The Classic Years of the Caledonian Railway’s locomotives cover the designs of Dugald Drummond, John Lambie, J.F. McIntosh and William Pickersgill.

During this period, the Company was at the forefront of locomotive design and produced, particularly in the 4-4-0s, the classic Victorian British locomotive. For express passenger work, locomotives capable of climbing to Beattock summit and running the long distance from Carlisle to Perth were required.

For goods traffic, the numerous collieries and industrial plants of the Central Belt had to be served, together with the associated shunting at numerous sidings and yards. Weight restrictions on the hilly Callander & Oban line required bespoke designs.

Throughout the period, passenger locomotives displayed the Company's distinctive blue livery which set them apart from all others. In this volume the author describes the various design practices developed by each of the Locomotive Superintendents, followed by details of each class, accompanied by suitable drawings and illustrations.

The Caledonian's express trains attracted the attention of several enthusiasts of the day, whose recordings provide added detail of locomotive performance. Together with David Hamilton's Caledonian Locomotives: The Formative Years, these two volumes provide the definitive history of Caledonian Railway motive power.

The book comprises 320 pages of text and illustrations, 275 mm. by 215 mm., printed on gloss art paper with colour laminated card covers, and is lavishly illustrated with 207 photographic plates and 142 figures.

It will be available on the Caledonian Railway Association stand at exhibitions and at our meetings, but these are or may be casualties of the Covid-19 restrictions. Fortunately our Mail Order service continues to function, so please make use of this.

Publishers’ usual price for the book only : £35.00 + £5.00p&p to a UK address.

Caledonian Railway Association members enjoy a special discount price of £30.00 for the Book plus £5.00 p&p to a UK address.

Mail orders can be placed using the button below for online payments or by post using the order form here.

Overseas buyers - Postage to non-UK addresses can be significant.  Please contact the Sales Officer for Postage and Packing Costs before ordering.