PublishedPen And Sword, July 2023 |
ISBN9781399022668 |
FormatHardcover, 168 pages |
Dimensions24cm × 25cm |
This third volume in the series on the Great Western Castle class locomotives focuses on the eight that have been preserved and goes into depth on the reconstruction of three of them, the two Tyseley ones, 5043 and 7029 described by Bob Meanley and Didcot's 4079 recounted by David Maidment from the records of the Great Western Society, including the full story of 4079's prolonged stay in Western Australia, its return to the UK and subsequent restoration.
The history of all eight is covered and copiously illustrated, including over 100 colour photographs, with many during the restoration work by Bob Meanley and in operation by David Maidment. The book includes records of their operation and performance since restoration when some of the most remarkable performances of these locomotives were achieved. AUTHOR: David Maidment was a senior manager with British Railways, with widespread experience of railway operating on the Western and London Midland Regions culminating in the role of Head of Safety Policy for the BRB after the Clapham Junction train accident. He retired in 1996, was a Principal Railway Safety Consultant with International Risk Management Services from 1996 to 2001 and founded the Railway Children charity (www.railwaychildren.org.uk) in 1995. He was awarded the OBE for services to the rail industry in 1996 and is now a frequent speaker on both the charity and his railway career and author of four novels, two non-fiction works on street children and over eighteen books for Pen & Sword's locomotive portfolio series, the royalties from all being donated to the charity. Bob Meanley is a professional mechanical engineer with a lifelong love of steam locomotives and an involvement in the restoration and operation of preserved locomotives going back for almost 55 years. After many years professional involvement with the repair and construction of major power industry pressure vessels he took up a temporary task to turn round the fortunes of Tyseley Locomotive Works in 1994, a passing phase which lasted for 25 years and saw the company turned into one of the UK's foremost repairers of steam locomotives. Whilst he has now passed on that role to his son Alastair, he continues to provide advice on the repair and operation of main line steam locomotives to a wide range of owners, private railways and national institutions.
