THE SDEG - Scotland's Diesel Fleet in Detail; Volume 3 - ScotRail Express & the Class 47/4s

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The Scottish Diesel & Electric Group (SDEG) is proud to announce the release of the third volume of Scotland’s Diesel Fleet in Detail - ScotRail Express

 

This volume of Scotland’s Diesel Fleet in Detail encompasses a series of comprehensive notes on both the fleet of class 47/7 locos and their accompanying coaching stock. It was during the 1980s that the Push-Pull services linking the cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen really became synonymous with the ScotRail brand developed by BR during this period. The principal focus of this volume is on the years between 1979 and late 1990, including a review of the previous diesel eras on the Edinburgh to Glasgow route as well as Push-Pull operations serving Aberdeen. The main section examines in detail each class 47/7 in terms of its shared and unique features, the liveries carried by each example during differing periods of operation, their full career history and the ultimate fate of each loco. Supporting these details are a general synopsis of the Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3 coaches most commonly used on these services and a more comprehensive overview of the distinctive Mk2F DBSO vehicles. Although primarily compiled as a modelling reference source, the wider operational coverage and personal recollections included within this volume will appeal to enthusiasts of this classic era in Scotland’s railway history.

 

The book has been compiled by Andrew Donnelly, edited by Graeme Moyes and has benefited from numerous invaluable contributions received from both SDEG members and various specialists with regard to the Push-Pull sets, including renowned author and class 47 aficionado, Ian McLean. Photographic coverage of the class 47/7s and Push-Pull workings during the period in focus is lavishly provided by a number of well-known railway photographers. Their images cover the kaleidoscope of liveries carried by the locos and coaching stock, as well as some featuring very unusual workings, largely highlighted by using previously unpublished material. Based upon feedback received and the success of the first two volumes of the series, this edition is printed on higher quality 135gsm paper. The popular 25cm square format with 120 pages and hardback cover has been retained.

 

Scotland’s Diesel Fleet in Detail; ScotRail Express is exclusively available from the SDEG for a cost of £30 plus £6.50 P&P for UK addresses; the same price as the earlier volumes. For non-UK addresses, P&P will be charged at cost; please enquire for a quotation for this. Payment is by UK bank transfer only. Unfortunately, we cannot accept cash, cheques or credit card payments. We will endeavour to fulfil your order as quickly as possible, but please note that some delay may occur with posting and we cannot predict the impact of the expected postal strikes.

 

Scotland’s Diesel Fleet in Detail - ScotRail Express is expected to be available for despatch during the first fortnight of December – just in time for Christmas!

 

A small number of both Volume 1 (Class 26s) & Volume 2 (Class 47/4s) of Scotland’s Diesel Fleet in Detail are still available for purchase for the same cost and P&P as noted above. Should you wish to purchase more than one volume of the series or multiple copies of a volume to be posted together, prices including P&P will be £69.00 (2 copies) and £100.00 (3 copies) for UK addresses only.

 

This series is entirely self-funded by the SDEG, with profits used to fund future volumes and to support the group’s modelling activities. The SDEG would like to thank the many contributors to this initiative, along with those who have purchased our previous volumes. Updates on the series, as well as of the SDEG’s other activities are posted on social media, including Facebook and RMweb.

 

For details of how to order and pay or for a non-UK/multiple copy postal quotation, please email us at books@sdeg.info

 

Should no reply be obtained from the above email address within 48 hours, then please contact me via a PM here.

 

 

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Santa Claus has made an early delivery in Fife... 

 

First copies are being sent out today, so hopefully all orders received and paid so far will be dispatched during this week.

 

Many thanks to the contributors to this volume and to those who have ordered this and our previous volumes!

 

Andrew

[158722]

If anyone has NOT had a reply to an email to books@sdeg.info within 48 hours of sending an email to us, then please PM me. There seems to be a random reason why emails from certain people are not being delivered - one which as yet, we don't seem to have a solution.

[ruggedpeak]

Placed my order this evening and reply successfully received, looking forward to receiving the book soon.

