Author(s): PAUL HURLEY

Machinery

Commemorating the anniversary of the end of steam railway traction in Britain. Fifty years ago, main line steam in Britain ceased to exist, the last official date being 11 August 1968. At the time, British Railways' plan was that after this there would be no more steam traction although a special dispensation was given for Britannia Class 4-6-2 No. 70013 Oliver Cromwell to travel under its own steam into preservation on the 12th and 13th of that month. We now know that this was not quite the case, and that steam locomotives would eventually return to the main lines on highly popular 'specials'. With over 200 photographs, paired with fond and often amusing captions, this evocative book takes a look back at those days and years that led up to the end of steam on Britain's railways. AUTHORS: Paul Hurley is a freelance writer who began his career in the Royal Navy then spent 28 years in the British Police, including working undercover on the Regional Crime Squad. He has since written some 26 books and numerous articles. Phil Braithwaite, a long-time railways enthusiast and photographer, served in the Merchant Navy before joining IBM as a computer engineer, then changing career and running safaris in South Africa, where he set up a road and rail steam preservation group. In the UK he now tours a restored 12-ton live steam road roller and has written a number of articles on steam. 88 colour, 155 b/w illustrations