Author Description

Fascinating examination of London Midlands steam locomotives in the (mainly) post-World War II era, weighing the strengths and weaknesses of the Fowler, Stanier and Ivatt marques. Based on a series of articles that originally appeared in "Trains Illustrated," the book examines how the Chief Mechanical Engineer's office oversaw the development and operation of the engines and how each famous class performed under actual pressure. There are chapters on the CME's role, the Fowler legacy, the Stanier influence, the Class 5s, the Royal Scots, the 2-6-0s, the Princesses and Duchesses, the Austin 7s, the mixed traffic tank locomotives, the Patriots and Jubilees, and the BR standard locomotive. With black and white photo section. Illustrated with diagrams & line drawings. 156 pages.