Modeller’s Bookshelf
A quartet of new books that will be useful for modellers and general railway enthusiasts alike.
This compact hardback offers a visual overview of diverted trains over the past 40 years. Although not so common these days, diversions owing to engineering work would offer the excitement of unusual traction and passenger workings through railway backwaters. With over 200 quality colour images, there’s a pleasing variety of geographical coverage and an array of diesel locomotives and multiple units, as well as a fair number of electrics (many being ‘dragged’). The captions are informative and some of the featured services may inspire modellers to run something a little different on their layouts!
Book: Diesels Diverted, by Kim Fullbrook (Pen & Sword)
Price: £25.00 Availability: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
An ongoing shortage of diesel multiple units blessed Norfolk with various loco-hauled passenger services right up until 2019. This book provides an overview of rail operations around Norfolk, from 1994 until the introduction of Stadler multiple units. Presenting a wide range of traction in various locations, the captions provide plenty of information, while a map and overview of the Wherry Lines are helpful. Countless liveries are on show, including BR Intercity, Anglia, One and Greater Anglia, plus DRS’ schemes. Useful for anyone with an interest in recent East Anglian operations.
Book: Norfolk Rail –
25 Years of the Wherry Lines by Chris Boon (Key Books)
Price: £15.99 Availability:
www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
This new book paints a fascinating picture of the railroads of Wisconsin, famed for its dairy produce, beer and Harley Davidson motorcycles. The image quality is excellent throughout, revealing a diverse range of freight traffic from 1979 to 2005, along with a few Amtrak services. A brief historic overview reveals the importance of the railways in Wisconsin’s development and a map of rail routes in use in 1990 testifies to an intriguing local rail scene. There are plenty of colourful liveries on show too, including the red/ gold of Wisconsin Central, familiar to UK enthusiasts as parent company to EWS.
Book: Railroads of Wisconsin by Mike Danneman (Amberley)
Price: £15.99 Availability:
www.amberley-books.com
Respected author Paul Shannon presents a photographic survey of UK rail freight operations since the year 2000, revealing a staggering level of change over the past 20+ years. Not only have traction types and colour schemes changed, but many freight flows have been lost and new business gained. The wagons and infrastructure have changed too and, although image reproductions are a little grainy, lots of visual information is provided for modellers, especially from those images captured at freight terminals and yards. Plenty of vital detail is included in each caption too.
Book: Rail Freight in the 21st Century, by Paul Shannon (Amberley)
Price: £15.99 Availability: www.amberley-books.com