Modeller’s Bookshelf
A quartet of new books that will be useful for modellers and general railway enthusiasts alike.
The transition from British Rail’s ‘standard’ locomotive green to Rail blue proved to be a drawn-out affair. Countless ‘hybrid’ liveries were thus created and this fascinating book catalogues most – if not all – of the variations. The addition of warning panels of different shapes and sizes is explained, as are the idiosyncrasies of the corporate Rail blue livery. Covering the mid-1960s to early 1980s, over 160 colour images are provided, featuring a broad range of diesel and electric locomotives and multiple units. The captions add extra value, providing a superb resource for modellers of the post-br steam era.
Book: BR: From Green to Blue, by Russell Saxton (Key Books)
Price: £15.99
Availability: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
This engaging photographic tour takes in many well-known (and a few obscure) industrial and narrow gauge railways, across England, Wales and the Isle of Man during the 1950s and 1960s. Showing hardworking but well-kept steam locomotives, rolling stock and surrounding infrastructure, it’s an excellent guide for anyone interested in building or enhancing an industrialthemed layout. There’s plenty of background history about each of the lines, as well as maps and track plans. Images are a mix of colour and black and white and the locations of each are even pointed out on the maps.
Book: Narrow Gauge and Industrial Railways, by Brian & Ian Reading (Amberley)
Price: £15.99
Availability: www.amberley-books.com
Covering rail operations in South Wales, including the Central Wales line, from the 1980s until the early Noughties, this book also provides an insight into the changing industrial fortunes of the area. Unsurprisingly, coal traffic predominates. Other key freight flows are also covered, including steel and oil, plus passenger services, and there’s a welcome variety of locations and compositions. The images are black and white throughout, albeit of a very high standard. The lack of colour is a little frustrating, but the images do offer a huge amount of inspiration.
Book: Railways in South Wales & the Central Wales Line in the late 20th Century, by Peter J. Green (Pen & Sword)
Price: £30.00
Availability: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
Featuring some wonderful illustrations, Jack’s Tracks is an entertaining short story aimed at younger enthusiasts (age 3-10), following the eponymous character’s adventures building a model railway. Not content with laying tracks around his bedroom, Jack expands his railway empire, eventually taking over his entire house. The text is presented in rhyming doublets and there’s an amusing twist at the end. Printed in the USA, the quality of the reproduction is high and the text is easy to read. An ideal gift with a wholesome message that promotes the benefits of teamwork.
Book: Jack’s Tracks, by C.J Livingstone
Price: £8.99
Availability: www.amazon.co.uk