As ever the book scores on its detailed analysis of each type, including tables of runs with all intermediate station times listed. And again the photographs are a major plus factor – a host of well-printed period shots that will be a real boon to modellers striving for accuracy.

Our desire from previous editions to see some detailed drawings remains with this title, though it would be difficult in this case as basic general arrangements of some 20 different types are included in a detailed reference section. This also lists every single locomotive, their first and last depots and eventual fate.

Engineering in Miniature

This well-illustrated, weighty volume is another useful addition to the informative Locomotive Portfolios series.

Best of British

"The author chose a huge subject in deciding the scope of this book – some 800 locomotives in all (although more than half comprised a single class, the B1’s) – so it must have been a very demanding task. However, he succeeds very well - the book is about the right length and is full of relevant information, including statistical details of every loco. There are also plenty of logs to interest the performance enthusiast. The author cannot provide as many personal recollections as he does for GWR classes in other volumes of the Locomotive Panorama series, but his memories from around London in the late 1950’s and 1960’s, and the photos of his 00 scale models of several types covered, add the necessary human interest to the book. The photographs – some 400, including a colour section - are well-chosen and have detailed captions and, as always from Pen & Sword, the book is beautifully printed, and the photos reproduce well. Also, the dust-cover has a nice photo of B16/3 61444 at Doncaster. There is slight inconsistency (seen in many Locomotive Panorama books) with Atlantic being spelt with capital A, but pacific with a small p. But that and the unfortunate typo affecting Chapter 2, are the only criticisms that can be made. Otherwise, an excellent book for steam and LNER/Eastern Region enthusiasts."

Bradford Railway Circle

"It is an important and invaluable record of a group of locomotive and invaluable record of a group of locomotive classes that were at the heart of railway operations in eastern Britain for over half a century. Congratulations once again to David Maidment on a work that will have a wide appeal."

Phillip Benham, The Journal of the Friends of the National Railway Museum Winter 2021-2022

"I found the book interesting and well written and a comprehensive overview of the classes... for the general reader I highly recommend the book."

The Railway Observer, Volume 92, February 2022

"Overall a book with a lot of locomotives for the money and an enjoyable browse."

The Society of Model and Experimental Engineers Journal - December 21

A new gem to include in the list of the Série "Locomotive Portfolio" of the friends of Pen and Sword Book.

Read the full review here

Miniaturas JM

Another thoroughly competent book.

Steam World, June 2021

"Another very fine book."

West Somerset Railway Association

As with other books from the Locomotive Portfolio series, this book by David Maidment comes highly recommended. A worthwhile addition to the series, and a great book in its own right if you have an interest in steam locomotives.

Read the full review here

Rail Advent

In summary, whether as a ‘coffee table’ book or as a research document this is worth the investment. The photographs are consistently good and well presented, with good contrast in the printing that allows you to pick up on details and it is an excellent source of information for modellers and model engineers interested in these engines. Every class of LNER 4-6-0 is covered so whatever your favourite, there’s bound to be something of interest. Many of the photographs (from the Manchester Locomotive Society) are seen in print for the first time and, as a bonus, often show interesting rolling stock and locations.

York Model Engineers Newsletter, May 2021