Railway photographer Michael Messenger has compiled this collection of his photographs of diesels in the South West in the early days of the diesel-hydraulic locomotive era. The Western Region was early to eliminate steam traction, and unlike all other regions chose hydraulic transmission. This resulted in a distinctive look for its diesel locomotive fleet that was different from the rest of the country but would not last long before national policy led the Western Region to ditch its distinctive diesel-hydraulics in favour of the more standard diesel-electric traction.
All diesel-hydraulic locomotive classes that operated in the South West are featured, including Class 29s, Class 42 Warships and Class 52 Westerns, along with several types of diesel multiple unit. Many of the lines and stations depicted have long since closed, and there are some photographs of last trains including on the Bude and Padstow lines.
Each photograph is accompanied by a caption. 112 pages.