West Coast Main Lines, 1957–1963

John Palmer

Aug. 2022 · Pen and Sword Transport

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Throughout its length from London to Glasgow via Crewe and Carlisle, with a loop through the West Midlands and spurs to Holyhead,Liverpool and Manchester, the West Coast Main Line has consistently provided interest for those many with more than a passing interest in trains and travel. This book outlines the history of the route,its physical characteristics and sets the scene for the various passenger and goods traffic flows that sustained it; it then details the arrangements for motive power and train working through the era of change that was 1957 to 1963. The level of interest - as evidenced daily by the presence at the lineside of hordes of young spotters and other observers - was particularly high at that time as processions of trains hauled by fine express passenger locomotives and those more suited to other traffic passed by. The book also goes 'behind the scenes' to provide insights into the daily and seasonal challenges of managing that section of a wider railway network, as directed by the varying terms of relevant legislation, and a government increasingly concerned to shape the railways for the changing needs of the public, industry and the economy. The book will be of particular interest to those who simply recall those days by the lineside, those with an interest in detailed arrangements to provide and maintain suitable motive power, those with an interest in how the railway served the needs of the nation and modellers who seek information. The book is illustrated with color and monochrome images and supported by maps.

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John Palmer was born into a railway family, who have served the industry for many generations, living near Derby and the Midland Main Line from St Pancras to Sheffield. He is a life-long railway enthusiast and professional railwayman. John spent thirty-three years in the industry and his work took him to nineteen different countries. Although the author has spent most of his working life with diesel and electric traction, his first love was always steam and the period on the Midland main lines, after the 1955 modernisation plan. Since his retirement, he has been involved in railway historical research and also as a director of the preservation group restoring BR Standard Class 5 4-6-0, 73156.