Strathwood

STEAM' LAMENT 4-6-0s on the Southern Region This week's book of the week is a real treat for Southern fans as its packed tight with lovely images, ideal for modellers throughout. 160 Pages printed on high-quality art paper in a large landscape format. HARDBACK Grab yours right now with Strathwood for £34.95 and check out our wide range of titles and special offers too. https://strathwood.co.uk/products/steams-lament-southern-region-4-6-0s?_pos=5&_psq=steam' lament&_ss=e&_v=1.0 Kevin

14xx, 58xx, 57xx & 8750 Classes. Still comes back to looking at the numbers commercially with influences being just how many GWR/BR Western Region branch line, mainline engine shed layouts are out there already to welcome these new models if announced say at the NEC Warley Show with highly secretive advanced cads etc on show to tempt potential buyers and ward off competitors. Not forgetting those GWR/WR layouts still being planned that could easily absorb and justify even more of these classes to the desired modern standards of detail and running. A flood of Dapol, Hornby, Bachmann and Hattons/DJ Models examples would quickly hit the markets as modellers rushed to the new offerings. Thereby subsidising their new model purchases of these new more desirable versions. Add to this the variety of liveries to run with for the manufacturer, which must be easier to tool up for in batch production than perhaps 14xx top feed and toolbox styles, which could also still be accommodated. Add to this the longevity and actual spread of these classes in their working days with justification if it's needed to possess and run them on layouts, how often do we see "modeller's licence" being deployed. Further still as layouts tend to be smaller in modern homes, we are seeing more and more branch line termini etc actually being built. The potential sales numbers must be more convincing than say both Hornby and Bachmann could have imagined by retooling their 9Fs several times, which must have far more parts to design, and manufacture, although this might influence the end RRP with companies also trying to increase their turnover by producing ever more expensive models? The possible attraction of existing RTR rolling stock to assist additional sales must be considered too, whilst the Highland 4-6-0 is an innovative proposition certainly to this RM Webber, the lack of suitable additional rolling stock, buildings, signals etc, might hold back some sales potential. Likewise, the fact that just how many people still alive could feel an allegiance to say certain limited designs and types that maybe didn't even survive postwar. The same limitations cannot be said of GWR/Western Region modelling accessories, can it? Just some thoughts, by no means conclusive of course, but perhaps deliberately adding fuel to this debate... Kevin

Another title for Class 50 buffs in the shape of Fifty Glorious Years - Celebrating 50 years of Class 50 Locomotives, we only have limited stocks of this limited edition. https://strathwood.co.uk/products/fifty-glorious-years-celebrating-50-years-of-class-50-locomotives Kevin

Thanks Martyn, the early 70s was an interesting time around the Scottish Region, I do like the MkII Cortina, watch their rear wheel arches for rust though... Kevin

The name of Terry Nicholls will be familiar to many, having been accredited to many with his high-quality 1960s & 70s photographs published in magazines throughout the years. Here for the first time are a selection of never-before-seen images together with some interesting memoirs of the man behind the lens. Saltash Auto to HST – Terry Nicholls’ Memoirs https://strathwood.co.uk/products/saltash-auto-to-hst-terry-nicholls-memoirs Kevin

STEAMING THROUGH THE CHILTERNS AND THEREABOUTS This volume covers: Berkhamsted scenes, Princes Risborough and branches, the Met. from Moor Park to Aylesbury, includes Rickmansworth and Chesham, Aylesbury and beyond, Watford branches, St Albans, and Potters Bar. There are also sections on the big Freeze of 1947, unusual workings, and, despite the title some exceedingly rare views of early diesel and electrics are to be enjoyed too as we move into the transition era. 128 Pages presented with colour on every page as a mix of important black & white archive photographs around a background including tickets from the period in an attractive colour rendition. SOFTBACK Grab yours right now with Strathwood for £22.95 and check out our wide range of titles and special offers too. https://strathwood.co.uk/products/steaming-through-the-chilterns-and-thereabouts Kevin

Good hit, well done. Kevin

"And Something for the weekend sir?" Kevin

It's the final day of our Summer Sale with many items up to 50% off, sale ends at midnight tonight. https://strathwood.co.uk/collections/discounted-books Kevin

Two new titles for fans of Class 50s are in stock, albeit in limited quantities as they are very limited print runs. Fifty Memories - An Unusual Hobby Recalled in Photos and Anecdotes https://strathwood.co.uk/products/fifty-memories-an-unusual-hobby-recalled-in-photos-and-anecdotes and Hoovering Around Bristol and Bath https://strathwood.co.uk/products/hoovering-around-bristol-and-bath Limited stocks grab them while you can. Kevin

