Diesels on the Western Hardcover – 1 Jun. 2013

There are stunning colour photographs of every type of diesel that has run on the Western Region between 1959 and 1981 from former GWR shunter No: 15100 to the HST. There is a separate section for each class, in the order in which they came into service. A handy index at the beginning lists the various classes by chapter. Needless to say the Westerns and Warships command many photographs whilst the humble Class 128 DPU has just one. The locomotives are photographed in their natural environment of landscape or railway infrastructure. This is thankfully not an album of just full-on close-ups of diesels.However, the captions tend to focus on the history of the locomotive depicted. Personally, detail such as 'where and when' a locomotive is cut-up is not of much interest. Generally little is mentioned about the rest of the scene. I would like to have read more about the overall picture. Thus, regarding the scene at Truro of Western Sultan departing westbound, the eye is drawn to the track and signalling works in progress all around - possibly the abolition of Truro West signal box. Alas there is no mention of the infrastructure despite the caption only using half the available space. There is also an irritating occasional tendency to state the obvious eg "note the deplorable exterior condition of the locomotive"! Nevertheless there is a lot of Western locomotive history within the volume.However, this book has a quality feel and is very reasonably priced given the hardback cover and first class selection of superb colour shots.

ok

Great

a veritable treasure trove

Bought as an xmas gift for my brother in law he is well pleased

Good read

The Michael Welch books published by capital Publishing are always well worth a look and this one is another very good addition to his previous titles. The book has over 120 photos, most of which haven't been published before - I think I counted 16 that I had seen and most of those were by the excellent Michael Mensing (always surprised there isn't a best of book of his work) and most probably in railway magazines not books. Some of the best photos are actually of the DMU/Railcars, particularly the GWR railcars in some very different locations. The only criticism I have, also mentioned by another reviewer, is that there is on this occasion just too much technical info about the locos - various re-numberings, allocations, livery changes etc, which is fine for some of the captions but it is just a bit repetitive and at times there isn't enough on the locations. A prime example of this is a picture of a Peak passing the site of Laverton Halt on the now preserved Gloucs Warwicks railway - but no mention of this. I'm not saying this isn't common knowledge but I think it lacks a little in this kind of info. Nevertheless a very good book and well worth investing in.

Packed with colour pictures of every type of WR traction, this book is a winner on many levels for me. The photos look great on smooth, glossy paper; almost all of them appear to be previously unpublished, and almost all are clear, sharp images unlike the annoying modern trend for soft focus printing (blurry in other words). The captions are filled with detail and every locomotive type is featured, not just the hydraulics. Definitely recommended.