Strathwood

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This week we celebrate the: British Railways Class 9F 2-10-0s This brand-new selection of unpublished views tells the story of these favourites among the Standard classes.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

High quality large format photographic albums are always popular, this heavyweight one is especially so. Cast your eyes through the impressive selection of preview photographs on our website to confirm this for yourself as this is one to treasure. Less than half the print run of this limited edition remains. A Race Against Time For more details and to see some more preview pages like this follow: https://strathwood.co.uk/products/a-race-against-time?_pos=1&_psq=race&_ss=e&_v=1.0 Kevin

Hmm, both to be truthful, not forgetting Cambridge Street, Liverpool Street etc either. I have to say it does all attract to relive one's youth and pop back to 1967-8 all over again. Kevin

Having arrived late yesterday afternoon we welcome another high-quality large format title that deserves a place in so many book collections. THE ATMOSPHERIC SOUTHERN ‘The Atmospheric Southern’ will take you on a journey around the Southern, viewed through the cameras of a dozen or more eminent photographers. Starting at Victoria, we will go clockwise around Kent, Surrey and Sussex, before moving westwards to Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, the West of England and then back up the South Western main line to Waterloo, finally ending at Nine Elms shed just before the demise of steam in July 1967. There is also an extended feature on the railways around Redhill – a strategically important railway crossroads. Mostly steam, the subject matter includes a few diesels and electrics, while the extended captions give details of so much more visible in the pictures. A fabulous and much anticipated follow on to the two previous releases of George Heiron's delightful photographic talent, already displayed in the same large format style within Atmospheric Western and more recently within George Heiron's Travels Midland & Western. The format is the same through all three volumes very much akin to the likes of Each a Glimpse and Gone Forever from that other master of the lens Colin Gifford. 160 Pages well illustrated throughout with some 180 delightfully composed black & white photographs depicted in a large format HARDBACK Further details https://strathwood.co.uk/products/the-atmospheric-southern-available-to-pre-order-now Kevin

Agreed certainly our best seller over the last thirty days. Kevin

A very much delayed update as I have been too busy with, Covid issues, ageing parents' and dealing with the inevitable for us all when the reaper calls finally and claims them, then the dealing with estates etc, not to mention other interests, family matters and work. But having been encouraged last month, to clear out my den, office, junk room called various things by my other half, to then redecorate it and sell on the shabby collection of mis-matched old bookcases, drawers, desks etc. Finally, to turn them into a big and heavy pile of flat pack from Ikea (other websites are available but not as popular it seems) to realise a properly functioning office space at last (does this sound at all familiar, if so, read on). This resulted in a focusing of the mind and ideas around just how much space was realistically left to do some modelling in, as the prospect of moving back into a much bigger home of the type, which was sold over a decade ago, made no sense at all considering our own ages with children having flown the nest. Who needs to move to give them an excuse to fly back home again, especially when herself had already bagged one bedroom of the four as a sewing/craft room and another is my den. The thoughts of starting afresh with a new garden again were likely to preclude any free modelling time at all, so the anchor has been dropped, we stay put. Clearly the ideas of watching the trains go by in the now somewhat confined available free space housing my 1000+ book library, albeit now all neatly shelved, was doomed before it ever really got beyond scraps of paper, a pen and a tape measure. This same fate has also befallen all realistic ideas of either a WR, SR or ScR branch line layouts too. Leaving the possibilities of any one of these three as the sensible winner with what little space is left. A. 1800mm x 400mm London Tram layout (could still be configured as watching the trams go by layout, just... or B. 1800mm x 400mm 1950s South West London steam shed layout. or C. 1800mm x 400mm 1967-8 Diesel stabling point, could be region neutral with careful design, to allow a wide selection of diesels. Slim pickings indeed. Still sat on the fence after so many years of armchair modelling and daydreaming, for far too long. Before anyone says what about the roof space, we live in Inverness, it tends towards cold here in the winter and much of the rest of the year too, besides the prospect of clambering up and down loft ladders is not one for me, a squirrel I am not. Likewise, for the double garage, which is devoted to one car, my workshop and decades of accumulated crap. Every time I lob stuff out, within a few months, we have to trot off to B&Q or similar, hunting for same widget for household repairs etc which I had thrown out a few months beforehand ... Another recent revelation is once the layout baseboard and surrounds are built, ALL remaining widgets are either being gifted to the kids for their garages and sheds, or the tip. Instead, I will settle for tidiness and freed up space with the reality of only keeping essential widgets hereafter. Next, how does one establish what are the essential widgets? Answers please... Likewise, towards can either ideas A or B every really beat idea C? Kevin

