Archives

  • Book – Winners and Losers: Loco Bashing Tales from the 1990s

    An engaging and at times light-hearted insight into the pursuit of locomotive haulage in the 1990s. Winners & Losers: Loco Bashing Tales from the 1990s recalls the travels and adventures of Andy Chard, a young man from Northern England with a passion for locomotive haulage.

    The tales are brought to life with well-researched data on locomotive workings, as well as historic, social and railway-related information from the time. There are plenty of photographs which complement and elaborate on the tales told.

    This book follows on from Andy’s earlier work featuring his exploits in the 1980s, continuing the story through Andy’s University years and beyond. Adult life afforded a new freedom and new opportunities for locomotive haulage, giving rise to many of the adventures found within.

    Winners & Losers: Loco Bashing Tales from the 1990s will either take the reader back to the days when loco-hauled trains were common across Britain, or introduce the era when the trains on Britain’s rail network were very different to those of today

    This is a new book, the proceeds from which will go into the General Loco fund .

    Publisher : Platform 5 Publishing
    Language : English
    Hardback: 112 pages
    ISBN-13 : 978 1 915984 03 6

  • Book – Railways of Cornwall – A Decade of Change – Part 1

    The Cornish Main Line runs through more than 70 miles of diverse and picturesque landscapes, overcoming challenging terrain by means of numerous tunnels and viaducts. In recent years the railway has retained much of its character with BR era rolling stock, mechanical signalling, and the unique china clay operations still very much in evidence.

    The last decade has also seen huge investment and renewal, notable for the introduction of more frequent services on the Cornish Main Line and the replacement of HSTs with the new Hitachi-built Intercity Express Trains. Infrastructure has been modernised and much of the familiar mechanical signalling is due to be decommissioned.

    In this new book, Keith Barrow records the railway during this time of great transition, capturing classic and modern traction types in a breathtaking railway landscape. Contains over 150 top quality images, all with extended captions telling the story of Cornwall’s Main Line and its trains.

    This is a new book, the proceeds from which will go into the General Loco fund .

    Publisher : Platform 5 Publishing
    Language : English
    Hardback: 96 pages, A4
    ISBN-13 : tba

  • Book – The Berks & Hants Line – 40 Years from the Lineside

    Accomplished photographer Stephen Dance makes a detailed pictorial exploration of the Berks & Hants Line. Using more than 200 images from a period of over 40 years, the author takes the reader on a colourful journey along the route from Reading to Westbury.

    All of the photographs are high-quality and have lengthy captions that include the history of the line and detailed workings information. A large variety of traction is depicted, with plenty of the types and liveries that were common in the 1980s, through to the modern colours of the privatisation era.

    An array of unusual visitors is also illustrated, including a chapter devoted to the steam-hauled specials that have used the Berks & Hants Line in recent years.

    This is a new book, the proceeds from which will go into the General Loco fund .

    Publisher : Platform 5 Publishing
    Language : English
    Hardback: 128 pages, A4
    ISBN-13 : tba

  • Book – The Railways of South Wales 1975-1995 Part 1

    The railways of South Wales have always attracted significant interest because of the complex network of lines serving the valleys and the plethora of freight workings linked to the collieries and steelworks within the Principality.

    The period between 1975 and 1995 has not been documented as well as others, falling between the chronicles of earlier railway authors and the digital age. During those 20 years the author either lived or worked in Cardiff, affording a myriad of opportunities to explore the branch lines and byways throughout South Wales, especially from 1977 when a moped and a driving license were obtained!

    This first volume of a three-part series explores Cardiff, the valleys to its north and the extensive railway network in Cardiff Docks, through more than 160 high quality images, all accompanied by extensive captions which are packed full of railway-related information.

    This is a new book, the proceeds from which will go into the General Loco fund .

    Publisher : Platform 5 Publishing
    Language : English
    Hardback: 96 pages, A4
    ISBN-13 : tba

  • Book – English Electric Type 2 – Class 23

    This comprehensive study of the English Electric Type 2 locomotive, later known as Class 23 and ‘Baby Deltics’ was published on 21st January 2025 and is destined to become the definitive reference work on this short-lived Class of locomotives that only ever numbered 10 examples.

