books from Pen & Sword."

West Somerset Railway Association

"All-in-all, this is an interesting and informative publication. Recommended."

Ffestiniog Railway Magazine

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Tramways & Urban Transit - Light Rail Transit Association

Peter Waller has written a number of transport books covering a variety of subjects, and this is an excellent addition to his portfolio. He briefly covers the history of tram preservation, before moving to the photos of the trams in service. Each photo has a comprehensive caption detailing the history of the tram and company, and tells us where the tram is preserved. The photos are good quality, subject to their age of course, but are very atmospheric, mostly showing the trams earning their living in historic settings. It is a well presented book and well worth a look.

The PSV Circle, October 2021 Issue