This volume covers the final decade of British steam, looking at steam traction in a wide variety of locations and covers a wide variety of classes of locomotive that were withdrawn during the last decade of steam traction, some of which are now preserved. Most of the pictures which are all in black and white were taken by the author with some taken by others who were recording the railway scene at this time.
An interesting introduction describes the history of the railways since the nationalisation of the railways in 1947 including the government railway policies at the time and the infamous Beeching report of 1963 with its far-reaching consequences that we still experience today with so many sizeable towns cut off from a railway.
Although most locomotive classes are covered the one notable omission is any images of Stanier Pacifics. Several engines looked dirty and neglected as they were often on the point being withdrawn and scrapped. Many were emitting considerable quantities of black smoke which was probably due to the poor-quality coal being used at this time, not a welcome sight for environmentalists!
An interesting aspect of the book is a section listing all the locomotives featured in the book in numerical order giving details of their withdrawal date and subsequent scrapping although a few managed to escape the cutter’s torch. It is interesting to note that some of the standard engines had a life of under 10 years due to changes in government policy.
The book is well put together and is a unique record of a never to be repeated era.

Peter Mann, Bradford Railway Circle

Overall, the book is enjoyable and informative, and can be dipped into and out of. The photographs are well presented and backed up with sufficient technical detail to fill any gaps in the reader’s knowledge. Recommended.

Ffestiniog Railway Magazine, No.251

The book is substantial and covers a large range of engines, with captions giving details of the engine pictured and the place, if known. The images are in black and white which adds to the nostalgia of the book. The book is glossy and substantial, which is useful for those who are interested in trains of the era, reconstruction and reclamation of trains that they might find, or railway model enthusiasts.

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Rosie Writes...

A magnificent photo album of the steam locomotives of the 60s.

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Miniaturas JM

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Railway Modeller, December 2020

This is an enjoyable sojourn into the de-facto ‘mixed traction’ period where steam was celebrating it’s last hurrah. The assembled photographs are of a high standard, and the accompanying captions are concise but informative. The book is rounded out by a chapter devoted to additional locomotive details and information... This book would make a sensible addition to the library of any steam enthusiast with an interest in steam’s final years.

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Donnas Book Blog

‘All aboard for some railway nostalgia’

South Wales Echo, 30th October 2020

This book covers the last decade of British steam, and analyses steam traction in a wide variety of geographic locations around the British rail network. The book features a wide variety of classes of locomotives, which were withdrawn during the last decade of steam traction, some examples of which are now preserved.

Read the full Spanish review here

Unos Cuantos Trenes