    Carefully researched by Anthony P. Sayer, this book is crammed full of detail and is an absolute ‘must have’ for all who are interested in these curious machines, none of which were preserved – although efforts are being made to recreate one by using the frames from a Class 37.

    Hardback, 224 pages

  • Book – A Manual for Diesel Loco and DMU Drivers

    Many books have been written on diesel traction, but there haven’t been any since the 1960s that give an in-depth explanation of how diesel locomotives and DMUs actually function and what is involved in driving them. This “Manual for Diesel Locomotive and DMU Drivers” addresses these and many other pertinent topics, including the knowledge required to drive trains safely and effectively, and the attributes that make a good driver. This comprehensive and insightful manual also considers railway rules, route knowledge, preparing locomotives & DMUs, driving trains “on the road” and the serious matters of traction failures, assisting failed trains and the many incidents that can occur along the way. It provides a fascinating insight into the life of a train driver and will appeal to those who drive trains, aspire to do so, or the general rail enthusiast.

    Publisher : Platform 5 (19 May 2022)
    Language : English
    Hardcover : 240 pages, A4 format
    ISBN-13 : 978-1909431898

    Here’s a summary by the author, DEPG driver and WSR Diesel Traction Inspector John Leach : The book is 240 pages long, hard back and in A4 format. It includes 87 diagrams, 39 tables and many photos, particularly of loco parts. Very roughly, it is a balance of 50/50 traction and the other knowledge required by a Driver. Please note that it is a manual for Drivers, and does not convey the depth of knowledge required by fitters, although there are cross references to other works (such as the BR manual ‘Diesel Traction’, 1962) for those requiring much deeper information. My own work is technical, but is a step down from ‘Diesel Traction’, with many of the diagrams being illustrative rather than technically correct, as I  have tried to illustrate the basic working of various pieces of equipment. It is titled, ‘A manual for diesel loco and DMU drivers’.

    And from the publisher, Platform 5 : This book focuses on the role and duties of heritage railway diesel drivers and secondmen, but contains little that should not be comprehensible to anyone with an interest in diesel traction and footplate matters. The author is a fifth-generation railwayman who began his footplate career in 1970 and is now a diesel driver and traction inspector at the West Somerset Railway. Of the book, he writes, “It is the standard of knowledge that was required of me by BR, and that which I now seek to pass on to others”.

  • Book – A Pyramid of Diesel Hydraulics

    This new book about the Western Region’s Diesel Hydraulics has been published by Mike Woodhouse and Graham Howell and is based on their experiences and notes from their careers at Old Oak Common, Laira and Swindon Works from the late 1950s onwards. This fascinating book became sold out within a few weeks of publication and we are pleased to have supported the reprinting of a further batch to satisfy the demand.

    Click here to go to the BOOK REVIEW that has been kindly provided by DEPG member Neale Long.

    This is a new book, the proceeds from which will go into the General Loco fund.

    Publishers : Mike Woodhouse and Graham Howell
    Language : English
    Softback: 146 pages, A5
    ISBN-13 : Not Applicable

  • Booklet – D1010 – From Merehead to Minehead

    72 printed pages of A4 filled with the story of the DEPG’s Class 52 ‘Western’ D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ from BR days through to preservation, initially by Foster Yeoman at Merehead Quarry, then by the DEPG at Didcot and Williton. This booklet covers the restoration and rebuild efforts that have made this locomotive a firm favourite with visitors to the DEPG and the West Somerset Railway. Plenty of detail, plenty of photographs (64 x colour, 8 x BW), many of which have not been published before, all backed up with interesting text. Definitely a must-read.

    AVAILABLE NOW !!! Proceeds go to the D1010 restoration fund

  • Book – Backtracking Around V by Bernard Mills

    This new book is the fifth in the popular series of ‘Then and Now’ books by Bernard Mills and is entitled ‘Backtracking Around Plymouth, Looe, Liskeard, Three Stations for Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow‘, which must be one of the longest book titles that we have come across !

    This is a new book, the profits from which will go into the D1010 restoration fund.

