An Illustrated History of the Atlantic Coast Express, John Scott-Morgan

[2ManySpams]

Strangely I picked this book up at the Bretby DEMU show off the DC Kits stand. An initially flick through before buying showed that, yes, there were indeed many new shots that I’d not seen before. Initially i was very pleased with the book and on the quality of the photo reproduction and photo material alone the book would have got 5 stars.

 

It all goes a bit wrong through when you start reading the text and captions. The ACE is a really complex subject to cover and, as it involves coaches being split from through trains and portions going to different parts of the Southern's holiday resorts, you'd expect some knowledge to come through on coach types and train make-ups. Sadly this isn't the case.

 

The section of the book looking at the coaching stock and locos used on the ACE is very short. The summary of the coach types used is not far off "the first coaches used were Maunsells, then Bulleids and finally BR Mk1s". If you're after more detail then this book is sadly lacking. Instead I'd recommend the ACE books by Stephen Austin - out of print but available second hand - which are significantly more informative.

 

A lack of information though is more forgivable than wrong information. All the way through the book there are some captions that misidentify the coaching stock behind the engine. Bulleid coaches are mistaken for BR Mk 1s and Maunsell for Bulleid. More annoying is that the writer does not appear to realise that many of the brake coaches are brake composites. The Maunsell 2 coach sets (Brake third + Brake comp) are consistently referred to as 2 brake thirds. In a couple of places comment is even made that the train contains no first class accommodation!

 

With the degree of errors included in the captions the written content looses credibility for me. After all if the captions are wrong can the main text be trusted? This is a book that could have been a real authoritative guide on the subject. Sadly it isn't. More time should have been spent researching or perhaps a peer review looking at the content.

 

Taking everything into consideration this is one for the coffee table - just look at the cracking pictures - don't rely on it for factually correct content. Sadly it therefore gets only 3 stars from me. I'll be interested to know what others think...too harsh a review??

 

Edit 13/10/10

On another forum friends of the Author have chastised this review of being very unfair and written by an anorak. I'd like to make it clear that the review doesn't say 'don't buy the book' and in fact praises the photographic content. My concern has been that many folk now talk what is written in books as gospel, this trend will rise as those that actually remember real steam trains pass away. The book is still recommended but with caveats - I particularly feel the content of some captions is misleading. The less worried you are about detail, the more stars you are likely to award the book. For those wanting to reminisce, this will probably equate to 5*s. Horses for courses...for me it could have been more.

[JohnR]

Chris, given what you have said about the book, I would probably rank it even lower. Not being an expert on the subject matter, I would need to have the captions telling me the right things for it to be worth while buynig the book - I can't afford to just look at pretty pictures which would, in the end, tell me nothing. The pictures might as well be of transmissions of rolls royce engines - lovely I'm sure, but ultimately meaningless to me.

 

I would like to think that a second edition will be brought out, in which factual errors are corrected, and the wonderful pictures kept. I will wait until that time (if at all)

[chrisf]

I've not seen this book but I have met the author and for him to put out a compendium of blunders is not at all in character. I wonder whether the publisher has an editor whose stock in trade is to introduce errors where none existed?

 

Chris

[2ManySpams]

I've not seen this book but I have met the author and for him to put out a compendium of blunders is not at all in character. I wonder whether the publisher has an editor whose stock in trade is to introduce errors where none existed?

 

Chris

 

I did initially wonder if the author had actually seen the photos and written the captions himself.

 

For me though the most disappointing chapter is the one on Motive Power and Rolling Stock. Coaching stock almost seems like an after thought and is 'covered' in just over 3 paragraphs. Nearly every photo in this section looks at the locos. I just get the impression that John S-Ms knowledge base doesn't cover Southern coaching stock hence the lack of coverage and the caption mistakes.

 

Strangely the book includes 3 paras of text on the Devon Belle and 6 pages of DB photos - not sure what that's doing in this book anyway!

[Horsetan]

Interesting. Who is the publisher of the book?

