British Steam in Colour: London to Aberdeen from the Bill Reed Collection (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781781550670)

This rare and evocative collection of color photographs from the 1950s and '60s was chosen from many hundreds of 35-mm color slides taken by veteran railway photographer, Bill Reed, on and off the East Coast Main Line between London and Aberdeen. This was a pivotal moment in the history of locomotion; the archetypal steam engine, an emblem of Britain's national character, was rapidly succumbing to new diesel-powered engineering. Steam's fading glory is reflected in the grimy condition of many of the locomotives in this collection - a number were photographed on the scrap line - and the contrast of hulking coal hoppers and water tanks to the comparatively slick new diesels is very apparent. But despite the obvious decline of steam locomotion, the engines within these pages are still redolent of an age of industrial magnificence. Looking back now, Bill says he wishes he had taken many more pictures of steam locomotives, but thankfully he has taken enough to show us why they will always be cherished in photographs and preserved in museums. Paired with Peter Tuffrey's impeccably researched captions, this collection of color photographs is a fine tribute to the last days of steam.

Author: Peter Tuffrey
ISBN-10: 1781550670
ISBN-13: 9781781550670
Publisher: Fonthill Media
Language: English
Published: 11/19/2012
Pages: 128
Format: Paperback