Gresley's B17s

Gresley's B17s is a book that explores the career of this steam locomotive passenger class from its introduction in 1928 to withdrawal in 1960. It features over 180 color and black and white images of the 73 class members at work, including Liverpool Street station, Stratford, Romford, Parkston, Ipswich, Norwich, Yarmouth, Neasden, Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield, Manchester, and Doncaster. The photographs are accompanied by well-researched and informative captions, and the book serves as a reminder of the importance of the B17s in the history of the LNER and steam traction in Britain.

Format: Hardback
Length: 140 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2021
Publisher: Great Northern Books Ltd

Gresley's B17s delves into the remarkable career of this steam locomotive passenger class, spanning from its introduction in 1928 to its withdrawal in 1960. Designed by the renowned Chief Mechanical Engineer Sir Nigel Gresley of the London & North Eastern Railway, these engines were predominantly utilized in East Anglia, a region specifically tailored to their needs. Moreover, they found their way on the former Great Central Railway routes, adding to their versatility.

This captivating book showcases a vast majority of the 73 class members in action, featuring over 180 stunning color and black and white images. The locations captured in the photographs include iconic landmarks such as Liverpool Street station, Stratford, Romford, Parkston, Ipswich, Norwich, Yarmouth, Neasden, Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield, Manchester, and Doncaster.

Gresley's B17s is divided into three distinct sections, each representing a different era in the locomotive's history. The first section delves into the LNER period, showcasing the B17s in their iconic livery and numbering scheme. The second section explores the immediate post-war era, with the introduction of Thompson numbering and the transition into British Rail ownership. The final section showcases the B17s during their time under BR ownership, marking the end of an era.

The photographs, meticulously taken at stations, sheds, lineside, and workshops, provide a vivid glimpse into the daily lives of these remarkable machines. Accompanied by well-researched and informative captions, they offer a deeper understanding of the B17s' role in the history of the LNER and steam traction in Britain.

It is worth noting that all 73 B17s eventually met their demise in the scrapyard, a testament to the changing times and technological advancements. However, there are currently two ongoing efforts to recreate new locomotives based on the design of the B17s, serving as a poignant reminder of their significance in the annals of railway history.

In conclusion, Gresley's B17s is a must-have for anyone with an interest in steam locomotives, railway history, or the engineering marvels of the past. This comprehensive book offers a captivating journey through the career of this iconic passenger class, capturing the essence of their service and legacy in stunning detail.

Weight: 820g
Dimension: 223 x 281 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912101269