In this book, the Haslgrove Railway Series takes us to Leicestershire for the Great Central Railway. A part of the former “Great Central” mainline from London to Sheffield and Nottingham, the “new” Great Central Railway runs from Loughborough to Leicester North. Originally closed by British Railways in 1969, a keen bunch of volunteers where keen not to see this section of line disappear and launched a preservation bid. It’s now a big player in the Heritage Railway scene with regular steam and heritage diesel operations.

The Great Central Railway can boast to be the only “double track” heritage railway in the UK, so is the only place where you can be travelling behind a steam locomotive and pass another steam hauled train travelling in the opposite direction.

This book will take you on a photographic journey along the 8 mile line. You’ll see the fantastic collection of locomotives, historic rolling stock and the fantastic restored stations. Some of the photographs also catch that “lucky moment” when two steam trains pass each other at speed.

Railway Photographer and Halsgrove Railway Series regular Matt Allen has been joined by his friend and fellow established railway photographer Warwick Falconer in producing this collection of over 150 atmospheric photographs.

Matt Allen has been interested in railways for as long as he can remember. His father was a fireman in the steam days and latterly a driver for British Rail, so an interest in railways was in the blood.

Most weekends will find Matt photographing steam trains somewhere, covering many miles all over the country. Every autumn also sees the launch of his annual “Steam Railway Calendar” showcasing his best pictures from the year.

He is a regular contributor to the railway media, specifically Railway Magazine.

Imprint: Halsgrove. ISBN 978 1 84114 898 4, hardback, 214x230mm, 144 pages.