British Rail Shunters: From Corporate Blue to Sectorisation

During the 1980s, British Rail's fleet of diesel shunters declined due to a loss of freight traffic and the modernisation of passenger train operations. However, new liveries emerged as depots personalized their charges. This book examines the contrast in fortunes with photos of shunters at work and rest from across the UK during the decade.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 04 July 2023
Publisher: Key Publishing Ltd

By the early 1980s, British Rail's fleet of diesel shunters was experiencing a significant decline, primarily due to a rapid decrease in freight traffic nationwide and the modernization of passenger train operations, which resulted in a reduced demand for shunting. Many of the smaller, lower-powered classes had already been withdrawn or were on the verge of extinction, even the ubiquitous Class 08s were feeling the strain. While the number of shunters may have been decreasing, this was somewhat offset by the emergence of new and vibrant liveries as depots became increasingly interested in personalizing their charges with names or colorful adornments. As the decade progressed and the corporate blue era gave way to Sectorization, numerous shunters emerged with colorful new liveries, adding a touch of diversity to the rail landscape. This book explores this contrast in fortunes by featuring photographs of shunters at work and rest across the UK during the 1980s, primarily in British Rail ownership but also including examples sold into industrial use.

Weight: 288g
Dimension: 170 x 243 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802824841