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The Story of Railways
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.
Magnificently illustrated by robert Ayton, this is a book for everyone who loves trains.
51 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 1961
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 23, 2011
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.
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.
July 4, 2023
Amongst the best of the old, classic Ladybirds, this is delightfully illustrated, with a first-rate text and clearly well planned.
July 24, 2026
Sent to me by a friend, this was greatly appreciated! I love trains, and I love Ladybird books too, having learned to read in the seventies with Peter and Jane.
Full of the beautiful painted illustrations for which these books are famous, it's a simple but informative read that covers all the essentials in the development of the rail network. Originally published in the early sixties, my copy is updated to about the mid-seventies, and has an illustration of the prototype gas turbine APT on the cover.
It's a lovely thing to own - they don't make 'em like this anymore!
Full of the beautiful painted illustrations for which these books are famous, it's a simple but informative read that covers all the essentials in the development of the rail network. Originally published in the early sixties, my copy is updated to about the mid-seventies, and has an illustration of the prototype gas turbine APT on the cover.
It's a lovely thing to own - they don't make 'em like this anymore!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews