Ian Allan Publishing 9780711036987 Along the Route of the Ace by Laurie Golden
Along the Route of the Ace
A full colour illustrated history of the Atlantic Coast Express that plied the railway route through Devon and Cornwall . The photographs record this legendary route during the 1960's and show the great variety of motive power in use across the West Country at this time.
Hardback. 96pp. 22cm by 25cm.
A combination of stunning scenery and popular holiday destinations has ensured that the railways of the West of England, particularly in the counties of Devon and Cornwall, are amongst the most popular in the country. In a region dominated by the competition between the Great Western and the Southern railways, a fascinating network of lines grew up serving both the burgeoning tourist industry - itself fostered by the promotion of the region by the railways - and the local industry, most notably China Clay.
During the later years of steam in the region, numerous railway photographers travelled to the West Country in order to record the variety of remaining steam in the region. From the diminutive trio of Beattie well-tanks operating the Wenford Bridge branch to the classic Pacifics designed by Bulleid for the Southern, the West Country had a great variety of motive power that added to the popularity of the region amongst the enthusiast fraternity.
In this lovely new volume, photographer Laurie Golden captures the last era of steam in the early 1960s in the South West, which will stir memories both of regret and nostalgia for days that have now disappeared forever