The Titfield Thunderbolt Bookshop

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Now available are two new books from James Hilton: "Small Layout Design Construction", a practical continuation of his first "Small Layout Design Handbook" (which we have just had to reprint for a second time) and "Model Railway Companion #2", another collection of stunning layouts. Both books will be launched in an event at Tollbridge Studios on the 10th May when James is coming down to Bath. Starting at 10.30 James will be displaying several of his models and will be available to meet and chat with all visitors - see you there, or should that be here?!

Starting with Issue 116, I have been stocking the utterly fabulous French model railway magazine "Voie Libre" which explores minor and narrow gauge railway modelling with great verve and panache. Voie Libre 120 is the current English language edition, and if you have never seen one before then you are in for a treat - give it a go! Issue 121 is also on order and should be arriving from the publishers any day now.

Model Railway Journal 310, edited by Martin Nield, is now available - see the main listing for full details of this and earlier issues of MRJ - as is Issue 142 of Narrow Gauge & Industrial Railway Modelling Review.

Available again after the first print run sold out, is a new book that tells the story of how, where and why "The Titfield Thunderbolt" film was made. Based upon research in the local paper, together with numerous conversations, letters and other contacts with those who either saw or were involved with the filming, this book, for the first time, gives a detailed account of how this iconic film was made just over seventy years ago.

Illustrated with beautiful images, maps, plans, new artwork and surviving documents, this is a highly visual record that combines the subjects of film, local history, railways and a canal, together with a beautiful landscape.

Priced at £28.95, this is a large format, 192 page hardback, featuring 320 photographs and 9 plans. A more detailed description can be seen on the Wild Swan web site here.

On the same theme, the author's earlier book 'On the Trail of the Titfield Thunderbolt' forms an ideal field guide to exploring the landscape in which the film was made.

Also available is an original work of fiction that takes the situation at the end of the 1953 film 'The Titfield Thunderbolt' and goes on to tell the story of how the villagers and their railway deal with the numerous issues and problems they face in the days that follow the successful Ministry inspection.

The book skillfully evokes familiar characters while breathing life into new ones, all of the while maintaining the spirit and character of the original story and the beautiful Somerset valley and sunshine in which the film was made. 'Thunderbolt's Last Run' is a 122 page softback priced at £11.95.

In order to reduce stocks, but also to promote and hopefully share some really outstanding books, I have put together a new set of multi book offers - see the Special Offers page.

If you cannot find something that you are after, or experience any problems, then please do not hesitate to get in touch. Although this is the World Wide Web and you may be reading this on the other side of the world, the organisation here consists of human beings with an interest and enthusiasm for the books we stock and we are always delighted to hear from our customers via phone, email or in person.