Operating British Railways History - Volume Two Motive Power Chief

Fascinating memoirs of A. J. "Jack" Somers who worked on the LNER and British Railways from 1932-1976, rising through the ranks to become superintendent of motive power. Covers every aspect of his career, from his apprenticeship under L. P. Parker to his work with Sir Nigel Gresley (he was one of the last engineers to do three figures on a Gresley Pacific). Provides an intelligent and well-written look at the pre-grouping railways, steam locomotives, the railways' training system, train working, the Cheshire lines, the Great Central, work as a shed master, Great Northern, work at headquarters, work as motive chief at the New England depot, the coming of the diesels, and his eventual retirement to a cottage whose grounds were bisected by the Ffestiniog Railway, which he promptly joined. Illustrated throughout with black and white photos. 104 pages.