Electric Locomotives on Britain's Railways

The West Coast Route electrification was completed in 1966, but electric locomotives were rare on Britains railways. This changed with BR's Modernisation plan in 1955, which aimed to have all main lines and busiest suburban services electrified using the 25,000-volt system with overhead wires. George Woods' book of unpublished color photographs showcases the different electric locomotive types and trains used on the BR network since 1966.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Before the West Coast Route electrification was completed in 1966, the electric locomotive was a rare sight on Britain's railways, with the exception of the Manchester to Sheffield service, which had been electrified since 1954. While there were plenty of EMUs operating on suburban systems around large cities and in the south of England, steam was the dominant power source. However, everything changed when the British Rail (BR) announced its Modernisation plan in 1955. The plan envisioned the replacement of steam locos with diesel and electric traction by around 1975. The objective was to electrify all the main lines and the busiest suburban services using the 25,000-volt system with overhead wires instead of the third rail system used on existing electrified routes.

This book, consisting of largely unpublished color photographs by George Woods, aims to showcase the various electric locomotive types used on the BR network since 1966 and the diverse range of trains they hauled. The introduction of electric traction revolutionized the rail industry, providing a more efficient and reliable means of transportation. The BR's Modernisation plan played a significant role in achieving this goal, and this book serves as a valuable documentation of that era.

The photographs in the book capture the distinctive appearance and characteristics of electric locomotives, including the iconic Class 70 and Class 80 locomotives. They also depict the various types of trains that were operated by BR, including passenger services, freight trains, and shunting operations. The book provides a glimpse into the daily life of railway workers and the challenges they faced during the electrification process.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of British railways and the technological advancements that shaped the industry. It offers a unique perspective on the electric locomotive era and provides a valuable resource for railway enthusiasts and historians alike.

Weight: 276g
Dimension: 165 x 234 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398102019