    Publisher : Pen & Ink (2022)
    Language : English
    Softcover : TBA
    ISBN-13 : TBA

  • Book – BR Swindon Type 1 – Class 14 – Vol 1

    This comprehensive study of the BR-Swindon Type 1 locomotive, later known as Class 14 has been published in two volumes. This first volume covers the life of the class under BR ownership. The second volume covers the life of the class in industry and preservation.

    Well researched by Anthony P. Sayer, these books are an absolute ‘must have’ for all who are interested in these sturdy and well-built machines.

    Proceeds from the sale of this book go to the D9518 Restoration Fund

    Click here to view the second volume.

    Click here to view the Book Review of the first volume.

    Click here to view the Book Review of the second volume.

  • Book – BR Swindon Type 1 – Class 14 – Vol 2

    This comprehensive study of the BR-Swindon Type 1 locomotive, later known as Class 14 has been published in two volumes. The first volume covers the life of the class under BR ownership. This second volume covers the life of the class in industry and preservation.

    Well researched by Anthony P. Sayer, these books are an absolute ‘must have’ for all who are interested in these sturdy and well-built machines.

    Proceeds from the sale of this book go to the D9518 Restoration Fund

    Click here to view the first volume.

    Click here to view the Book Review of the first volume.

    Click here to view the Book Review of the second volume.

  • Book – Changing Engines by Michael Hollick

    This high quality hardback book by Michael Hollick was published by the LNWR Society on 17th July 2023 and delivers an interesting picture of the early days of diesel traction in the Birmingham area.

    Click here to go to the BOOK REVIEW that has been kindly provided by DEPG member Neale Long.

    This is a new book, the profits from which will go into the D1010 restoration fund.

    Publisher : London & North Western Railway Society
    Language : English
    Hardcover: A4, 140 pages
    ISBN-13 : 978-0-9570158-6-9

  • Book – Class 37s in the Far West

    160 printed pages of A4 filled with the details of English Electric Type 3 Class 37s at work in the ‘Far West’ of the UK, an area defined by the authors as being west of Taunton and west of Yeovil. Plenty of detail, plenty of photographs (all in colour), nicely reproduced and backed up with plenty of interesting text. The authors, Stephen C. Marshall and Roger Geach, have combined their massive knowledge with a detailed database of workings from 1965 onwards, so it is a good read for anyone who appreciates the rugged power and reliability of the class and the scenic variety that is typical of Cornwall.

    This is a new book, the proceeds from which will go into the D1010 restoration fund (by agreement with the authors).

    Publisher : Budleigh (8 Nov. 2019)
    Language : English
    Hardcover : 160 pages
    ISBN-13 : 978-0995566514

  • Book – Clayton Type 1 – Class 17

    This comprehensive study of the ‘Clayton’ Type 1 locomotive, later known as Class 17 was published in May 2021 and has become the definitive reference work on this unusual and short-lived Class of locomotives that once numbered 117 examples.

    Carefully researched by Anthony P. Sayer, this book is crammed full of detail and is an absolute ‘must have’ for all who are interested in these curious machines, of which only one remains in existence today.

    Click here to view the Book Review by Neale Long.

    Hardback, 374 pages, 280 photos/diagrams.

  • Book – Green Diesel Days

    96 printed pages filled with colour photographs covering a wide range of diesel locomotive classes, plus some multiple units, almost all in green livery except where it was relevant to show the alternative livery. This book is organised into separate chapters that cover each region of British Railways as they existed in the 1960s and each chapter carries an introductory text before launching into pictures and captions.

    Unlike some books in this series, this volume is not just a ‘picture book’ because the photos are highly varied and worth dwelling upon. This plus the interesting captions make it good value for money and that is why we are offering it.

    This is a new book, the proceeds from which will go into the General Loco fund .

    Publisher : Amberley Publishing (2019)
    Language : English
    Softcover : 96 pages
    ISBN-13 : 978-1-4456-9453-5

  • Book – THE NORTH BRITISH TYPE 2 – BR CLASS 22 – Vol 1

    Volume 1 of the comprehensive study of the ‘North  British Type 2 B-B Diesel-Hydraulic Locomotives BR Class 22 – Setting the Scene’  was published on 25th April 2024 –  ISBN: 9781399045032.

