Archives

  • Book – DIESELS SOUTH WEST – The Early Hydraulic Years in Photographs

    Railway photographer Michael Messenger has compiled this collection of his photographs of diesels in the South West in the early days of the diesel-hydraulic locomotive era. The Western Region was early to eliminate steam traction, and unlike all other regions chose hydraulic transmission. This resulted in a distinctive look for its diesel locomotive fleet that was different from the rest of the country but would not last long before national policy led the Western Region to ditch its distinctive diesel-hydraulics in favour of the more standard diesel-electric traction.

    All diesel-hydraulic locomotive classes that operated in the South West are featured, including Class 29s, Class 42 Warships and Class 52 Westerns, along with several types of diesel multiple unit. Many of the lines and stations depicted have long since closed, and there are some photographs of last trains including on the Bude and Padstow lines.

    Each photograph is accompanied by a caption.

    Publishers : Wild Swan Publishing
    Language : English
    Softback: 112 pages
    ISBN-13 :

  • Book – Preserving Diesel Hydraulic Locomotives 1977-82

    In the 1970s diesel locomotive preservation was very much in its infancy. With most of these locomotives having been built in the 1960s it seemed inconceivable that anyone would consider preserving one as they were so relatively young. However, despite steam having been phased out by 1968, the railways were rapidly changing and many of the early diesel classes were starting to be taken out of service due to dwindling work and line closures. Also, BR wanted to standardise the fleet.

    The diesel hydraulic classes were one type of locomotive targeted for early withdrawal. The first ones were taken out of service in 1968 and the final ones in 1977. In the last few years of their lives, they gained a tremendous following from enthusiasts which ignited a passion to try and preserve some before it was too late. As the movement gathered pace more people became involved and one of these was author Steve Crowther. In this book he details the ups and downs of saving not one but three of these iconic locomotives for posterity.

    Publishers : Amberley Publishing
    Language : English
    Softback: 96 pages 234 x 165 mm,
    ISBN-13 : 9781398125735

  • Book – Paddington to Penzance – Part 3

    Paddington to Penzance during the Diesel Era follows the course of the Great Western Railway’s main line from London Paddington to Penzance through a wonderful selection of colour images from the renowned railway photographer Bernard Mills. The images cover a period of more than 50 years and date back to the mid-1960s, with the primary focus being the diesel-hydraulic era of the 1970s.

    The route is divided into three with a separate book for each part of the route:

    • PART 1 – from Paddington to Taunton
    • PART 2 – from Taunton to Plymouth
    • PART 3 – from Plymouth to Penzance

    Each part contains a series of colour photographs taken along the route during the post-steam era. A wide variety of diesel locomotives and multiple units can be seen working between Paddington and Penzance, including the iconic Western Region Hydraulic classes.

    Click here for Part 1 Paddington to Taunton and click here for Part 2 Taunton to Plymouth.

     

    Publishers : Platform 5 Publishing
    Language : English
    Softback: 96 pages A4,
    ISBN-13 : TBA

  • Book – Paddington to Penzance – Part 2

    Paddington to Penzance during the Diesel Era follows the course of the Great Western Railway’s main line from London Paddington to Penzance through a wonderful selection of colour images from the renowned railway photographer Bernard Mills. The images cover a period of more than 50 years and date back to the mid-1960s, with the primary focus being the diesel-hydraulic era of the 1970s.

    The route is divided into three with a separate book for each part of the route:

    • PART 1 – from Paddington to Taunton
    • PART 2 – from Taunton to Plymouth
    • PART 3 – from Plymouth to Penzance

    Each part contains a series of colour photographs taken along the route during the post-steam era. A wide variety of diesel locomotives and multiple units can be seen working between Paddington and Penzance, including the iconic Western Region Hydraulic classes.

    Click here for Part 1 Paddington to Taunton and click here for Part 3 Plymouth to Penzance.

     

    Publishers : Platform 5 Publishing
    Language : English
    Softback: 96 pages A4,
    ISBN-13 : TBA

  • Booklet – Class 33 – Faults and Failures

    This booklet has been complied by DEPG members and WSR drivers John Leach and John Stather with the aim of assisting Class 33 locomotive crews when their day at the office goes wrong. This booklet brings together the technical information and the fault guide charts that were provided to Class 33 loco crew during BR days, and adds a whole host of additional information and practical advice, most of which was not obvious from the material previously available. This booklet will appeal to those who drive or operate the Class 33s, those who aspire to do so, or the technically-minded rail enthusiast.

