Ian Allan Combined Volume Reprints

[Halwynd]

Thinking of buying a couple of the Ian Allan Combined Volume books as reprinted by Crecy Publishing.

I'd like to look back at the steam locomotives and the names they carried. Can anyone confirm that the books do actually list the locomotive names as well as numbers? I'm thinking about buying the 1948 book (on public ownership) and perhaps one from the 1950s.

Any other recommendations or suggestions gratefully received!

 

[John Webb]

Yes, the Ian Allan books, whether individual regions or the combined volumes, contain loco names where applicable.
The format is the classes of locos with details of their weight, traction effort and other physical details followed by a numerical list of the numbers.
Combined volumes have the four regions, followed after by the BR standard steam locos, diesels and electrical stock.

 

[Halwynd]

Yes, the Ian Allan books, whether individual regions or the combined volumes, contain loco names where applicable.
The format is the classes of locos with details of their weight, traction effort and other physical details followed by a numerical list of the numbers.
Combined volumes have the four regions, followed after by the BR standard steam locos, diesels and electrical stock.

Great, many thanks for confirming.

 

[chrisjo]

Here's a page from the one I got for Xmas, 1964....

 

[Halwynd]

Here's a page from the one I got for Xmas, 1964....

View attachment 192879

It's curiosity to know the names of steam engines now long departed. Thanks for that - looks just the job.

 

[Gloster]

But names occasionally changed, either completely or with additions, so if you want to get the full picture, you need one of the specialist books. I have British Locomotive Names of the Twentieth Century by H.C.Casserley (Ian Allan, 1967 (Revised edition)) which organises them by class, but has some inaccuracies, and Locomotive Names by Jim Pike (History Press, 2009 (Revised edition?)), which organises them alphabetically and in which I have found only one or two errors. There may be other books: I have one from 1982 by E.Talbot just on BR-designed locos.

 

[Halwynd]

But names occasionally changed, either completely or with additions, so if you want to get the full picture, you need one of the specialist books. I have British Locomotive Names of the Twentieth Century by H.C.Casserley (Ian Allan, 1967 (Revised edition)) which organises them by class, but has some inaccuracies, and Locomotive Names by Jim Pike (History Press, 2009 (Revised edition?)), which organises them alphabetically and in which I have found only one or two errors. There may be other books: I have one from 1982 by E.Talbot just on BR-designed locos.

Another good tip, thank you too. The 1967 book is currently on Amazon at less than a tenner, so I think I'll buy that because I'd prefer lists by class.... and a couple of the Ian Allan books too, slightly early Christmas present to myself!

Thanks everyone again.

 

[Halwynd]

I ordered two of the Ian Allan Combined Volumes, which Amazon sent separately, and they arrived today.

Well, one of them did... I arranged for collection from an Amazon locker and was sent two collection codes, but only one worked. To be fair to Amazon, once I got past the AI nonsense, the customer service was excellent; the American lady I spoke to was exceptionally helpful and apologetic and a replacement has been dispatched already with quibble.

Anyway, I'm pleased with the volume I've received today. The quality is excellent and better than I was expecting. The cover price is £13.50 and I paid just over £10.

I'd be made up if Crecy reprinted the books from the 70s and 80s... I remember buying my first one in 1979 from John Menzies at Euston but they've been lost over the years.

 

[chrisjo]

I'd be made up if Crecy reprinted the books from the 70s and 80s...

I bought a few on ebay about two years ago.
1948, 1961, 1963, 1972, two of them good as new the other two well-loved. total cost £19. There's plenty there now.

 

[Halwynd]

I bought a few on ebay about two years ago.
1948, 1961, 1963, 1972, two of them good as new the other two well-loved. total cost £19. There's plenty there now.

I'm keeping an eye out on Ebay at the moment, but those I'm interested in tend to either be marked or go for silly money. £19 for the four is a good price.