Steam on the Eastern and Midland

The author and railway photographer presents a stunning collection of original images showing steam locomotives in action in the mid-20th century. This is the second book from David Knapman's personal record of railway views that were captured on black and white film in the late 1950's and 1960's, until the demise of steam on British Railways. Using the same format as its companion volume, Steam on the Southern and Western, this book presents chapters covering different locations in the Eastern and London Midland regions. Knapman captures branch and mainline trains as well as locations of interest and historical infrastructure. Where preservation starts to overlap with the still active steam scene, some historic photographs are also included. Each chapter begins with an overview of the station it depicts, providing local and historical context. Each photograph is paired with a detailed caption describing the specific trains at work.

Auteur

Aged five, David Knapmans railway interest was triggered at Reigate station by a Wainwright 4.4.0. Reading his fathers pre-war Railway magazines and regularly taking Trains Illustrated fostered a lifelong interest. The Reading Redhill line provided much steam interest and early main line trips included the Bristolian and the Kentish Belle in 1958. Photography started with a Brownie Box camera, which was soon overtaken by a 35mm Agfa Silette. A move to Brentwood and a career as a Chartered Accountant enabled the steam interest to flourish further and main line runs today still enthrall. The author hopes his photographs prove to be of much interest to the reader. Floreat Vapor!