 

I do see John occasionally as he is on the staff of Motor Books near Leicester Square. I'm sure he would not be best pleased if his writings had been meddled with at the time when the book went to press.

[2ManySpams]

Interesting. Who is the publisher of the book?

 

I do see John occasionally as he is on the staff of Motor Books near Leicester Square. I'm sure he would not be best pleased if his writings had been meddled with at the time when the book went to press.

 

From memory OPC

[robertcwp]

From memory OPC

The OPC name is now owned by Ian Allan.

 

The chapter on a journey on the ACE does describe what happened to each vehicle that started off from Waterloo.

[2ManySpams]

The OPC name is now owned by Ian Allan.

 

The chapter on a journey on the ACE does describe what happened to each vehicle that started off from Waterloo.

 

It does and it doesn't. It's a big long chapter that picks a sample formation of an ACE and then goes on to describe more the route than the train. The route is part of it but it does read more like a bored tour guide on an over 60s coach tour.

 

What doesn't come across in the book is the development of the ACE over time, how the formations varied considerably according to year, season and traffic demands. Also the ACE wasn't just one train it was a massive logistical exercise that also, in peak seasons, involved relief trains and 'the ACE' being split into more than one departure from Waterloo, each going to different post-Exeter destinations.

 

I've read the book through cover to cover twice now and both times tried to give the benefit of the doubt but the errors and trivial coverage to such a famous train each time left me feeling short changed. Stephen Austin's books on the subject are still the authoritative work for me. As said in the original review, it's still worth buying for the great pictures, just disappointing as a whole package.

[Mallard60022]

It does and it doesn't. It's a big long chapter that picks a sample formation of an ACE and then goes on to describe more the route than the train. The route is part of it but it does read more like a bored tour guide on an over 60s coach tour.

 

What doesn't come across in the book is the development of the ACE over time, how the formations varied considerably according to year, season and traffic demands. Also the ACE wasn't just one train it was a massive logistical exercise that also, in peak seasons, involved relief trains and 'the ACE' being split into more than one departure from Waterloo, each going to different post-Exeter destinations.

 

I've read the book through cover to cover twice now and both times tried to give the benefit of the doubt but the errors and trivial coverage to such a famous train each time left me feeling short changed. Stephen Austin's books on the subject are still the authoritative work for me. As said in the original review, it's still worth buying for the great pictures, just disappointing as a whole package.

Well 2manyspams knows my interest in the ACE (especially coaching stock) and all things SR (Western Section) and I know he is a 'bit of an expert' on that area of knowledge, so if he says this is disappointing then that's good enough for me. Thanks Spams, you have saved me some more spending on a book that turns out to be not very helpful.

36E (ex 72A)

[Guest Belgian]

Quote "I wonder whether the publisher has an editor whose stock in trade is to introduce errors where none existed?"

 

Sadly, I would have looked very carefully at this book before considering a purchase, as I've seen others by this author with similar blunders. I don't think that publishers can be expected to have "experts" on their staff to correct authors' mistakes of fact. Correct facts are what the author is supposed to be providing! Proof-readers and publishers' staff can correct grammar and spelling, not facts. Sadly, errors such as these must be laid at the author's door.

 

JE

[2ManySpams]

Well 2manyspams knows my interest in the ACE (especially coaching stock) and all things SR (Western Section) and I know he is a 'bit of an expert' on that area of knowledge, so if he says this is disappointing then that's good enough for me. Thanks Spams, you have saved me some more spending on a book that turns out to be not very helpful.

36E (ex 72A)

 

Now just remember i've not said 'don't buy it'! The book still has great photos and it will stay as a useful addition to my collection but it's worth others being aware of the book's limitations before buying. That said, i had the opportunity this last weekend to discuss this book with an author who i consider has written the definative work on the ACE. His thoughts on the content / caption accuracy match mine.

[JohnR]

That said, i had the opportunity this last weekend to discuss this book with an author who i consider has written the definative work on the ACE. His thoughts on the content / caption accuracy match mine.

 

Would you care to name the book and author? It would be interesting to see your recommendation, as there seems to be so many bokos out there on the ACE.

