PACIFICS ON THE SOUTH WESTERN

The last main lines in Britain to see regular express passenger services were the ex-LSWR routes from Waterloo to Weymouth and Exeter. These were dominated by Bulleid’s Pacific classes, both rebuilt and unrebuilt. Many of these engines remained in service until the very end of Southern Region steam in July 1967. For enthusiasts, these last steam main line expresses were a magnet, which drew thousands to travel on the trains in steam’s final months. For those, such as Tony Molyneaux, who lived in the area, the opportunity to record these great locomotives during their final years was one not to be missed. Although the Bulleid Pacifics, built at Eastleigh and Brighton, operated widely over the Southern Region, this book concentrates on their service on the South Western Division. This covers the main lines from Waterloo to Southampton, Bournemouth and Weymouth and west towards Exeter via Andover, Salisbury and Yeovil.

Drawing upon previously unpublished photographs taken during the last decade of SR steam, Pacifics on the South Western is a superb portrait of the final years of main line steam operation on the Southern Region. It will appeal to those who recall the era but will also have resonance for those too young to have seen steam during these years but whose interest in SR steam may have developed as a result of involvement in modelling or preservation.

Author: Kevin Robertson & Tony Molyneaux
Format: HB 80 pages
Publisher: Ian Allan Ltd
Pub date: Feb 2006
ISBN 10: 0711031290
ISBN 13: 9780711031296

List Price: £14.99