This British Railways history explores the long-held tradition of naming steam locomotives in honor of the military. The naming of steam locomotives was a beloved British tradition since the first railway locomotives appeared in 1804. Many of the names were chosen in honor of military personnel, regiments, squadrons, naval vessels, aircraft, battles and associated historic events. This volume looks specifically at the steam locomotives with military-inspired names that were built by the London & North Eastern Railway, which joined the British Railways stock in 1948. A large number of the company’s Jubilee class locomotives were given names with a military connection, as were a small number of Black Five class engines. Famously the majority of the much-admired Royal Scot class of engines carried names associated with the military in general and regimental names in particular. Many of the nameplates were adorned with ornate crests and badges. Long after the demise of mainline steam, rescued nameplates have become prized collectors’ items. This generously illustrated publication highlights the relevant steam locomotives and explains the origins and social history surrounding their military names.

The first steam locomotives used on any British railway, worked in industry. The use of new and second hand former main line locomotives, was once a widespread aspect of the railways of Britain. This volume covers many of the once numerous manufacturers who constructed steam locomotives for industry and contractors from the 19th to the mid 20th centuries. David Mather has spent many years researching and collecting photographs across Britain, of most of the different locomotive types that once worked in industry. This book is designed to be both a record of these various manufacturers and a useful guide to those researching and modelling industrial steam.

A fascinating illustrated insight into this iconic Hall Class of locomotuves used by the Great Western Railway.

Just like today, with high-specification computers being used to design even higher specification models for the next generation, the making of machines to make machines was one of the most important aspects of the Industrial Revolution. The lathe, for example, is the oldest known machine tool and dates back to antiquity, but it wasn't until the late 17th century that such industries as clock making, the building of scientific instruments, furniture and gun makers, began to convert from woodworking lathes to ones that ware capable of machining metal. Craftsmen needed precise machines that could shape metal gears, cut metal screws and stamp shapes out of metal, thus enabling others to assemble their products.

Explore a highly illustrated and comprehensive look at the story of 400 years of Britain's railways.