[2ManySpams]

Would you care to name the book and author? It would be interesting to see your recommendation, as there seems to be so many books out there on the ACE.

 

Well the original (and very rose tinted!) text on the subject was contained within a Southern Railway booklet entitled "ACE". This was written in 1937 by SPB Mais and illustrated by Anna Zinkeisen in styles contemporary of the period. Long (!) out of print but available every now and again from the specialists book dealers. It contains a travellers guide to what can be seen out of the coach windows on a Journey from Waterloo to the ACE destinations. A fascinating read that really gets you 'in period'. If you see a copy I'd recommend getting one - but keep an eye open for one with the map and plastic covers.

 

The Second recommendation is "Portrait of the Atlantic Coast Express" by Stephen Austin which looks at the history, operation, route, locos, coaches, resorts, miscellanea and the legend of the ACE. Very balanced, very factual and very well researched. Again out of print by readily available second hand.

 

The third is "From the Footplate; Atlantic Coast Express" by Stephen Austin. This is an illustrated journey from London to Padstow on the "Atlantic Coast Express". Great B&W photos and track diagrams. Includes a map of the route in Autumn 1960 in the rear inside cover. Again out of print by readily available second hand.

 

Also of intertest are:

The fourth looks at the Bude portion of the ACE: "The Atlantic Coast Express - The Bude Branch" by David J Wroe. Originally this Book was Published as "The Bude Branch" which correctly sums up its contents. As such it was a very highly respected Book. Then it went out of print. A new version was published(identical in content) but for some reason the publisher decided to change its name to "The Atlantic Coast Express". Still of slight interest though. Again out of print by readily available second hand.

 

"In the tracks of the ACE" by Jeffery Grayer is a pictures plus captions style book. It's subtitle "The destruction of the Southern Network West of Salisbury" should give you a clue on the tone of the content! Not one if you're seeking the 'glory days' of the ACE! Noodle books 2008 - still available.

 

By far the best, to my knowledge, are the first three.

[2ManySpams]

On another forum my book review has been called into question by a 'friend' of the author. In a number of posts I've been challenged to justify my caption 'error' comments and prove some knowledge of Southern Coaching stock. Looking very quickly at the last 30 pages I've made the following observations.

 

Error corrections:

Pg 92 Top Right: The statement that "Interestingly the train is formed of two Maunsell Brake Thirds" is incorrect. The photo clearly shows it to be Set 178 which in 1961 comprised of D2113 BSK 2836 and D2401 BCK 6666.

Pg 95 Top Right: Train is not four Brake Thirds but a two Maunsell 2-Set Ps each comprising of a BCK and BSK. Set 178 leading comprises of D2113 BSK 2836 and D2401 BCK 6666.

Pg 96 Bottom: Train is not four Brake Thirds but a two Maunsell 2-Set Ps each comprising of a BCK and BSK.

Pg 98 Bottom: Train is not two Brake Thirds but a Bulleid 2-Set R comprising of a Brake Third and a Brake Composite – Set is of one the 63-75 range.

Pg 99 Top: Train is not two Brake Thirds but a Bulleid 2-Set R comprising of a Brake Third and a Brake Composite – Set is of one the 63-69 range.

Pg 108 Top: The brake third is a brake composite.

Pg 109 Bottom Right: The Bulleid coach is not a Brake Third but a D2406 brake composite – one of the twin periscope type with centre toilet used as ‘loose’ coaches.

Pg 110 Above: The van is a PMV (single vent on end) not a utility van (twin vents and opening end doors). Carmine and cream coaches are a Maunsell 2-Set P (BSK and BCK) not two brake thirds.

Pg 110 Left Middle: T9 30708 isn’t hauling a four-car set but two, two-car sets. The first 2 coaches are a Bulleid 2-Set R – Set is of one the 63-69 range.

Pg 117 Above: Train does not comprise of two Maunsell Brake Thirds. Coaches are Maunsell 2-Set P 26 comprising of D2113 BSK 2831 and D2401 BCK 6586.