[billywhizz]

Received my copy today (early Christmas present from my better half) Have to say the Scotrail Express volume is an absolute must for anyone modelling the Class 47 Push Pull rakes. The level of information on the 47/7 fleet and associated coaching stock is 2nd to none! I have learnt so much in the last couple of hours reading. 
Huge thanks to Andrew Donnelly and everyone involved with this series of books. Looking forward to the next volume.
Regards. 
Bill. 

[Craig Watson]

My copy of the 47/7 book also arrived today to join the 26 and 47/4 books, this one has went above and beyond, the section from our member Graeme Moyes on his recollections of driving the push pulls has put into print some of the memories he's told me over the years of our friendly driver/signalman banter!!

 

As one of the members of SDEG from the start I'm really proud of how our wee group took the decision to back Andrew with the publication of this series, and having seen tasters of the next volumes I can't wait for these too.

 

They're worth their weight in gold to anyone wanting to accurately model the variants covered by the book, they're a mine of information on the detail variations of the classes. 

[158722]

WHOA! Praise indeed from Billy Whizz and Craig Watson - this really helps inspiring me to get on with the next one(s)! Glad to hear that we're managing to hit the spot as regards what was intended - basically  one-stop reference book for modellers of the subject at hand.  

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SDEG Scotland’s Diesel Fleet in Detail - Updates & Ordering Information

 

A post-Christmas/end of year update!

 

We are currently working on the steam heat class 37/0s, which should be ready around June/July next year. This will be significantly larger than the first three editions, given the amount of material on the locos to cover, their variations and liveries as well as interest in the subject. In addition, the ETHELs are also included. The intention was then to cover the Scottish Freight 37s in two volumes after that, divided between the pre- and post- sectorisation periods between 1980 and 1996, but there have been many requests for the class 27s, so perhaps they may get priority! Watch this space!

 

All of the ordering details for the existing three volumes are in the notes below, but due to the Christmas break we will not be able to dispatch copies until January 4th. Sales of the third volume covering ‘ScotRail Express’ have been particular strong and feedback highly positive.

 

Volume 1: Class 26s

Scotland’s Diesel Fleet in Detail; Class 26s is is a limited print 100pp hardback by Andrew Donnelly detailing the locomotives history during 1980s and 1990s. The intention is that this volume will be the first in a range giving both locomotive historians and modellers comprehensive notes on the history of these signature locomotives for this timeframe. Both the first and second print runs have sold out, so a short additional print run of the class 26 volume is currently underway with copies expected to be available soon. You can place your order and pay now, with ordering and postage arrangements as noted below, to ensure your copy as soon as new copies are available.

Copies are available for immediate despatch!

 

Volume 2: Class 47/4s

This volume of Scotland’s Diesel Fleet in Detail brings together a series of comprehensive notes on the class 47/4 fleet, principally produced as a modelling reference source for projects dating between the 1980s and 1990s. A review of the class’s association with Scotland from their first appearance in 1963 up to the present day and an outline of the main details and technical variations within the fleet are included. These notes highlight points of interest which are frequently referred to within the individual loco reviews. The main section focuses on the locos defined as the ‘classic’ class 47/4s to be based in Scotland, principally from the early 1980s through to late 1992, with a full review of each class member in terms of detail and livery variations over the period. In addition, brief overviews of the multitude of other class 47/4s to have had shorter spells based on the Scottish Region have been compiled with notes on each locomotive’s condition during these periods.

The book has been compiled by Andrew Donnelly and edited by Graeme Moyes, with invaluable contributions from SDEG members and various experts familiar with the class, including renowned author and class 47 specialist, Ian McLean. Photographic coverage of the class during the period in focus is lavishly provided by a number of well-known photographers covering the kaleidoscope of liveries carried by the class, numerous detail variations and some unusual workings through largely previously unpublished material. Based on feedback received and the success of the first volume on the class 26 fleet, this volume has been increased to 120 pages and is printed on heavier, high-quality paper, with the same 25cm square format and hardback cover.

Copies are available for immediate despatch!