    This book, the first of two, sets the scene surrounding the short history of the Class 22s covering the introduction of the fleet, technical aspects, appearance design, delivery and acceptance testing, works histories and allocations. Detailed individual histories of each of the fifty-eight locomotives are included.

    Carefully researched by Anthony P. Sayer, this book is crammed full of detail and is an absolute ‘must have’ for all who are interested in these short lived machines.

    Hardback, 168 pages, 60 colour illustrations, 145 mono illustrations

    Click here for Volume 2

  • Book – Hydraulic Memories

    This new book about the Western Region’s Diesel Hydraulics has been compiled by ROGER GEACH using images from the vast repository at TRANSPORT TREASURY.

    Click here to go to the BOOK REVIEW that has been kindly provided by DEPG member Neale Long.

    This is a new book, the proceeds from which will go into the D1010 Restoration fund.

    Publishers : Totem Publishing
    Language : English
    Hardback: 80 pages 273 mm x 215 mm, 85 colour images,
    ISBN-13 : 9781913893446

  • Book – Plymouth to Penzance

    100 printed pages of A4 filled with interesting views of workings in that very special territory, west of Plymouth. Plenty of detail, plenty of photographs (almost all in colour), nicely reproduced and backed up with interesting captions. The author, Roger Geach, has an obvious affinity with the area covered by this book. His knowledge of the workings – and the best locations to photograph them – in this area is second to none.

    There are over 30 photos of ‘Westerns’ along with many others of classes 08, 20, 25, 31, 33, 35, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 50, 60, 66, 67 and HSTs. This is a great read.

    This is a new book, the proceeds from which will go into the D1010 restoration fund (by agreement with the author).

    Publisher : Budleigh (1 Nov. 2016)
    Language : English
    Hardcover : 100 pages
    ISBN-13 : 978-0995566507

  • Book – pre-owned – A Pictorial Record of the DIESEL SHUNTER

    A Pictorial Record of the DIESEL SHUNTER DIESEL HYDRAULICS by Colin  Marsden  published by Oxford Publishing Co.

    This book is the original 1981 edition.

    If you have books that you want to donate to us, please email contact@depg.org or use the contact form so that we can provide a postal address to you. We appreciate your efforts to give us more items to sell to raise funds for the DEPG fleet.

  • Book – pre-owned – DAWN of the DIESELS The Third Volume 1959 to 1970

    DAWN of the DIESELS The Third Volume 1959-1970 by John Spencer Gilks published by Silver Link Publishing Limited.

    In good condition.

    If you have books that you want to donate to us, please email contact@depg.org or use the contact form so that we can provide a postal address to you. We appreciate your efforts to give us more items to sell to raise funds for the DEPG fleet.

  • Book – pre-owned – DIESEL DAYS Devon and Cornwall

    DIESEL DAYS Devon and Cornwall by John Vaughan published by Ian Allan Publishing

    In good condition.

    If you have books that you want to donate to us, please email contact@depg.org or use the contact form so that we can provide a postal address to you. We appreciate your efforts to give us more items to sell to raise funds for the DEPG fleet.

  • Book – pre-owned – DIESELS IN DEPTH Westerns

    DIESELS IN DEPTH – Westerns , written by David Clarke and John Jennison, published by Ian Allan Publishing.

    If you have books that you want to donate to us, please email contact@depg.org or use the contact form so that we can provide a postal address to you. We appreciate your efforts to give us more items to sell to raise funds for the DEPG fleet.

  • Book – pre-owned – DIESELS NATIONWIDE Volume 3

    DIESELS NATIONWIDE Volume 3 by David Allen published by Oxford Publishing Company.

    If you have books that you want to donate to us, please email contact@depg.org or use the contact form so that we can provide a postal address to you. We appreciate your efforts to give us more items to sell to raise funds for the DEPG fleet.

  • Book – pre-owned – DIESELS NATIONWIDE Volume 4

    DIESELS NATIONWIDE Volume 4 by Colin Judge published by Oxford Publishing Company.

    If you have books that you want to donate to us, please email contact@depg.org or use the contact form so that we can provide a postal address to you. We appreciate your efforts to give us more items to sell to raise funds for the DEPG fleet.

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