Western Class Locomotives: A Tribute

Unusually for a large class of locomotives, all Western Class locomotives had the same prefix which gave them a unique identity. They were essentially designed by and for the Western Region, which saw hydraulic transmission as the way forward in replacing the 4-6-0 steam locomotives. However, the rest of British Rail went down the road of electric transmission, and when BR opted for a standard policy the Western Region was forced to comply. Illustrated with full-colour photographs of all 74 of the Western Class locomotives, this nostalgic volume gives a portrait of a much-loved, but short-lived, class of locomotive.