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Title:British Railways Wagons, Their Loads And Loading, Volumes 1 and 2 Review image
Author:Brian Grant and Bill Taylor
Publisher:Silver Link Publishing, Kettering
Format:Book
Subject:Wagons
Category:Detail
Spec:160/128 pages, 9.5in x 7in, card covers, 166/238 B&W photos, numerous diagrams
Publication date:2003/2007
Summary:Two similar but interesting volumes, each combining an overview of the wagon fleet with a more detailed look at aspects such as the securing of outsized loads.
Review:First published in 2003 (and reprinted in 2009), the authors of this book were both railwaymen (including a Chief Loads Inspector which explains the main focus of the content). After chapters on loading gauges and weight distribution, Volume 1 dives into brief descriptions of a wide variety of wagon designs. These range from pre-nationalisation wagons to modern air-braked private-owner ones, and there are numerous (small) drawings and photos, although some of the latter are well-used publicity photos. Almost half of the book is given over to 'Specially Constructed Wagons' and the sometimes unbelievable loads they were called upon to shift. This section has lots of excellent photos, often showing details of the load securing methods.
Volume 2 (published in 2007) follows a similar format, with a run-through of the main wagon types, illustrated with (often official) photographs and basic diagrams. It also covers aspects of loading but this time within the narrative. An entertaining chapter near the back looks at incidents and derailments, with some worrying photographs!
Reviewed:01/12/2009 by Thomas Young (Comments made by others can appear in the notes section towards the bottom of this page)
Sample pages:(Click on any image to view full-sized in a new window)
Page image The cover of Volume 1 has a fascinating photo of South Lambeth goods depot in 1959
Page image Content is a mixture of text, photos and diagrams
Page image Another colour photo from 1959, this time of Tavistock Junction, features on Volume 2
Page image Many of the photos are to do with wagon loads, including some examples of failures.
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