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Most of the vast workshops that produced this country’s rolling stock are now disused or demolished, including those at Darlington, Stratford, Cowlairs and Gateshead (although trains are still being refurbished at the one in Doncaster). Peter Tuffrey explores the history of the works, from their creation by the original rail companies, through their consolidation into the London and North Eastern Railway and conversion from steam to other forms of power, to their ultimate decline in the post-war period.

This collection of 250 photographs by the amateur photographer BWL Brooksbank depicts mainline and minor stations in the Greater London area from 1946–1962, spanning the final years of steam and the expansion of diesel and electrification. Along with images of freight trains, expresses and local trains there are pictures of staff engaged in their duties and dilapidated stations awaiting post-war renovation, with captions by prolific railway author Peter Tuffrey.