POWER OF THE AUSTERITIES

As the war progressed it became evident that following any invasion of mainland Europe, a vast number of locomotives would be required if the Allies’ advance was not to be delayed through lack of transport. Under Robert A. Riddles’ auspices, two new designs emerged: the ‘Austerity’ 2-8-0 and 2-10-0. A total of 935 of the former and 150 of the latter were constructed between 1943 and 1945. After the war many returned to Britain and a total of 758 entered service on Britain’s railways. Many survived until towards the end of main line steam in Britain. Whilst no BR-operated example still exists in preservation, a small number of ex-military locomotives and examples repatriated from overseas survive.

Drawing upon his own extensive collection and the work of other photographers, Gavin Morrison records the wide variety of traffic hauled by the class during their operational careers to provide an excellent pictorial history of these important locomotives. With little published on the subject, the book will be essential reading for all those interested in the history of steam locomotive development and all those who model the BR scene between 1948 and 1968. 

Author: Gavin Morrison
Format: PB 112 pages
Publisher: OPC
Pub date: 2006
ISBN 10: 0860935981
ISBN 13: 9780860935988

List Price: £19.99