As a one-time regular visitor to 81A (as we knew it in the late 1960s and through the 70s, none of that OOC rubbish for us pre-TOPS lads), it was a thirty-minute bike ride from home for myself and another twenty minutes extra for my mates of the time. We only managed to get turned out once in over decade of visiting almost every other week. My first visit was with trepidation wandering down the entrance road, but once I saw the turntable before me filled to the brim with lovely hydraulics, all vestiges of fear departed in a flash. I do recall the missing concrete fence panels which was the preferred entrance for many I know, perhaps less brazen lads. My last visit was in February 1991, and it was a pale and depressing shadow of what I once knew and loved. I have seen photos of the place since and looked on Google Earth too. They say, never go back... And it's with good reason. Kevin

You watch how many DJ/Hattons hit the market as soon as a respected manufacturer takes up the 14xx challenge properly, before the prices of second hand 14xx drops like a stone. Options anyone... Kevin

I spoke with George about this earlier this week, he is finishing the Southern Signalling book first and then he can concentrate on Volume 3 of Main Line to the South. The last six months or so has been very busy behind the scenes for all of us. No dates yet but it is pencilled in for this year, I hope. Kevin

With all of the clamour to secure copies of this newly released title and the fact that over half the print run has sold out already within two weeks of its launch, we thought we better make this our book of the week while we still can. Lots of our customers also think it's great too based upon these comments rushed to us. "Just had my Somerset & Dorset railway book I must say impressive packing just great. Plus, the parts of the book I have looked at so far are worth the wait and the money. Thank you" - Jonathan Green by email "The S&D atlas is one of the best railway books that I have ever seen. It is well worth the money, not least because nearly all the colour shots have never been published before and, thanks to Gerry Nichols of Bristol HMRS, there are plenty of excellent shots from the Mark Warburton Archive. If you want one, order a copy now as they are quickly running out." - Chris Youett on Facebook "Safely received today - what a wonderful tome!" - Chris Bone on Facebook A Pictorial Atlas of the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway This brand-new two volume set complete with slip case is in stock and features the route in full colour as a collector's limited edition which has already seen massive pre-sales before its release just a week ago, early ordering today is advised to avoid disappointment. 468 pages. 275x275mm. Two volumes printed on gloss art paper with colour laminated board covers, presented in a colour laminated board slip case. HARDBACKS Grab yours right now with Strathwood for £90.00 and check out our wide range of titles 1500+ and special offers too. https://strathwood.co.uk/products/a-pictorial-atlas-of-the-somerset-dorset-joint-railway Kevin

With all of the clamour to secure copies of this newly released title and the fact that over half the print run has sold out already within two weeks of its launch, we thought we better make this our book of the week while we still can. Lots of our customers also think it's great too based upon these comments rushed to us. "Just had my Somerset & Dorset railway book I must say impressive packing just great. Plus, the parts of the book I have looked at so far are worth the wait and the money. Thank you" - Jonathan Green by email "The S&D atlas is one of the best railway books that I have ever seen. It is well worth the money, not least because nearly all the colour shots have never been published before and, thanks to Gerry Nichols of Bristol HMRS, there are plenty of excellent shots from the Mark Warburton Archive. If you want one, order a copy now as they are quickly running out." - Chris Youett on Facebook "Safely received today - what a wonderful tome!" - Chris Bone on Facebook A Pictorial Atlas of the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway This brand-new two volume set complete with slip case is in stock and features the route in full colour as a collector's limited edition which has already seen massive pre-sales before its release just a week ago, early ordering today is advised to avoid disappointment. 468 pages. 275x275mm. Two volumes printed on gloss art paper with colour laminated board covers, presented in a colour laminated board slip case. HARDBACKS Grab yours right now with Strathwood for £90.00 and check out our wide range of titles 1500+ and special offers too. https://strathwood.co.uk/products/a-pictorial-atlas-of-the-somerset-dorset-joint-railway Kevin

A Pictorial Atlas of the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway Just in case you are sitting on the fence on this one. What our customers say, so far. "Just had my Somerset & Dorset railway book I must say impressive packing just great. Plus, the parts of the book I have looked at so far are worth the wait and the money. Thank you" - Jonathan Green by email "The S&D atlas is one of the best railway books that I have ever seen. It is well worth the money, not least because nearly all the colour shots have never been published before and, thanks to Gerry Nichols of Bristol HMRS, there are plenty of excellent shots from the Mark Warburton Archive. If you want one, order a copy now as they are quickly running out." - Chris Youett on Facebook "Safely received today - what a wonderful tome!" - Chris Bone on Facebook This is the packing we lavish upon them for our customers all in a very stout box and shipped by DPD fully tracked. It appears that over half the print run has sold within the first two-weeks since its launch. https://strathwood.co.uk/products/a-pictorial-atlas-of-the-somerset-dorset-joint-railway Kevin