The Glorious Years of the Southern Railway

The Glorious Years of the Southern Railway looks at the company over the period 1923-1945 using nearly 230 black-and-white photographs. These are collected into several sections: Locomotives; Electric; Isle of Wight, Carriages; Southampton Docks; Railway Stations; Wartime. Several companies formed the SR: London, Brighton & South Coast Railway; London & South Western Railway; South Eastern & Chatham Railway; Isle of Wight Railway. The motive power of the SR developed an identity under Maunsell with the 'Lord Nelson' Class 4-6-0s, 'Schools' Class 4-4-0s, U Class 2-6-0s and Q Class 0-6-0. Though constrained by the war, Bulleid revolutionised the SR's locomotives with the introduction of the Merchant Navy Class Pacifics, West Country and Battle of Britain Pacifics and Q1 Class 0-6-0. Operational for just 25 years, the SR managed to achieve much in that period thanks to the company's officers and employees. The Glorious Years of the Southern Railway celebrates this contribution to railway history.