Just arrived into stock we have STEAMING THROUGH THE CHILTERNS AND THEREABOUTS Photographs by H.C. Casserley Compiled by Robert Freeman and Mary Casserley The eagerly awaited sequel to Steaming through Berkhamsted is now out. Mary Casserley has teamed up with local steam enthusiast Rob Freeman to produce another album of pure local railway nostalgia featuring historic photographs by H C Casserley, her famous grandfather. This volume covers: more Berkhamsted scenes, Princes Risborough and branches, the Met. from Moor Park to Aylesbury, includes Rickmansworth and Chesham, Aylesbury and beyond, Watford branches, St Albans, and Potters Bar. There are also sections on the big Freeze of 1947, unusual workings, and, despite the title some exceedingly rare views of early diesel and electrics are to be enjoyed too as we move into the transition era. 128 Pages presented with colour on every page as a mix of important black & white archive photographs around a background including tickets from the period in an attractive colour rendition. SOFTBACK (Review by Humphrey Gillott – Retired Railway Mission Chaplain). If you are one of those people who loves to get lost in a book, then this is one of those books in which you can do just that. https://strathwood.co.uk/products/steaming-through-the-chilterns-and-thereabouts Kevin

It's all a little hush, hush, you know Mum's the word, but I have it on good authority that these shots were not taken by the squadron leader, but instead he loaned his Leica to a Mr J Bond esq. who took these from something he called a prototype for "Little Nellie"? But, as I say, this is all on the QT... Kevin

We have just noticed that CLASS 50s ON THE WESTERN REGION is almost out of print, be quick if you want one as we only have three copies left... https://strathwood.co.uk/products/class-50s-on-the-western-region?_pos=1&_psq=CLASS 50s ON THE WESTERN REGION&_ss=e&_v=1.0 Kevin

Ah The Mid Hants "Frank the Clank", very nice. Kevin

This week we celebrate the: British Railways Class 9F 2-10-0s This brand-new selection of unpublished views tells the story of these favourites among the Standard classes. The selection of images illustrates the many variations during their service days using archive photographs. Released in the last thirty days, early ordering today is advised to avoid disappointment. 112 Pages well illustrated throughout with some 150 high-quality black & white archive photographs depicted in a large format. SOFTBACK Grab yours right now with Strathwood for £14.95 and check out our wide range of titles and special offers too. More details at: https://strathwood.co.uk/products/british-railways-class-9f-2-10-0s?_pos=1&_psq=9f&_ss=e&_v=1.0 Kevin

Due into stock during September but available to order right now for shipping as soon as they are released, we have The Peaks: Classes 44/45/46 by Simon Lilley. We think this one is sure to be popular, I am looking forward to it myself. Full details https://strathwood.co.uk/products/the-peaks-classes-44-45-46-available-mid-september-2023-may-be-advance-ordered-now Kevin

By email overnight from another satisfied customer in New Zealand. "It's truly amazing that books keep appearing about the S & D railway despite it closing 57 years ago. Despite having a decent selection of Somerset & Dorset books already I could not resist getting this 2-volume set published by Lightmoor. Sure, it's pricey at 90 pounds but this is a pictorial feast of (mainly) colour photographs, maps and signalling arrangements printed on quality paper. The authors haven't drawn on the usual crop of (excellent) S & D photographers but have found a fresh source of names to delight the railway reader. This is not a wordy tome rather a visual delight to pore over and enjoy. Together with Irwell's recent production "The Somerset & Dorset Railway (crammed with superb black and white images), these are two treasures to add to your railway book collection that I feel sure you won't be disappointed with. Incidentally, I purchased my 2-parter through Strathwood and it was very carefully packed and shipped to New Zealand where it arrived in immaculate condition. A satisfied customer - indeed!!" Alan Wickens - New Zealand Kevin

We still have copies for now at least. Kevin

The production cost versus commercial risk is too high for a second run to be economic it seems, I am afraid. Also, the extra advertising costs involved in promoting a second run would erode further into making it financially viable, far safer and wiser to move on and invest in another new title. Kevin

A review from one of our many satisfied customers around A Pictorial Atlas of the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway Those who thought there were so many books about the S&D may be sceptical about the latest publication and whether it contains anything fresh or is worth acquiring. The Pictorial Atlas is a stunning publication and lays any doubts to rest as soon as you open the two volumes. They are full of superb large photos, nearly all in colour and excellent quality – my response to opening the books was ‘wow!’. The books are less about passing trains (although there plenty of those!) rather focusing on the infrastructure, stations and all of the features that complete the S&D railway scene. Inevitably, some of the historic images are well-known, but the vast majority are new, and include many from little-known perspectives of the line. While I am not an expert in photo acknowledgements, every care appears to have been taken to credit them fully. Once past the helpful introduction, the text is laid out in the captions, which draws detailed attention to the images and avoids pages full of text. It is reassuring to know that the captions and photos have been checked by experts such as Mike Arlett and Peter Russell. Chris Osment advised on the extensive coloured signalling diagrams; these complement the very detailed largescale maps that appear throughout the book, explaining the whole line and branches all the way into Bournemouth. This is a massive achievement and really does bring the S&D to life, including so many aspects of the railway not covered in such a coherent and accessible way before. It may seem pricey, but there are two fully illustrated quality large format books, and it also comes post-free in the UK from Strathwood. This is surely a must-have for anyone with an interest in the S&D! David Grimwood - Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust With over 65% of the print run already sold within the first thirty days and no chance of a reprint due to the high costs of production, time for sitting on the fence for this one is limited. See for yourself. https://strathwood.co.uk/products/a-pictorial-atlas-of-the-somerset-dorset-joint-railway?_pos=1&_psq=atlas&_ss=e&_v=1.0

