Wales and Western Region Railways: the Late 1940s to Late 1960s – Book Review

Note. A copy of this book was sent to me for review by the publisher. This in no way influenced my opinion of the book which I have reviewed in exactly the same way as all the others on this site.

The story of steam during its declining years is not straightforward. New engines based on pre-war designs were built while a few wholly new steam locomotives appeared. Despite some being of advanced design, their working lives were often measured in a few years rather than decades as with previous eras.

Wales and Western Region Railways: The Late 1940s to Late 1960s presents a gallery of these locomotives as they worked out their final years.  Co-authored by Brian Reading and Ian Reading, it was published by Amberley Publishing on 15^th July 2021

Wales and western region railway sites and engines through the lens

The Introduction serves as a brief history of the evolution of GWR locomotives from the point when George Churchward became Locomotive Superintendent in 1902. His job title was changed to the more descriptive Chief Mechanical Engineer in 1916. Following this are 180 monochrome and colour photographs arranged two to a page, each one well annotated with interesting and informative detail. Organized into sequences, called ‘routes’, they cover the sheds, stations and other locations along the lines of a particular locality.

Dirty locos, scenic detail….and hot kettles!

As with other Amberley titles such as Freight Trains of the Western Region in the 1980s (see review here), of additional interest is the excellent variety of scenic setting. These include stations, depots, sheds, signal boxes and many more. With the current interest of railway modellers in so-called ‘steam requiem’ layouts of the 1950s and 1960s this makes the book an excellent source of detail for rolling stock weathering and location information. One interesting photo, for example, shows a loco crew keeping their tea kettle hot above the firebox door that would make an interesting detail!

Sadly missing from the book are images from the cities and valleys of south east Wales. Coming close, however are a few pictures of Brecon and Talyllyn Junction on the northern section of the old Brecon and Merthyr Railway. Two of these depict the line in 1960, not long before its closure to passengers in 1962 showing the ubiquitous 57xx Pannier Tanks.

In Summary

This is a book which oozes nostalgic character and will resonate with those readers who remember the times and places. Also great for local historians or modellers wanting information to perfect the feel and atmosphere of their models. Recommended, unless the South Wales valleys scene is important to you.

Outline Contents

• Introduction
• Old Oak Common, Southall Shed and a Bluebell Survivor
• London to Oxford, Kemble, Tiverton Junction and Hemyock
• North west towards Shrewsbury, Chester and Oswestry
• Mid Wales routes to Aberystwyth, Criccieth and Bala
• Church Stretton to Brecon
• Carmarthen and South West Wales

About the Authors: Brian Reading and Ian reading

As the curtain closed for mainline steam traction, Brian Reading captured with film and vivid memories, the sights, sounds and smells; the last acts of great mechanical and human railway personalities. Close friends with railway workers, Brian was a member of Alan Peglar’s original Flying Scotsman support team, helped restore Bressingham’s Thundersley, and ran with the A4 Sir Nigel Gresley.

Brought-up with lathes, mills, the smell of cutting oil and steam, Ian Reading developed a passion for science and engineering. Designing an LNER B17 steam replica as a teenager, he pursued a career as a professional engineer. Ian retains an admiration for the generations of engineers whose imagination gave birth to modern industry and transportation.

(from Amberley Publishing)

Related reviews

Great Western: King Class 4-6-0s by David Maidment
Railways of Wales by Stuart Owen-Jones