Designed as a companion volume to the author's similar work on the AC Electrics, this new and informative book is an illustrated history of the great variety of dc electric locomotives and EMUs that have graced the tracks of the National Network. It includes the two famous Woodhead classes 76 and 77, the various Southern locomotives types Classes 70/71/73/74, and Class 92 in DC mode. Perhaps more importantly, eminent author Colin Marsden also includes invaluable information on the DC locomotives produced for departmental and special use. There is a great range of EMUs featured, including those of the crucial pioneering electrification schemes, such as the Mersey Railway and the Holcombe Brook branch. Also covered are the Manchester Altrincham lines, the Tyneside suburban network, the Grimsby and Immingham trams, the early LSWR schemes, as well as details of the later development of stock for the third-rail systems in and around London.Comprehensively illustrated throughout with stunning colour and mono illustrations, this fabulous new guide will provide detailed information on a subject not covered exclusively in many other publications. A must have for all modern traction enthusiasts.
Adrian Vaughan is one of the country's foremost railway historians. He's written over 30 books on various aspects of the railway scene and he has two new volumes out now which he's been talking about on Up All Night. The first is a biography of one of the forgotten men of the Victorian era. He was called Samuel Morton Peto and he was one of the contractors who actually built the railway system. The other book is Adrian's take on the privatisation of the industry in the 1990s which he calls The Greatest Railway Blunder. Born in 1941 Adrian Vaughan spent the first part of his working life as a signalman on the line which was once the Great Western Railway built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Up All Night's Howard Benson went to talk to him as he worked in the signal box at Sheringham on the North Norfolk Railway. Below you can listen to our three part feature.