British Railways Steam Locomotives 1948-68

When it was originally published, . Hugh Longworth's definitive record of every steam locomotive operated by British Railways from nationalisation until the end of steam traction on the network in 1968, was very much welcomed, as it provided, for the first time in one place, a detailed and accurate source of reference on this important subject.

With the book out of print for some time, a new and revised edition was overdue. However, the extent of the revisions, which included the book's many photographs being given more space on the page, and the use of enlarged and enhanced locomotive drawings, greatly increased the size of the work. Rather than attempt to cut or dilute the content, it was decided that instead of publishing one unwieldy and expensive book, a more realistic approach was to present the work in two volumes of roughly similar size. The first of these dealing with the Great Western and LNER locomotives which became part of the BR stock in 1948, was published in 2025. This second volume covers Southern and LMS locos inherited in 1948 and the Standard classes introduced by BR.

The entry for each class provides essential information including the size of the cylinders and driving wheels, boiler pressure, wight, the type of locomotive in a class, its place of construction and the date, withdrawl and scrapping dates are given as the details of any renumbering that may have occurred during the BR era. Heavily illustrated throughout, this book and its companion volume will be of great value to all interested in the steam era on British Railways. All classes that were on BR's books in the years post 1948 are covered in the two volumes, and whilst the overwhelming majority of the locos featured are standing gauge, the few narrow gauge locomotives operated by BR are also included.