Many books have been written on diesel traction, but not since the 1960s has there been an in-depth account of how diesel locomotives and DMUs actually function and what is involved in driving them.
This comprehensive and insightful manual also considers railway rules, route knowledge, preparing locomotives & DMUs, driving trains 'on the road' and the serious matters of traction failures, assisting failed trains and the many incidents that can occur along the way. It provides a fascinating insight into the life of a train driver and will appeal to those who drive trains, or aspire to do so, as well as the general rail enthusiast.
The author, John Leach, is a fifth-generation railwayman who began his footplate career with British Rail in 1970 and is now a diesel driver and traction inspector at the West Somerset Railway.