Peter Tuffrey has assembled a first-rate selection of photographs showing locomotives on the railways in and around the East Midlands, during the transitional period when modern traction worked alongside steam engines. Following the announcement of British Railways’ Modernisation Plan in 1955 the East Midlands was particularly affected as diesel locomotives came to work the area’s expresses and freight trains. Diesel Multiple Units sought to halt declining branch line usage, though many eventually closed. However, some improvements in infrastructure were also seen.
Fortuitously, many enthusiast photographers were on hand to capture this important period of railway history and in East Midlands Railways from Steam to Modern Traction almost 200 photographs, showing the lineside, engine sheds, stations, marshalling yards and industrial locations, have been compiled illustrating the changing scene in the 1950s and 1960s. The area’s lines were formerly operated by the London, Midland & Scottish Railway and the London & North Eastern Railway. Many of these companies’ locomotives could be seen, as well as British Railways’ Standard Classes. A number of new diesel classes and DMUs appeared and worked alongside these during the late 1950s and early 1960s.
This collection contains rare and previously unseen images in both colour and black & white, accompanied by thoroughly-researched, informative captions.
99 colour and 93 black & white photographs. Hardback. 144 pages.