REVIEWS

摘要

Third rail DC electric traction is usually associated with the Southern Region. However, way back in LNER days a system also ran on Tyneside, starting in 1904. The author tells the fascinating story of this isolated third rail system in two small volumes; part 1 focusses on the northern part of the network while volume 2 looks at the South Shields branch and the system in general.The various North Eastern Railway stock is described in the historical introduction and although the book depicts largely the stock used from 1938 onwards, older vehicles are illustrated. And this is where the book excels. There are some truly superb images of the stock employed, including detailed close-ups of components such as bogies, as well as carriage interiors. The captions offer a wealth of detail, especially about the various locations depicted. Ticket images add to the nostalgia, as does the varied station architecture and shots of bridges, junctions and other infrastructure. Also included in volume 2 are photos of the two ES1 electric locos and an incredibly rare image of a single electric parcels van (E29467E) being towed by a Class 17 Clayton Type 1.