Modellers' Guide: LNER 4-6-0s

Although overshadowed in operational terms by the London & North Eastern Railway's prestigious Pacific locomotives and outnumbered numerically by the 4-6-0s designs of both the LMS and GWR, the various classes of 4-6-0 operated by the LNER were, arguably, among the most successful of the wheel arrangement to be constructed in Britain. While a number were inherited from the pre-Grouping companies, most notably the North Eastern and Great Eastern, the design can be said to have come of age with two of the all-time classic types - Gresley's Class B17 and Thompson's Class B1. The former, with their evocative names linked to country houses in East Anglia and football teams in the area served by the LNER, and the latter, many named after African antelopes, were hugely successful. In the first of the new 'Modeller's Guide' series, Peter Swinger, whose earlier books for OPC on the various types of LNER 4-6-0s helped establish him as one of the leading experts on the subject, provides a detailed reference work to the many designs of 4-6-0 both inherited by and designed for the LNER.
Comprehensively illustrated throughout in both colour and mono, the book describes in depth each of the individual classes, providing readers with information useful in converting many of the proprietary models now available of the types. Along the excellent illustrative selection, the author's well-researched text is an excellent introduction to the history and operation of the various types.