Synopses & Reviews
This fascinating pocket book draws on numerous primary sources from the early days of the British rail network to the Big Four, British Railways, and beyond. Beginning in the days of steam power, this compact history outlines the rules of the rail network, locomotive management from driving to servicing, potential accidents, and the camaraderie of an engine driver's life, along with practical advice and conditions of service for the men on the footplate. The Railway-Man's Pocket Book will appeal to all railway enthusiasts.
Synopsis
Built in 1923, the Flying Scotsman is one of the world's most iconic steam engines. Named for the London to Edinburgh nonstop service it provided, the train covered more than two million miles in its lifetime. This fascinating book tells the story of this distinguished locomotive through authentic period literature, offering insight into her construction and operation from the height of her fame in the 1930s through the end of her run in 1963.
About the Author
Richard Harry Norman Hardy worked on Britain's railways for over 40 years, retiring in 1982 with more than 60,000 miles of footplate experience on all classes of LNER, GC, and GN engines. Originally writing under the pseudonym of Balmore, he is the author of numerous articles and four books, including two autobiographical works, Steam in the Blood and Railways in the Blood (both Littlehampton) and the biographies Beeching: Champion of the Railway (Ian Allan) and Bert Hooker: Legendary Railwayman (OPC Railprint).