Industrial Railways
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Mike G Fell OBE [Publisher: Irwell Press 2018] Softback 168 pages
An interesting, well informed and extremely nicely put together record of the Port of Hull and its railway connections. The illustrations are extensive and of very good quality, covering the story from early developments in the Eighteenth Century, right up to the most recent developments, including the most impressive wind turbine assembly hub that has just been commissioned.
Adrian Booth [Publisher: Industrial Railway Society 2012] Softback 80 pages
Just reprinted (June 2015) A pictorial survey of the industrial locomotive sheds that the author variously visited and "bunked" after the end of BR steam up until the 1980s. A very readable introduction precedes the photographs, all of which are represented by clear and well reproduced pictures. The book reveals a fantastic variety of architectural styles in varying conditions from complete to near demolished, none of which could be described as beautiful but nearly all of which have unique charms of their own. Along the way we are treated to many industrial locomotives, both narrow and standard gauge, and learn a lot about how busy this country of ours used to be before the "clever people" finally gained control. Brilliant source material for modellers too.
Adrian Booth [Publisher: Industrial Railway Society 2018] Softback 80 pages
A wonderful coillection of photographs of industrial engine sheds, both narrow gauge and standard gauge. Drawing from other photographers' collections, the author has managed to assemble views generally taken at slightly earlier dates than his own, resulting in even more fascination and interest. If you follow or model minor railways of any description then this book is full of inspiration and interest.
C.H.A. Townley & J.A. Peden [Publisher: Industrial Railway Society 1999] Hardback 270 pages
A comprehensive account, complete with exhaustive track and site plans and many photographs, of the industrial railways and their main line connections in the St Helens area. Renowned for the glass making works of Pilkington, collieries, chemical and brick and tile works also feature, and the locomotives used seem to have been more interesting than the usual collection. There is a lovely shot of a Hughes locomotive called Semper Paratus, and Borrows well tanks positively abound.
John E. Simpson [Publisher: Ross Evans 2000] Softback 144 pages
An excellent collection of quality photographs of Manning Wardle locomotives, many of which were taken by the author on light and industrial railways before the last war. Well written and informative, the book includes details of locomotives sent abroad, preserved examples and much more besides. The photgraphs are of excellent quality and the book is very good value at the price asked.
Michael Messenger [Publisher: Twelveheads 2007] Hardback 120 pages
A superb book, detailing all aspects of the North Devon ball clay industry and the railways that served it. Starting with the development of the clay industry at Meeth the book goes on to describe the history of the narrow gauge Torrington and Marland Railway, including detailed chapters covering both its rolling stock and innovative engineer. John Barraclough Fell. The subsequent standard gauge line is then described in detail with final chapters covering the later clay workings at Meeth and its railway stock. As with all Twelveheads books the presentation and quality of both research and writing is first class. What sets this book apart though is the quality and breadth of photographic coverage, quite superb and covering all eras. My personal favourites are generally those shots taken by the author himself, a fantastic record of heath robinson operations on a delightfuly ramshackle looking system. Owners of the earlier edition of this book will definitely want this new one, it adds a great deal and really is something of a bargain at the price asked.
Alan C. Baker [Publisher: Lightmoor 2014] Softback 64 pages
A well illustrated and nicely produced record of comparatively small mining operations in a largely forgotten corner of North Staffordshire. A short but sweet description for a book of the same character.
Allen Civil and Roy Etherington [Publisher: Industrial Railway Society 2008] Hardback 372 pages
Once in a while the Industrial Railway Society excel themselves by producing an exceptionally good book - this is one of them. The story of two companies, their relationship to one another, and the very many products that they produced. Complete with works lists and comprehensive historical details, as we have come to expect from the IRS, it is the quality of presentation coupled with the detailed photographs of the distinctive and often quirky products of particularly Baguley that set this book apart. Although there are no scale drawings of stock, the information given together with very detailed photographs will make modelling many of these vehicles easier than ever before. Modelling apart it is a fascinating account of a distinctive part of the once great British engineering industry. Produced in a large format and with 370 odd pages on quality art paper this is also very good value, in my opinion.
Phil Robinson [Publisher: Moseley Railway Trust 2013] Softback 42 pages
A splendid collection of material from the catalogues of Robert Hudson produced in the 1930s and 1950s, providing detailed information for both modellers and enthusiasts of this most common of narrow gauge wagons, covering its construction, variations and use. Good quality and large sized scale drawings are included.
Sydney A. Leleux [Publisher: Oakwood 2014] Softback 288 pages
With its origins in youthful research by the author from 1959 as a project for the Baden Powell Award, this book illustrates and describes the industrial sites and railways involved in lime and cement production between Stratford on Avon and Rugby. All now closed, this book contains a wealth of information on both narrow and standard gauge lines, locomotives, rolling stock, canals and the sites themselves.