Over The Alps - on The Watercress Line

This book is the story of a long love affair with the steam locomotive and the realisation of a boyhood dream in the 21st century on the Mid-Hants Railway. The Mid-Hants line was nicknamed the 'Alps' in steam days because of the steep gradients involved. To make the book more readable the author has tried to avoid too much in the way of technical detail, apart from the chapter on Bulleid Pacifics. However, throughout the book the author gives clear explanations of the locomotive equipment used by the firemen and driver to help readers understand how steam engines work and the partnership necessary between their crews to make their powerful steed operate safely and efficiently. The Bulleid Pacifics are still the focus of a great deal of argument amongst steam enthusiasts some 60 years after they were introduced and as a qualified engineer the author makes his contribution to the controversy.