 

Volume 3: ScotRail Express

This volume of Scotland’s Diesel Fleet in Detail encompasses a series of comprehensive notes on both the fleet of class 47/7 locos and their accompanying coaching stock. It was during the 1980s that the Push-Pull services linking the cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen really became synonymous with the ScotRail brand developed by BR during this period. The principal focus of this volume is on the years between 1979 and late 1990, including a review of the previous diesel eras on the Edinburgh to Glasgow route as well as Push-Pull operations serving Aberdeen. The main section examines in detail each class 47/7 in terms of its shared and unique features, the liveries carried by each example during differing periods of operation, their full career history and the ultimate fate of each loco. Supporting these details are a general synopsis of the Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3 coaches most commonly used on these services and a more comprehensive overview of the distinctive Mk2F DBSO vehicles. Although primarily compiled as a modelling reference source, the wider operational coverage and personal recollections included within this volume will appeal to enthusiasts of this classic era in Scotland’s railway history.

The book has been compiled by Andrew Donnelly, edited by Graeme Moyes and has benefited from numerous invaluable contributions received from both SDEG members and various specialists with regard to the Push-Pull sets, including renowned author and class 47 aficionado, Ian McLean. Photographic coverage of the class 47/7s and Push-Pull workings during the period in focus is lavishly provided by a number of well-known railway photographers. Their images cover the kaleidoscope of liveries carried by the locos and coaching stock, as well as some featuring very unusual workings, largely highlighted by using previously unpublished material. Based upon feedback received and the success of the first two volumes of the series, this edition is printed on higher quality 135gsm paper. The popular 25cm square format with 120 pages and hardback cover has been retained.

Copies are NOW available for immediate despatch!

 

Ordering

Each volume of Scotland’s Diesel Fleet in Detail is exclusively available from the SDEG for a cost of £30 plus £6.50 P&P for UK addresses. For non-UK addresses, P&P will be charged at cost; please enquire for a quotation for this. Payment is by UK bank transfer only. Unfortunately, we cannot accept cash, cheques or credit card payments. We will endeavour to fulfil your order as quickly as possible, but please note that some delay may occur with posting.

 

Both Volume 1 (Class 26s) & Volume 2 (Class 47/4s) of Scotland’s Diesel Fleet in Detail are still available for purchase for the same cost and P&P as noted above. Should you wish to purchase more than one volume of the series or multiple copies of a volume to be posted together, prices including P&P will be £69.00 (2 copies) and £100.00 (3 copies) for UK addresses only. This series is entirely self-funded by the SDEG, with profits used for future volumes and to support the group’s modelling activities. The SDEG would like to thank the many contributors to this initiative, along with those who have purchased our previous volumes. Updates on the series, as well as of the SDEG’s other activities are posted on social media, including Facebook and RMweb.

 

To order a copy of the book please reply to this email with your name and postal address (including postcode) and remit to:

Scottish Diesel & Electric Group

Sort code: 40-20-44

Account no.: 62172933

 

Please also include your postcode in the payment reference section.

 

We will endeavour to fulfil your order as quickly as possible but please note that we all have full time jobs so some delay will be inevitable as, for example, posting times will be restricted.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Andrew Donnelly

Bruce Galloway

SDEG Treasurer 

[Legend]

I’ve got the book on 47/7s and it is superb . Lots of pictures I’ve never seen and a treasure trove of information . I now know to run my 47/7s no2 end leading . 
 

looking forward to further books  . Would love similar volumes on 37/0 and 37/4s 

Edited January 24, 2023 by Legend

[billywhizz]

Great news that the Class 27 volume may get bumped up the list!! Having got all 3 volumes released so far, I can safely say these books are a must for anyone modelling the Scottish region in the D&E era, especially the 1980’s. For me the latest book (ScotRail Express) was the most informative, but then I do have a big interest in 47/7 Push Pull operations. Just need the Bachmann MK2z in ScotRail to finally appear! Looking forward to the Class 37 volumes. 
No connection to SDEG, other than being a very satisfied customer. 

Cheers. 
Bill. 

[158722]

If David Loweth is a member here on RMWEB, could you please drop me a PM regarding your order for SDEG books.