    Publisher : DEPG, October 2025
    Language : English
    Hardcover : 80 pages, A5 wirebound format
    ISBN-13 : 978-1-9161175-3-2

     

  • Book – Paddington to Penzance – Part 1

    Paddington to Penzance during the Diesel Era follows the course of the Great Western Railway’s main line from London Paddington to Penzance through a wonderful selection of colour images from the renowned railway photographer Bernard Mills. The images cover a period of more than 50 years and date back to the mid-1960s, with the primary focus being the diesel-hydraulic era of the 1970s.

    The route is divided into three with a separate book for each part of the route:

    • PART 1 – from Paddington to Taunton
    • PART 2 – from Taunton to Plymouth
    • PART 3 – from Plymouth to Penzance

    Each part contains a series of colour photographs taken along the route during the post-steam era. A wide variety of diesel locomotives and multiple units can be seen working between Paddington and Penzance, including the iconic Western Region Hydraulic classes.

    Click here for Part 2 Taunton to Plymouth and click here for Part 3 Plymouth to Penzance.

     

    Publishers : Platform 5 Publishing
    Language : English
    Softback: 96 pages A4,
    ISBN-13 : TBA

  • Book – The Railways of the North East 1975-1995 Volume 2

    In this second volume of a three-part series, Michael Rhodes is our guide to the line from Gateshead to Darlington, the railways around Sunderland, the Durham Coast Line, the Leamside Line, the Tyne Valley Line and Tyne Yard. Various branches from these lines are also covered, as are many industrial locations such as the Durham Collieries and the Westoe Colliery System.

    The railways of the North East changed beyond all recognition in the two decades between 1975 and 1995. More than twenty rail-served collieries closed, as well as numerous quarries and two integrated steel works. In this series, Michael Rhodes records the rich patchwork of railway lines in the region, many of which have now disappeared.

    Using over 160 photographs and extensive captions, Railways of the North East 1975-1995 Volume 2: South of the Tyne and County Durham illustrates and describes the railways of the area during this period of enormous change.

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

    Click here to view VOLUME 1 in this series.

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

  • Book – The Railways of South Wales 1975-1995 Part 3

    The railways of South Wales have always attracted significant interest because of the complex network of lines serving the valleys the many freight workings serving the industries of the region.

    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 third and final part of Michael Rhodes’ South Wales trilogy explores the railways west of Cardiff as far as Fishguard Harbour and the many surrounding branch lines. Using more than 170 images, Michael records the complex network of lines and the freight traffic serving the industries of the area of South Wales west of Cardiff.

    This is a new book, the proceeds from which will go into the General Loco fund. Click here for a link to Volume 1 in this series. Click here for a link to Volume 2 in this series.

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

  • Book – The Beaten Track Volume 5

    The Beaten Track was first published in 2021. Its combination of outstanding colour photography from 1970–1985, featuring superseded motive power and long-lost extremities of the British railway network received widespread critical acclaim.

    Although originally intended to be a single volume, the success of The Beaten Track (now sold out) gave rise to a second volume, published in 2022 (also sold out), which continued in the same vein and received similar praise in reviews. This was followed by The Beaten Track Volume 3 in 2023 and Volume 4 in 2024.

    In July 2025, The Beaten Track Volume 5 was released – a fifth selection of the best colour photography from 1970–1985. More than 250 high quality colour images illustrate an assortment of traction types, very few of which can still be seen on the main line, many at railway locations that have long since disappeared or have changed out of all recognition.

    All the photographs are accompanied by extensive captions, containing considerable historical and anecdotal information relating to the lines, stations and trains depicted.

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

    Publisher : Platform 5 Publishing (28-July-2025)
    Language : English
    Hardback: 176 pages, A4
    ISBN-13 : tba

  • Book – The Railways of the North East 1975-1995 Volume 1

    In this first volume of a new three-part series, Michael Rhodes is our guide to the Blyth and Tyne Railway, the Newcastle to Berwick section of the East Coast Main Line, the Tyneside freight branches north of the Tyne and Newcastle Central station.

