The Story of Railways

by Richard Bowood, Robert Ayton (Illustrator)

Here is the fascinating story of railways in Britain - from the earliest pioneer days to the mighty modern steam engines: from 'Puffing Billy' and the 'Rocket' to 'Mallard' and the latest diesel and electric locomotives.

Magnificently illustrated by robert Ayton, this is a book for everyone who loves trains.

51 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1961

Reviews

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an informative little Ladybird book this is.

Richard Bowood tells the story of the railway brilliantly, beginning with the coal haulers of the late 18th century, drawn uphill by horse and sent back down simply by dint of the incline - hopefully the man in the front carriage applied the brake when it arrived at its destination.

He takes us through Richard Trevithick's first steam engine, 'Puffing Billy' that ran on a four-mile stretch of line at the Wyham Colliery in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Stephenson's 'Rocket', Royal Mail trains, British Railways nationalisation and through to the diesel and electric trains of the early 1960s, when the book was published.

All through the text is augmented by excellent illustrations by Robert Ayton.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amongst the best of the old, classic Ladybirds, this is delightfully illustrated, with a first-rate text and clearly well planned.