HST The train that saved Britain’s Railways
AUTHOR: Andrew Royle
PUBLISHER: Crecy Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-91080-998-3
PRICE: £20.00
WEBSITE: www.crecy.co.uk
DERIDED AND
despised by many enthusiasts when they were first introduced in the mid-1970s, the High Speed Train completely revolutionised Intercity services on British Rail when they entered service from 1976 and have gone on to be widely recognised as being one of the most successful and iconic train designs of the 20th century. One of the latest releases from Crecy is a photographic record of the HST’S 45-year working life, compiled by photographer and former New Measurement Train technician Andrew Royle. The book features a wide range of photos of the HST fleet, both in service and undergoing maintenance or stabled at depots.
But this is much more than a photo book, and the author has ensured that each image is accompanied with a detailed caption giving plenty of background information that may have become lost within standard text content. It also doesn’t feature the images in chronological order; to me, this just added to my enjoyment of the content.
All the photos have been carefully chosen and show everyday scenes of the HSTS in service, as well as the occasional mishap, unusual workings, diversions, and a whole host of atmospheric images.
There is a good mix of BR and Privatisation-era liveries included, and almost all of the various guises the HST fleet has carried since Privatisation are included.
The subject matter brings the
HST story up-to-date, with photos depicting the Midland Pullmanliveried HST, the Rail Charter Services set, 43274 in its special East Midlands Railway livery, the short-lived VP185 power cars on hire to Colas Rail, and the Rail Adventure power cars that are yet to enter service.
The HSTS continue in service – albeit in reduced numbers – with operators such as Crosscountry, GWR, Scotrail, Locomotive Services Ltd and Network Rail, and this book is a fantastic photographic record of the history of these iconic trains.
The book is produced to the usual high standards expected of Crecy; the £20 cover price for this 190page hardback book produced on good quality paper is an absolute bargain. I really enjoyed pouring over the pages of this book, which covers the 45-year career of the
HST very well indeed. Of all the photo books I’ve reviewed over recent months, this is one of the best. Highly recommended.
(AMC)