Bøker av Tim Hillier-Graves

During the 1930s, with the end of steam locomotion being actively considered, many looked to develop engines powered by diesel and electricity. But for the coming of war in 1939, and the acute recession that followed, much more might have been accomplished. Nevertheless, the die had been cast and during the late 1940s and 1950s designers stepped up their efforts to find efficient and effective alternatives to steam. Amongst their number was John Hughes who, whilst working for English Electric designing turbine engines, saw how this power source might be used to drive locomotives. In part he was encouraged in these endeavours by William Stanier's 1935 introduced Pacific 'Turbomotive' and wished to continue this experiment and exploit its potential more fully. For some the development of diesel and electric engines was the only logical course to take, but not Hughes who doggedly pursued his dream of seeing gas turbine engines dominating Britain's railway network. Despite many setbacks, and lack of funds, he refused to give up and eventually saw his locomotive, GT3, built and then begin a prolonged period of trial running. But having finally achieved this ambition, the powers that be decided that the experiment had gone far enough and would go no further, much to Hughes' anger and frustration. This is a 'what might have been story' which, although ultimately unsuccessful, tells us much about the nature of design engineering and the need for determined, radical thinkers who are prepared to push back scientific boundaries. In this case GT3 came close to being the first of a type of engine that might have changed the direction Britain's railways took as steam came to an end. As such it is a near miss worthy of remembrance. To aid this work Hughes left a unique archive of documents, drawings and photos, in public and private hands, to help us understand the nature of his work and what drove him on despite the long odds he faced.

The great and the good rarely, if ever, accomplish all they wish to achieve without the able assistance of many skilled men and women. To have a very capable person beside you acting as guide, confidant and adviser is essential. Even better when it is someone with a depth of knowledge equal to, or even better than your own. If all these skills can be combined in one trusted, assistant so much the better. To a leader such a person may be valued 'beyond rubies', because they have the ability to take ideas, add something and help make them a reality.For Herbert Nigel Gresley, CME of the LNER, Bert Spencer was just such a man. As Gresley triumphed his faithful, introverted and highly talented assistant remained resolutely in the background playing an unsung yet key role in the development of Gresley's outstanding Pacifics and his many other memorable locomotives. For sixteen vibrant years Spencer sat beside his greatly admired leader witnessing and participating in all that happened adding much to an emerging legend that still resounds with us today.Here, for the first time, is Spencer's fascinating story, much of it in his own words. This was made possible by the thoughts and memories he recorded in letters to friends, papers he wrote for the Institution of Locomotive Engineers, official documents and much more. All this has been edited together to produce a unique and important personal narrative of his life and work.

In their book Gresley's Silver Link' the authors analysed the evolution of the A4s Gresley's and their service up to Gresley's death in 1941. This book takes this compelling story from the early years of the war up to their demise in the 1960s.

Gresley's A4 Pacifics are arguably the most famous locomotives ever built, a status cemented by Mallard's record breaking run on the 3rd July '38.

Rare Interesting Photographs, Well Researched Historical Text, Informative Captions, Useful to Modellers

Good Photographic Coverage, Informative Long Captions, New Factual Information, Useful to Modellers.

good photographic coverage with newly researched facts

How the determination of young pilots transformed the Corsair from an aircraft considered too dangerous to fly from carriers into a successful carrier fighter.

Good Photographic Coverage. Useful to Modellers. Interesting New Facts.

The story of Gresley and his locomotives is a well-trodden path - but our view of his achievements is a blinkered one because it fails to recognise all the other people who played a part in his work.

Contains New Information and Facts on this Controversial Steam Engine.