A review from one of our many satisfied customers around A Pictorial Atlas of the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway Those who thought there were so many books about the S&D may be sceptical about the latest publication and whether it contains anything fresh or is worth acquiring. The Pictorial Atlas is a stunning publication and lays any doubts to rest as soon as you open the two volumes. They are full of superb large photos, nearly all in colour and excellent quality – my response to opening the books was ‘wow!’. The books are less about passing trains (although there plenty of those!) rather focusing on the infrastructure, stations and all of the features that complete the S&D railway scene. Inevitably, some of the historic images are well-known, but the vast majority are new, and include many from little-known perspectives of the line. While I am not an expert in photo acknowledgements, every care appears to have been taken to credit them fully. Once past the helpful introduction, the text is laid out in the captions, which draws detailed attention to the images and avoids pages full of text. It is reassuring to know that the captions and photos have been checked by experts such as Mike Arlett and Peter Russell. Chris Osment advised on the extensive coloured signalling diagrams; these complement the very detailed largescale maps that appear throughout the book, explaining the whole line and branches all the way into Bournemouth. This is a massive achievement and really does bring the S&D to life, including so many aspects of the railway not covered in such a coherent and accessible way before. It may seem pricey, but there are two fully illustrated quality large format books, and it also comes post-free in the UK from Strathwood. This is surely a must-have for anyone with an interest in the S&D! David Grimwood - Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust With over 65% of the print run already sold within the first thirty days and no chance of a reprint due to the high costs of production, time for sitting on the fence for this one is limited. See for yourself. https://strathwood.co.uk/products/a-pictorial-atlas-of-the-somerset-dorset-joint-railway?_pos=1&_psq=atlas&_ss=e&_v=1.0 Kevin

A review from one of our many satisfied customers around A Pictorial Atlas of the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway Those who thought there were so many books about the S&D may be sceptical about the latest publication and whether it contains anything fresh or is worth acquiring. The Pictorial Atlas is a stunning publication and lays any doubts to rest as soon as you open the two volumes. They are full of superb large photos, nearly all in colour and excellent quality – my response to opening the books was ‘wow!’. The books are less about passing trains (although there plenty of those!) rather focusing on the infrastructure, stations and all of the features that complete the S&D railway scene. Inevitably, some of the historic images are well-known, but the vast majority are new, and include many from little-known perspectives of the line. While I am not an expert in photo acknowledgements, every care appears to have been taken to credit them fully. Once past the helpful introduction, the text is laid out in the captions, which draws detailed attention to the images and avoids pages full of text. It is reassuring to know that the captions and photos have been checked by experts such as Mike Arlett and Peter Russell. Chris Osment advised on the extensive coloured signalling diagrams; these complement the very detailed largescale maps that appear throughout the book, explaining the whole line and branches all the way into Bournemouth. This is a massive achievement and really does bring the S&D to life, including so many aspects of the railway not covered in such a coherent and accessible way before. It may seem pricey, but there are two fully illustrated quality large format books, and it also comes post-free in the UK from Strathwood. This is surely a must-have for anyone with an interest in the S&D! David Grimwood - Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust With over 65% of the print run already sold within the first thirty days and no chance of a reprint due to the high costs of production, time for sitting on the fence for this one is limited. See for yourself. https://strathwood.co.uk/products/a-pictorial-atlas-of-the-somerset-dorset-joint-railway?_pos=1&_psq=atlas&_ss=e&_v=1.0 Kevin

We have just 3 copies left of The PANNIER PAPERS No.4 The 57XX Engines: 87XX, 96XX, 97XX if you are collecting the series, then it's out of print. https://strathwood.co.uk/products/the-pannier-papers-no4-the-57xx-engines-87xx-96xx-97xx-low-stocks-be-quick?_pos=1&_psq=The PANNIER PAPERS No.4 The 57XX Engines%3A 87XX%2C 96XX%2C 97XX&_ss=e&_v=1.0 Kevin

Sure to be popular we have chosen for this week THE ATMOSPHERIC SOUTHERN. This brand-new large format volume is in the style of the much sort after Colin Gifford masterpieces, which are so collectable now. Released just this week, early ordering today is advised to avoid disappointment. 160 Pages well illustrated throughout with some 180 delightfully composed black & white photographs depicted in a large format. HARDBACK Grab yours right now with Strathwood for £29.95 and check out our wide range of titles and special offers too. More details: https://strathwood.co.uk/products/the-atmospheric-southern-available-to-pre-order-now A glance through the names of the photographers whose work is within this volume confirms the quality. Kevin

Another new title for the many fans of the British Railways Standard designs and the Austerities and sheds some new light on how some of these designs evolved. The Locomotives of Robert Riddles For more details: https://strathwood.co.uk/products/the-locomotives-of-robert-riddles Kevin