This is the third in a series of books looking in detail at the workings of the former Great Central section of the LNER in the Manchester and Sheffield area. The first dealt with the main line workings from Manchester with the second covering similar services around Sheffield. This new volume covers the multitude of joint lines in both areas. In common with the previous books this is extremely well illustrated with very extensive and well researched captions. Many of the images have not been published before and the quality of reproduction throughout is excellent. Areas covered include the Manchester South Junction and Altrincham Railway, the Oldham, Ashton and Guide Bridge Junction Railway and the vast network of joint lines in the Doncaster area. As well as the illustrations there are a good number of maps, signal box diagrams, gradient profiles and timetable extracts. Several of the photographs are of station buildings and signal boxes, all adding to a very comprehensive coverage... Read more
LNER Society

This is the fourth book in A.P. Sayer’s “Locomotive Portfolio” series, following on from Classes 21/29, 28 and 17. It is of particular interest to us because these diesels were the last locomotives to regularly work freight trains up the Colne Valley Railway from Marks Tey to Halstead goods yard, which closed on 15th May 1965. The book is exceptionally detailed and runs to 350 pages, giving an individual locomotive history with allocations, dates for introduction, transfers, withdrawals and eventual scrapping. Profusely illustrated throughout in monochrome and colour, it is an invaluable reference work for anyone interested in modelling the class 15 or 16 locos and their sphere of operations in East Anglia. The pictures of the stored locos at Ipswich Depot (itself now swept away under new housing) are of particular interest. However, it is the two shots in the Operations section showing D8227 (in colour) and D8228 (mono) shunting Halstead Goods yard that we reproduce here. Just one.. Read more
Braintree & Halstead Model Railway Club

In conclusion this is an impressive book that will find pride of place on the bookshelves of railway historians and railway model makers alike. An essential guide that is highly recommended.
Tom Cole - Miniature Armoured Fighting Vehicles Association

"This volume is highly recommended, especially for GWR/Western Region/steam enthusiasts."
Bradford Railway Circle

"This book will draw you in and almost certainly will be kept for reference, especially if you plan to check out some of these lines on your future travels."
The Colonel Stephens Society