Britain’s narrow gauge railways are host to some of the oldest, most charming, varied and extraordinary locomotives to be found anywhere. This book is a fascinating survey of these appealing engines.

A pocket guide to 60 of the most iconic British locomotives of the last two centuries, which will have wide appeal as a handy yet detailed reference book on British locomotives. Since the 1800s locomotives have steamed, chugged and sparked their way into the nation's affections. These powerful engines were the drivers of the Industrial Revolution, and to the present day carry passengers and freight to every corner of Britain. But do you know your Locomotion from your Rocket, or your Gresley Class A4 from your Princess Coronation Class? How heavy is the Flying Scotsman? And who designed the Britannia Class? The Loco Spotter's Guide answers all of these questions, with first-class illustrations portraying more than 60 of the most important steam, diesel and electric designs, including all-important specifications and technical details to aid any would-be loco spotter.

The Duchesses tells the story of the â??Princess Coronationâ?? class of locomotives -the streamlined embodiments of raw, bulked-up muscle and formidable power that any enthusiast will tell you were the finest steam engines in Britain. Conceived of by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway to rival the LNERâ??s illustrious â??A4 Pacificsâ??, these trains heralded in the last golden age of steam. Designed by the great William Stanier, theirs is a story of grand beginnings, a slow trajectory of decline and a recent, celebrated rebirth. Today, there are two â??Duchessesâ?? still in existence: Duchess of Hamilton and Duchess of Sutherland are now restored to their original streamlined appearance. As The Duchessesâ?? beautiful cover illustration suggests, these Coronation locomotives were beautiful to behold; truly majestic feats of engineering. Andrew Rodenâ??s book tells the story of their time in British Railways service; the classâ?? decommissioning in the 1960s; the extraordinary saga of two trainsâ?? unlikely preservation by Billy Butlin at his holiday camps; and their eventual return to steam on the main line. The Duchesses completes a trilogy of railway books from Aurum, joining Mallard - the story of the worldâ??s fastest steam locomotive - and Flying Scotsman â??that of the worldâ??s most famous.

British Rail Main Line Locomotives Specification Guide identifies the major detail differences and livery variations that have appeared on all British Rail, ex-British Rail and privatized railway diesel and electric main line classes from 14 to 92. The book provides a record of the main specifications of each class of locomotive, and details of variations, including: numbers, liveries, headcodes, headlights, wheel arrangements and bogies, brakes, names and - where appropriate - details of refurbishment programmes.Diesel locomotives are a relative newcomer to the railway enthusiast and modelling scenes, and this book brings together information on detail changes in a coherent reference form for the first time, illustrated with photographs of major changes. A useful resource for modellers and those with an interest in the differences that have occurred to the British Rail fleet. Superbly illustrated with around 300 colour photographs.

The first of the English Electric Type 1 design, what we now know as the Class 20s, appeared in June 1957. With their distinctive 'chopper' engine sound, these single-cabbed locomotives soon gained a reputation for rugged reliability brought about by their simplicity and use of tried and tested components. British Rail Class 20 Locomotives looks back at the operations of these fine locomotives since 1957, covering their varied workings and duties, regional use and railtour operations. The book also covers the technical aspects and specifications of the locomotives, including liveries and detailing. This book will be of great interest to all railway and diesel loco enthusiasts. Fully illustrated with 195 colour photographs.