 

It will be noted that consistently 2 coach Bulleid and Maunsell sets are miss-identified as two Brake Thirds, rather than a Brake composite and a Brake third. Reference to carriage working notices confirms these BSK + BCK formations were the mainstay of many services west of Exeter. My point is that if the author has gone to the trouble of seemingly identifying the train formation then this identification should be correct. If the formation isn't clear or is unknown then don't mention it!

 

Out of interest I also offer the following additional information:

Pg 94 Bottom: 31841 is seen with Bulleid 2-Set R 65 comprising of comprising of D2123 BSK 4373 and D2405 BCK 6702

Pg 106 Bottom: Coaches on this service likely to be a Bulleid 2-Set R (BCK + BSK)

Pg 109 Middle: First coach is a Bulleid D2406 brake composite – one of the twin periscope type with centre toilet used as ‘loose’ coaches.

Pg 112 Top: 34074 (tender retained the high sides or ‘raves’ until withdrawal) with Bulleid 2-Set R 71 comprising of comprising of D2123 BSK 4379 and D2405 BCK 6708

Pg 113 Middle Right: 34110 (wide cab with narrow 4500 gal tender) with Bulleid 2-Set R 75 comprising of comprising of D2123 BSK 4383 and D2405 BCK 6712

Pg 113 Bottom Right: T9 30313 is pulling a Maunsell SO and Maunsell 2-Set P (BSK + BCK)

Pg 117 Below: O2 30200 is pulling Maunsell 2-Set P 23 comprising of D2113 BSK 2792 (leading) and D2401 BCK 6575.

[robertcwp]

That said, i had the opportunity this last weekend to discuss this book with an author who i consider has written the definative work on the ACE. His thoughts on the content / caption accuracy match mine.

Reading your recent posts, and given that David Wroe is long-since deceased, would that other author be Stephen Austin by any chance?

[robertcwp]

Another useful source, with some train formation information and much more, is the article on the ACE by the late Michael Harris in Steam Days February 1996. 14 pages long.

[Peter Bedding]

I missed this thread earlier, and missed a more timely comment.

 

I have absolutely no connection with this author, and none with any publisher. In my own way though, I do try to promote respect for historic accuracy.

 

This book received a good review in one of the model magazines, so when the opportunity arose at Taunton to browse with intent to buy, I duly browsed. I quickly formed my opinion and returned the book to the counter, without a purchase, and no wish to waste money.

 

This author, with publishers OPC, produced a book in 2003 titled "London & South Western Miscellany". Like this later book, the "Miscellany" was well made with excellent photos. That is all that can favourably be said. The text varied from banal to grossly inaccurate. The list of errors produced by the SWC covered 10 sides of A4. One word? Disgraceful.

 

PB

[2ManySpams]

Thanks Peter, I was beginning to think it was just me, especially after comments from friends of the author an another site.....

 

Despite the 'issues' I still think the good quality photos make it a worthwhile reference.

[robertcwp]

Despite the 'issues' I still think the good quality photos make it a worthwhile reference.

Pictorial books stand or fall largely by the quality of the photos in my view. This comprises both the images themselves and how they are reproduced in the published work. The ACE book has lots of good photos and they have come out well in the book.

 

A good example of a book that falls down on the photo front is this one: Steam on the Western - The Final Decades. A book that promised so much but some of the photos looked dreadful when I browsed through a copy.

 

Part of the problem seems to be that publishers do not allow sufficient time for authors to proof their work or get others to check it over. 24 hours to proof and check an entire book is ridiculous, though this is better than some. I know of another author whose book appeared in the shops whilst he was still waiting to see the proofs! I have written enough books and articles (mostly on accountancy) to know that you will always make errors and you always need people to check things for you. Sometimes, even that doesn't pick up everything.

 

For an error-strewn book, take a look at this: http://www.railcar.co.uk/books/morrison.htm.

This one has some significant errors too: http://www.railcar.co.uk/books/robertson.htm.

In spite of the above, both those books are must-haves for anyone who is interested in DMUs, because of their photo content.

 

As for the ACE book - I bought it for the photos.