The Times British Railways : The Illustrated History of a National Institution

Following the post-war Labour government’s decision to nationalise much of Britain’s transport undertakings, mining and heavy industry, British Railways was born on 1st January 1948. The new state-controlled railway system was saddled with an archaic and worn-out network, decrepit motive power and rolling stock brought on by six years of wartime hardship and lack of maintenance and investment. However, by the early 1950s the tide had slowly started to turn with a return to profitability and the introduction of new standardised classes of steam locomotives and rolling stock. This fully illustrated volume covers topics such as:; Nationalisation and the birth of British Railways; British Railways standard steam locomotives from 1951–1960; Early diesel, electric and gas turbine locomotives; Boat trains; Rural and seaside branch lines; Camping coaches; Travelling Post Office; Railway accidents; Trainspotting; The death of British Railways and the birth of British Rail; Privatisation: The end of British Rail.