Steams Last Stand A 40th Anniversary Tribute (HB) - Description
August 1968 saw the end of steam on British Railways - save for The Vale of Rheidol narrow gauge line from Aberystwyth to Devils Bridge.
Mike Esau is one of Britain's leading railway photographers and back in 1968 he was there to witness the final fling from sheds in the North West of England. Lostock Hall, Bolton, Carnforth and Edge Hill were amongst just a handfull of steam depots still open at the start of the year. These sheds became shrines for thousands of enthusiasts keen to see the last of the giants of steam in action.
STEAM'S LAST STAND is centred on the North West and the last precious months, with steam at rest on shed and in glorious action out on the few remaining main lines still graced with steam haulage.
The enthusiasts were chasing steam like people possesed in those last few months. Frustration, when steam was expected only to be diesel hauled when it came in to sight was contrasted with the thrill of the opposite scenario! Mike's evocative pictures will bring all the drama flooding back to those fortunate enough to have been on those heady 'steam safaris', for those who were not this is a book that will provide a fascinating look at a significant period in our transport history.
Publication is tied in with the 40th Anniversary of the final day.
