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Jarrold Railway Series 6 Main Line Steam by D C Williams Soft Cover 1983
Jarrold Railway Series 6 Main Line Steam by D C Williams Soft Cover 1983 Approx 32 pages
The enthusiastic reception afforded to the initial five books of the Jarrold Railway Series has enabled the publishers to offer a further contribution, bringing the story of steam locomotion in Britain right up to date.
Steam traction disappeared from Britain's national network in August 1968. displaced from ordinary passenger and freight service by diesel and electric power. The two years that followed were almost devoid of steam; the only exception to British Rail's management-enforced ban on steam power was provided by a previously agreed private contract to operate the L.N.E.R. Pacific Flying Scotsman, which still had one year to run. In the years 1969 and 1970, steam was indeed sorely missed by enthusiasts throughout Britain. This was fortuitous, because private steam railways had become established in this period. Some of these railways were later able to play a key part in the organisation. maintenance and stabling of main line steam locos, in addition to their usual role of operating those picturesque country branch lines that are now closed elsewhere.
Main line steam had no better champion than Mr Peter Prior of Bulmers. When all seemed lost, he persuaded British Rail to operate an experimental trip with G.W.R. 4-6-0 King George Von 2 October 1971 from Hereford via Swindon and Didcot to Birmingham, returning a few days later to Kensington. London. This epic journey heralded a renaissance for main line steam, commencing with the Shrewsbury-Hereford-Newport line. Quite soon, several other routes were opened to steam; they areamong those shown opposite.
British Rail made it clear from the start of the 'return to steam' that these operations on the main lines would need to be well organised. The Steam Locomotive Operators Association (SLOA) was formed in 1975 by the operators of steam locomotives registered to run on B. R. This body was officially recognised by British Rail. and nowadays there is constant liaison over such matters as steam routes, timetabling, train loadings. loco inspection, repairs, servicing. rostering, and many other relevant topics.
A major step was taken in 1981 when SLOA purchased a complete set of ten coaches, consisting of eight 1960-built Pullmans and two brake composites, for main line use. With the phasing out of steam-heated, vacuum-braked coaches on British Rail, it was considered prudent to assure the future of main line steam with such a train; these vehicles can also he hauled by modern traction at speeds up to 100 m.p.h.
This book records in colour the diversity of steam power which has returned to the main and secondary lines of British Rail, plus several locomotives of undoubted main line status which have been steamed on private lines. Within such a compact publication, it is impossible to record every event, but a wide variety of locomotives, trains and locations has been included.
Everyone, I am sure, will share my admiration for the financial, physical and administrative efforts involved in this return to steam.
Long may main line steam continue!
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