Les Summers

The site that caters for serious followers of railways and those who like to read interesting new fiction or see striking new photography. But first we remind you of Les Summers book -

A New Update of Swindon Steam

which continues to attract good reviews. It was extensively reviewed in the December 2007 issue of

and the following has been extracted from their review -

...offers a thought-provoking interpretation of 'Swindonism', a blend of historical analysis and informed revisionism. This is not another chronological sweep of GWR traction, rather a series of self standing essays, well illustrated by some unusual graphics, including computerised reconstructions of that which was (Dean's 4-2-4T) and that which might have been (the counterfactual, handsome 4-8-0). Although an admirer of Churchward's fine achievements, notably of his inspired team-building, he does not hesitate to offer considered criticism, for example of Swindon's curious adherence to inside valve gears. There are some helpful case-studies, including a careful demythologising of the 'Hawksworth Pacific' story, or why the Great Bear 4-6-2 might have been built. Specialists in the theory and practice of the spread of technology will be stimulated by the author's work on the international GWR web, from Egypt to New South Wales. The American connection is investigated thoroughly; the similarities between the 2-6-2Ts of Churchward and the Central RR of New Jersey are pointed up revealingly, for example...
It offers a well-informed and highly readable critique. It will send a few torpedoes into the sleepy convoy of unexamined legends that characterises much of the uncritical wing of GWR literature. The author deserves credit for his provocative erudition and the GW Society for having the courage to publish his work, and at a reasonable price. '

has earlier written -

Of all the railway companies, possibly even worldwide, the Great Western was perhaps the one surrounded by the most mythology. The author of this book sets out to debunk some of the long-held myths of the Swindon age - from Dean 4-2-4T No.9, the history of which is surrounded by intrigue and conflicts, to a look at the conditions endured by GW footplate crews from the earliest days and - possibly of most interest to many readers - an incisive account of what 'factual' evidence exists to support the theory of the Hawksworth 'Pacific'. Written in an academic style, this is not your normal 'railway' book but is all the better for it - facts seemingly taken for granted are debunked. Devotees of the Great Western should read this book as a matter of course.

Less than 100 copies remain for sale. Get yours now while you can!

A New Update of Swindon Steam

Not another book about GWR locomotives?
Yes, but this one is different.

This is not a history of the Great Western’s locomotives or of its train operation. It attempts to investigate the facts behind the myths and mysteries. What was life like for footplatemen and workshop employees? What is the truth about Dean’s fabulous 4-2-4T? The origins of the Churchward locomotive have long been known but little has been written about how and why, over many years these features came to be developed. Did the locomotive superintendants of some companies network their ideas and further, was GWR influence to be seen far away in such remote parts of the world as Egypt, Malaya and Australia? What alternatives were there to the disastrous dieselization policies of the 1950s? The author paints a broad canvas and tries with new research to get to grips with these and other questions. Click here for further information.

Last updated 13 Mar 2008 See new images on Photography page
	The site that caters for serious followers of railways and those who like to read interesting new fiction or see striking new photography. But first we remind you of Les Summers book -

	A New Update of Swindon Steam which continues to attract good reviews. It was extensively reviewed in the December 2007 issue of and the following has been extracted from their review - ...offers a thought-provoking interpretation of 'Swindonism', a blend of historical analysis and informed revisionism. This is not another chronological sweep of GWR traction, rather a series of self standing essays, well illustrated by some unusual graphics, including computerised reconstructions of that which was (Dean's 4-2-4T) and that which might have been (the counterfactual, handsome 4-8-0). Although an admirer of Churchward's fine achievements, notably of his inspired team-building, he does not hesitate to offer considered criticism, for example of Swindon's curious adherence to inside valve gears. There are some helpful case-studies, including a careful demythologising of the 'Hawksworth Pacific' story, or why the Great Bear 4-6-2 might have been built. Specialists in the theory and practice of the spread of technology will be stimulated by the author's work on the international GWR web, from Egypt to New South Wales. The American connection is investigated thoroughly; the similarities between the 2-6-2Ts of Churchward and the Central RR of New Jersey are pointed up revealingly, for example... It offers a well-informed and highly readable critique. It will send a few torpedoes into the sleepy convoy of unexamined legends that characterises much of the uncritical wing of GWR literature. The author deserves credit for his provocative erudition and the GW Society for having the courage to publish his work, and at a reasonable price. ' has earlier written - Of all the railway companies, possibly even worldwide, the Great Western was perhaps the one surrounded by the most mythology. The author of this book sets out to debunk some of the long-held myths of the Swindon age - from Dean 4-2-4T No.9, the history of which is surrounded by intrigue and conflicts, to a look at the conditions endured by GW footplate crews from the earliest days and - possibly of most interest to many readers - an incisive account of what 'factual' evidence exists to support the theory of the Hawksworth 'Pacific'. Written in an academic style, this is not your normal 'railway' book but is all the better for it - facts seemingly taken for granted are debunked. Devotees of the Great Western should read this book as a matter of course. Less than 100 copies remain for sale. Get yours now while you can!	A New Update of Swindon Steam contains 156 pages and well over 100 illustrations, many of which have never appeared in print or have not been seen for many years. It retails at £12.99 and is available only from the Didcot Railway Centre bookshop when the Centre is open, or by post (add £1.15 post and packing) from Great Western Retail Sales, Didcot Railway Centre, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 7NJ.




A New Update of Swindon Steam Not another book about GWR locomotives? Yes, but this one is different. This is not a history of the Great Western’s locomotives or of its train operation. It attempts to investigate the facts behind the myths and mysteries. What was life like for footplatemen and workshop employees? What is the truth about Dean’s fabulous 4-2-4T? The origins of the Churchward locomotive have long been known but little has been written about how and why, over many years these features came to be developed. Did the locomotive superintendants of some companies network their ideas and further, was GWR influence to be seen far away in such remote parts of the world as Egypt, Malaya and Australia? What alternatives were there to the disastrous dieselization policies of the 1950s? The author paints a broad canvas and tries with new research to get to grips with these and other questions. Click here for further information.