British Railcars 1900-1950

Plot

The British self-propelled passenger railcar came of age in the 1950s with the widespread introduction by British Railways of what became a ubiquitous fleet of Diesel Multiple Units, most of which have been well-recorded. But it took over 50 years for the concept of the DMU to emerge and this book is the first comprehensive review of the DMU's evolution from idea to reality. The slow development of steam railcars (both rigid framed and articulated) and the various experiments with petrol powered units are explained and the steps that led to the final creation of the diesel powered units with direct drive from engine to wheels is uncovered. With over 150 photos and line drawings, many hitherto unpublished, this book will provide hours of fascinating reading for both the railway buff and the modeler seeking accurate prototypes.