Bøker av Mark Pike

This book begins with a look at the British Rail (BR) Class 86 electric locomotives, which were introduced in the 1960s and worked the West Coast Main Line (WCML). The next section highlights the BR Class 87s, which were based upon the 86s and designed to deal with the more demanding gradients of the northern half of the WCML. Following this comes the Class 90s, which were built for mixed-traffic duties and introduced during the final years of BR. Lastly, the Driving Van Trailers (more commonly known as DVTs), a purpose-built control car that allows the driver to operate a locomotive in push-pull formation, are covered.

The Class 57 diesel locomotive was an outgrowth of the tremendously successful and iconic Class 47. Rebuilt from redundant Class 47s by Brush Traction at Loughborough between 1998 and 2003, the 33 resulting Class 57s are themselves divided into three sub-classes for differing purposes. Twelve are Class 57/0 for Freightliner to haul intermodal trains; 16 are 'Thunderbirds', commissioned by Virgin Trains to rescue failed Class 390 electric units on the West Coast Main Line; and five are dedicated to passenger use on Great Western Railway's 'Night Riviera' sleeper service. Featuring an EMD V12 two-stroke diesel engine and other modifications, the conversions represented a considerable cost saving over that of building completely new locomotives. Known irreverently as 'bodysnatchers', the Class 57s have filled a gap in available traction for the last two decades and the fleet is intact today, continuing to see use with various TOCs and have a future ensured by overhaul. All 33 locos are depicted in this volume, with over 200 images, showing the Class 57s in a variety of duties over the last 20 years.

This book features over 180 images of locomotives from classes 20âEUR"27, operating across the UK.

Carrying on from his first EC Electrics volume, which focussed on classes 86, 87, 90 and Driving Van Trailers (commonly known as DVTs), this book examines classes 91, 92 and DVTs around the UK. The British Rail (BR) Class 91 is a high-speed electric locomotive, which was ordered as a component of the East Coast Main Line modernisation and electrification programme of the late 1980s. The BR Class 92 is a dual-voltage electric locomotive, which was designed specifically to operate services through the Channel Tunnel between Great Britain and France.

This book looks at the Class 56 and Class 58 locomotives and their service around the UK.

Illustrated with over 150 images from around the country, this book charts the routes and services undertaken by the BR Class 159s.

Beautifully illustrated with over 150 images from around the country, this book charts the routes and services undertaken by the BR Class 47s.

The Class 66 was intended for more general use, rather than being used for just one specific purpose. They have now been in service for over 20 years and have proved very reliable and capable locos. This volume covers the Class 66/0s from their early days up to the present at various locations around the UK.

In the mid-1980s, one of British Rail's major customers of heavy block trains bought their own locos. They eventually agreed a deal with the US firm General Motors to provide them with the locos designated as Class 59s. They are now over 30 years old and are still working. With over 230 images, this book shows the Class 59s through the years.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, most of the current locomotives in use on the national network were becoming very tired and ever more unreliable. It was during this time that EWS took over the large bulk of freight operations in the UK, and they quickly realized that major changes were needed.

In the late 1990s, EWS needed something with a bit more performance, as well as electric train supply, for hauling charter and mail trains. The Class 67s were also pushed into other areas of work, including light freight and passenger services. Containing 220 images, this book covers all 30 locos in the class during their first 20 years in service.

For 40 years, the High-Speed Train (HST) was the mainstay of express services for many train operators in the UK. This book covers their service across the UK.

The Class 60 was the last truly British-built diesel locomotive design and 100 in total went to Railfreight. Towards the end of the 2000s almost all the locos were put into store. However, in the early 2010s, a small fleet of Class 60s were rebuilt. With over 190 photos, this volume looks at the Class 60s from the 1990s through the 2010s.

Although in the late 1970s they were frowned upon for replacing a number of loco-hauled services, the High-Speed Train was a mainstay for many train operators in the UK. It was in the former Western Region of BR that they first served. In 2019, they were withdrawn. With over 190 photos, this book details the WR locations where the HSTs operated.

Describes and evaluates various changes to English teaching brought about by initiatives such as the Literacy Strategy, the 'A' levels and the requirement to focus on spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. This book helps teachers to foster keen readers, writers and communicators.