British Steam Locomotives Before Preservation (Hardback)
A Study of Before and Afterlife
Imprint: Pen & Sword Transport
Pages: 168
Illustrations: 160 black and white
ISBN: 9781526760463
Published: 13th October 2020
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British Steam Locomotives Before Preservation, covers the history in pictorial form of steam locomotives that are now preserved as part of the national collection. It includes those which can be found in private collections and the ones which adorn the various heritage railways operating throughout Britain.
The book looks at each subject both in its working life and during its subsequent preservation.
The pictorial content covers a wide swathe of Britain during the years before the heritage locomotives, were earmarked for preservation.
Recommended for a good balance between technical information of each locomotive and their history. The comprehensive listing of locomotives still extant, their working lives, and their current status will merit this book finding a place on every rail enthusiast's bookshelf.
Rail Advent
Read the full review here
"This is a useful and well-produced overview of the British preserved loco scene."
West Somerset Railway Association
The book does exactly what it says on the cover and is recommended for anyone with an interest in UK standard-gauge steam. The photographs include not only locomotives, but also trains in some very interesting settings, which adds to the enjoyment of a well-researched offering. Recommended – Next one please!
Ffestiniog Railway Magazine
… the book presents the UK’s preserved steam locos in quite a different light and I found it a fascinating read; easily recommended.
Railways Illustrated, February 2021
Review by Roger Backhouse
York Model Engineers newsletter
This book can be useful but note that not all preserved locos are included.
"British Steam Locomotives Before Preservation" is about the photography history of steam locomotives that are now preserved as part of the UK's national collection. It includes locomotives that can be found in private collections and those that adorn the various heritage railways operating in Britain. The book discusses each topic both in its working life and during its subsequent preservation.
Unos Cuantos Trenes
With its proper balance between information and photographs it manages to successfully unite the past and present of preserved steam locomotives, which is only achieved in some railway museums. Essential for all fans of English steam locomotives and for those who want to see good black and white rail photographs.
Read the full Spanish review here
About Malcolm Clegg
Malcolm Clegg had a thirty year career as a Constable and Sergeant in the British Transport Police. The majority of his service was spent both in Uniformed and CID policing of the railways and docks at Newport, Cardiff and Swansea. He spent ten years in London, stationed at Paddington, Liverpool Street, Stratford and the London Underground Network. His final years were spent working as a Detective Sergeant in Swansea, investigating crimes in South and West Wales. After his retirement, he became an active member of the British Transport Police History Group (www.btphg.org.uk). He has carried out extensive research on behalf of the group and has written a number of articles. He has written four other books entitled; British Steam Locomotives before Preservation, The Last Days of British Steam, LMS and LNER Steam Locomotives, British Transport Police (A definitive history of the early years and subsequent development), each published by Pen & Sword.