Woodhead Lament 1948-1981

This book takes perhaps the most thorough look yet at this once iconic 1,500v dc route across the Pennines between Manchester and Sheffield drawing from hundreds of previously unpublished photographs. It examines every one of both the Class 76s and 77s photographically covering many detail, livery, numbering, naming, withdrawal and working variations, with even the EM2s on freight. The EF1 class of Bo-Bo banking locomotives are not forgotten either. The publishers have trawled through countless photographer's collections to reveal many scenes scarcely seen in print before now. The story starts of course with Tommy in the Netherlands, and then follows the early days of the production locomotives from Gorton Works to firstly Ilford in Essex on test and back onto the Woodhead route proper. Likewise the Class 77 Goddesses are covered one by one at work, rest and play. Background of their names and their naming are given along with a number of detail photographs for both classes.