Spirit of the Somerset & Dorset Railway by Alan Hammond newly listed for sale on the fantastic BookLovers of Bath web site!
Published: Millstream Books, 2003, Hardback in dust wrapper.
A limited printing of 2500 copies of which this is number 252. Jacket illustration: Signalman Joe Crouchman, seen talking to driver Aubrey Pearce, and fireman Wally Moon enjoy the summer sunshine at Midsomer Norto on 3rd July 1961. Class 3F 0-6-0T No. 47316 (formerly S&DJR No. 25) pilots 7F 2-8-0 No. 53810 down to Radstock, its home shed. Illustrated by way of: Black & White Photographs;
From the cover: This is the third in the series of photographic records of the Somerset & Dorset Railway by Alan Hammond. As with his previous books, the emphasis is on images of railwaymen and women working on the line. Most of the photographs come from private collections and provide a fascinating insight into the day-today running of this much-loved line.
There are anecdotes, too. Eight personal memories enhance the story, with many a tale from Bath, Wincanton, Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Branksome, among others. There is the tragic story of how a ganger fell to his death from a railway trolley at Kilver Street Viaduct, and the more amusing episode when lumps of coal lobbed off an engine for the crossing-keeper at Lamyatt Road broke down his front door. There is a personal memory of idyllic childhood visits to the signalbox at Midford and a wartime account of coming under fire from a German plane at Highbridge. The stories and photographs together provide a heart-warming recollection of this lost world.
The foreword has been written by the railway entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, a modern-day enthusiast and character to match those who worked on the old S&D.
Introduction by: Sir Richard Branson
Very Good in Very Good Dust Wrapper. Dust wrapper lightly pulled at the head of the upper panel otherwise a very well presented copy of this uncommon title.
Burgundy boards with Gilt titling to the Spine. 160 pages. Index. 11″ x 8½”.
Of course, if you don’t like this one, may I tempt with you something from here?
BookLovers of Bath 