The Staines Branch

This milestone in railway publishing, providing an important and original study of an unusual Great Western branch, one which has been in the making for some considerable time. This is a "proper" history of what was an unusual line on various counts, not the least being that part of it remains in use to this day. Layout is by Paul Karau and so is very much in the mould of the classic line histories from Wild Swan, the only difference being the glazed board covers rather than a dust jacketed book. It is profusely illustrated, and includes track plans, signalling diagrams and scale drawings of key structures, covering the steam era and later diesel operations. A chapter covers the later freight only operations, fascinating in themselves, with aggregate and aviation spirit traffic still operating over the northern part of the line. Appendix 3 covers filming activities around the line, with a wonderful picture of "Pete and Dud" speeding through Colnbrook station on a white grand piano!