Heyday of the Peaks

Morrison, Gavin

ISBN 10: 071103057X / ISBN 13: 9780711030572

Published by Ian Allan, London, 2005

About this Item

80 pages. 460g. Pictorial laminated boards. FINE. Illustrated in colour. A pictorial history of the ten pioneering diesel -electric locomotives each to be named after a mountain peak in the UK. Seller Inventory # 025919

Bibliographic Details

Title: Heyday of the Peaks

Publisher: Ian Allan, London

Publication Date: 2005

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Fine

Edition: 1st Edition

About this title

Synopsis:

In appearance very similar to the two main-line diesels, Nos 10000/1 built by the LMS shortly before Nationalisation, the first of the 193 members of the three classes that formed the 'Peaks' emerged in July 1959. The first 10 of the type, the future Class 44, were all named after mountains in Britain - hence the class's nickname - and became synonymous with Toton depot near Nottingham where they spent most of their operational career, largely on freight in later years. The first of the 127-strong Class 45 appeared in October 1960; these locomotives, many of which were named after famous British regiments, were traditionally associated with express services over the ex-Midland main line from St Pancras northwants. The final class, the 56-strong Class 46 first entered service in October 1961, with the last being constructed in January 1963. This class was primarily associated with inter-regional services from the northeast to the southwest. All three types gave superb service during their long careers, not being superseded until, in passenger terms, the arrival of the HSTs. Although the last of the Class 44s were withdrawn in 1980, many of the remaining 183 locomotives remained in service until the mid to late 1980s, by which time they had provided more than a quarter-century of sterling service. Several members of all three classes survive in preservation. In Heyday of the Peaks, noted railway photographer Gavin Morrison has selected, largely from his own extensive collection, a colourful tribute to the locomotives and the variety of services on which they operated. Incorporating some 85 colour transparencies, the book is a vivid evocation of the classes from their earliest days through to their gradual eclipse in the 1980s. Detailed captions supplement the excellent photographic content. With interest in the first generation of main-line diesels growing apace, this addition to Ian Allan Publishing's successful series of all-colour albums devoted to the early classes is certain to build upon the popularity of the earlier books. It will be of interest to modellers and to historians as well as to all those who remember the 'Peaks' at the height of their career.

About the Author:

Gavin Morrison lives in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, and is one of the country's best-known and most prolific railway photographers. He has been recording the railway scene for more than 50 years and his photographs have graced the pages of numerous books and magazines. He is also a noted author, whose most recent books for Ian Allan Publishing include Power of the A2s and Power of the BR Standard 4-6-0s.