    The railways of the North East changed beyond all recognition in the two decades between 1975 and 1995. More than twenty rail-served collieries closed, as well as numerous quarries and two integrated steel works. In this series, Michael Rhodes records the rich patchwork of railway lines in the region, many of which have now disappeared.

    Using over 160 photographs and extensive captions, Railways of the North East 1975-1995 Volume 1: North of the Tyne illustrates and describes the railways of the area during this period of enormous change.

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

    VOLUME 2 is now available – click here to view Volume 2 in this series.

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

  • Book – The Railways of South Wales 1975-1995 Part 2

    The railways of South Wales have always attracted significant interest because of the complex network of lines serving the valleys the many freight workings serving the industries of the region. 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 second part of Michael Rhodes’ South Wales trilogy explores the extensive railway network around Newport, Newport Docks, Severn Tunnel Junction and their various surrounding branch lines.

    Using more than 170 images, Michael records the complex network of lines and the plethora of freight traffic linked to the collieries and steelworks, at a time of great transition in the Principality.

    This is a new book, the proceeds from which will go into the General Loco fund. Click here for a link to Part 1 in this series. Click here for a link to Part 3 in this series.

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

  • Booklet – D7017 – 50 Years of Hymek Preservation

    64 printed pages of A4 filled with the story of the DEPG’s Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 from BR days through to preservation on the West Somerset railway. This booklet covers the two periods of the DEPG’s first acquisition, from her 13 years on working on BR through to her 50 years in preservation in the care of the DEPG on the West Somerset Railway. Plenty of detail, plenty of photographs, many of which have not been published before, all backed up with interesting text.

    AVAILABLE NOW !

  • Book – Absolutely Westerns

    This new book about the Western Region’s Class 52 ‘Western’ Diesel Hydraulics has been compiled by ROGER GEACH from the photographic collection of the late PETER CRAWLEY.

    Description as provided by the publisher:

    “The Western Region’s mighty Class 52 locomotives left an enduring legacy, captivating rail enthusiasts across the country. In ‘Absolutely Westerns’, the late Peter Crawley’s passion for these legendary machines is brought to life through his rare and evocative photographs.

    Compiled and expanded with detailed captions and additional research, this book offers a fascinating glimpse into the final years of the Westerns, from their workings on the Swansea to Leeds service to memorable moments at Plymouth, Reading, and Dawlish. Featuring insights into the excursions and railtours of the era, this is an essential read for those who fondly remember the Westerns and the golden age of British Rail.

    A long-awaited publication, this book stands as a fitting tribute to Peter Crawley and the enthusiasts who dedicated themselves to documenting these iconic locomotives.”

     

    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 illustrations
    ISBN-13 : 9781913893637

  • Book – pre-owned – GREEN DIESEL DAYS 2005 edition Hardcover

    GREEN DIESEL DAYS 2005 hardback edition by Derek Huntriss published by Ian Allan Limited.

    This is copy is as new.

    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 – Men of the Diesels

    Men of the Diesels by H G Forsythe published by |Atlantic Transport Publishers.

    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 – LOST RAILWAYS OF DEVON

    LOST RAILWAYS OF DEVON by Stan Yorke published by Countryside Books.

    This copy is as new.

    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 – British Rail LOCOSHED BOOK 1978

    British Rail LOCOSHED BOOK 1978 published by Ian Allan Limited.

    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 – MOTIVE POWER POCKET BOOK

    MOTIVE POWER POCKET BOOK Spring 1990 by Neil Webster and Peter Fox published by Platform 5.

    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 – British Rail LOCOMOTIVES 1987

    British Rail LOCOMOTIVES 1987 by Roger Wood published by Ian Allan Limited.

    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 – PLATFORM 5 SUMMER SPECIAL 1989

    PLATFORM 5 SUMMER SPECIAL 1989 by Neil Webster and Peter Fox published by Platform 5 Publishing Limited.

    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 – TREACYS ROUTES NORTH

    TREACYS ROUTES NORTH by Patrick Whitehouse and John Powell  published by Guild Publishing London.

    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 On CORNWALLS MAIN LINE

    DIESELS On CONRWALLS MAIN LINE  by H L Ford published by Bradford Barton..

    Torn cover and wear hence lower price.

    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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