George Churchward is regarded by many, including the towering figures of Nigel Gresley, William Stanier and Andre Chapelon, as the most inventive, ingenious and successful steam locomotive designer ever to have lived. These three exceptional engineers made their admiration for him and his many achievements a matter of historical fact.
Now, 100 or so years since Churchward retired from the GWR, his reputation is just as revered, as is the influence he had on the work of others. But, as with other notable figures, many details of his life have become mythologised or forgotten.
This book re-appraises Churchward’s life and work and assesses this key period in railway history. In so doing he considers the true extent of his achievements and influence on the great railway engineers that followed and the effect his leadership had on the GWR as a whole at a time of immense social and political change. Contains 20 colour and 230 black & white illustrations. Hardback. 246 pages.