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By Graeme Gleaves

Published by Pen & Sword Transport www.pen-and-sword.co.uk 162 pages, B&W/colour, hardback. £25.00

IN spite of the title, only about half of the pages in this book actually refer to the stock in question.

That isn't a criticism, as the other pages contain a necessary preamble to explain how DC electrification on Tyneside came about, as well as covering the reincarnation of the system as the Tyne & Wear Metro and other North East-related electrification matters, so presenting a comprehensive overview in one volume. It doesn't matter that the author, who was instrumental in the preservation of a DC unit, is (by his own admission) not a Tynesider himself or young enough to have personal experience of the DC network, as the story is told in a most engaging way, while not stinting on thoroughness – every vehicle is meticulously accounted for. Another chapter has yet to be written to on the forthcoming ‘Stadlerisation' of the Metro, but as it is this book is excellently presented and produced to Pen & Sword's usual high standards.