West Coast Main Lines, 1957-1963

The West Coast Main Line is a historic railway route from London to Glasgow, with a loop through the West Midlands and spurs to Holyhead, Liverpool, and Manchester. This book outlines the history, physical characteristics, and motive power and train working arrangements of the route from 1957 to 1963, when processions of trains hauled by fine express passenger locomotives passed by. It also provides insights into the daily and seasonal challenges of managing the section of a wider railway network. The book is illustrated with color and monochrome images and supported by maps and will be of particular interest to those who recall those days by the lineside, those with an interest in detailed arrangements, and modellers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Spanning its length from London to Glasgow, via Crewe and Carlisle, with a loop through the West Midlands and spurs to Holyhead, Liverpool, and Manchester, the West Coast Main Line has consistently held the fascination of those with a more than passing interest in trains and travel. This comprehensive book delves into the history, physical characteristics, and operational dynamics of the route, setting the stage for the diverse passenger and goods traffic flows that sustained it. It then outlines the intricate arrangements for motive power and train working during the transformative era of 1957 to 1963. The level of interest during this period was particularly remarkable, with hordes of young spotters and other observers gathering at the lineside to witness processions of trains, driven by exquisite express passenger locomotives and those more suited to other traffic.

In addition to providing a historical account, the book goes behind the scenes to offer insights into the daily and seasonal challenges of managing this section of a broader railway network. It explores the intricate interplay between the varying terms of relevant legislation and a government increasingly focused on shaping the railways to meet the evolving needs of the public, industry, and the economy. This book will hold particular appeal to those who have nostalgic memories of days spent by the lineside, those with a deep fascination for the intricate arrangements involved in providing and maintaining suitable motive power, those interested in understanding how the railway served the nation's needs, and modelers seeking detailed information.

To enhance the reader's experience, the book is adorned with a wealth of color and monochrome images, accompanied by comprehensive maps.

Weight: 1000g
Dimension: 254 x 180 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526791825