British and Irish Fire Appliances of the Twenty-first Century - John A. Godwin - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

John Godwin looks at fire appliances in use over the last quarter of a century, referencing many of the UK and Ireland’s public fire-and-rescue services, as well as reviewing many airport fire-service fleets and industrial and private firefighting operations.

Containers by Rail in the UK - John Jackson - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

The importance of our railways in the movement of sea containers cannot be overstressed. Industry figures suggest that one in four of all containers arriving at UK ports move onwards via the UK rail network. This is particularly significant to the railfreight sector given the dramatic downturn in coal traffic in recent years.Four of the country’s major players in the freight sector – Freightliner, DB Cargo, GB Railfreight and Direct Rail Services – all move significant volumes of container traffic to almost all parts of the UK. This book takes a look at these movements, from the major ports of Felixstowe and Southampton to destinations as far afield as Bristol and the Scottish Highlands.John Jackson takes an in-depth look at the diversity of locomotives and container wagons used on these services provided by these key players on our twenty-first-century railway.

The Private Life of Edward IV - John Ashdown Hill - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

From the moment it became public news, the validity of Edward’s marriage to Elizabeth Widville, the beautiful widow of a Lancastrian knight, was repeatedly called into question. This alarmed Elizabeth Widville and led her into political killings. She was terrified that she would lose her crown and that her children by the king would never succeed to the throne. But after Edward’s death a bishop publicly announced that he had previously married the king to Lady Eleanor Talbot. As a result, Edward’s children by Elizabeth, including his eldest son and heir to the throne, Edward, were then declared illegitimate, making Edward’s brother Richard the legitimate heir to the throne. Later, claims were put forward that Edward had numerous mistresses and left behind many illegitimate children.Dr John Ashdown-Hill, a central figure in the Looking for Richard Project and a renowned Richard III historian with a special talent for getting behind the mythology of history, now turns his attention to Richard’s eldest brother, Edward IV. He unravels the complex web of stories around Edward’s private life, discussing the truth behind Edward’s reputation. Did Edward have numerous mistresses? Did he produce many bastards? Who was his legal wife? And what caused the early death of Eleanor Talbot?

US Air Force Bases in the UK - Paul Bingley - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

When Winston Churchill delivered his famous ‘Iron Curtain’ speech in 1946, he mentioned two words now engrained in Anglo-American terminology - ‘special relationship’. Nowhere is the ‘special relationship’ more evident than in the scores of airfields used by the United States Army Air Forces during the Second World War. Today, just a handful remain in active service. Yet they continue to bind the United Kingdom and United States together.US Air Force Bases in the UK examines the history and continuing use of modern-day British airfields by the US Air Force. It also chronicles the many others that survived the Second World War, but not the passage of time.While most have been reclaimed by agriculture, one thing that still endures is the ‘special relationship’. This book retraces its concrete paths.

The Story of Caravans International - Andrew Jenkinson - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

The changing fortunes of the largest UK producer of caravans and motorhomes

David Shepherd: The Artist and His Railways - J. C. Jeremy Hobson - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

The artist and conservationist David Shepherd had a lifelong interest in railways. They were not only the subject of many of his paintings, but he also actively supported railway preservation in the UK and abroad. He was instrumental in setting up the East Somerset Railway and owned a number of steam locomotives, the most famous of which were Class 9F Black Prince, later sold to the North Norfolk Railway, and BR 4MT The Green Knight, later sold to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. In this book J. C. Jeremy Hobson, professional author and David Shepherd’s youngest son-in-law, has drawn on family archives, paintings, drawings and photographs, private diaries and reminiscences to create a unique portrait of a remarkable man’s lifelong interest in railways with examples of his stunning paintings of steam locomotives, showing these magnificent machines in their full working glory.

Sealink British Ferries - Ian Collard - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

Sealink’s antecedents go back to the packet boats of the days before steam. The invention of the steam engine greatly assisted the development of the railways and led to the growth of the packet boats. The private railway companies recognised the need for an integrated transport system which included operating services across the sea routes.The Big Four railway companies were nationalised in 1948 and their shipping services came under the control of the British Transport ommission. In 1968 a Shipping and International Services Division of the British Railways Board was formed. This separate division operated under the brand name of Sealink. In 1979 the assets of the Shipping and International Services Division were transferred to Sealink UK Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary company.With a wealth of previously unpublished images, Ian Collard tells the fascinating story of this unique shipping company.

40 Years of Class 90 Locomotives - John Jackson - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

John Jackson highlights the diversity of Class 90 locomotives with photographs from all electrified corners of the UK railway network across their four decades at work.

Leyland Atlanteans - Howard Wilde - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

From its launch in 1958, the Leyland Atlantean played a pivotal role in the British bus industry. The first double-deck bus in the UK to offer the now commonplace layout of front entrance and rear engine, the Atlantean enjoyed an uninterrupted production run of nearly thirty years, with examples put into service throughout the United Kingdom and beyond.In this book, Howard Wilde reflects on the later years, from the end of production in the mid-1980s to the present day, featuring a colourful selection of Atlanteans in different roles. The selection pays tribute to this true workhorse of the UK bus industry: a bus that will, at some time or other, have transported many members of the UK bus-using population to work, school or play.

Fierce Chemistry - Harry Shapiro - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

In July 1920, when the first Dangerous Drugs Act was passed, the UK drug scene was limited to small groups of Soho night people smoking opium and sniffing coke, and some middle- and upper-class people (mainly women) around the country quietly getting private morphine prescriptions from their GP. Now, more than a century on, we have hundreds of thousands of people using a whole smorgasbord of different drugs. How did that happen?The nineteenth century saw scientific developments whose unintended consequences laid the foundations for the modern explosion of recreational and chronic drug use, which has in turn sparked a worldwide effort to stop it. At first encouraged by the commercial opportunities afforded by widespread ‘cures’ – many consisting of little more than heroin or cocaine – by the twentieth century a moral crusade had gathered force to curb this new social ill.In truth, although the dangers of drug use were very real, the origins of the war against drugs stemmed from wider fears in society. In this new book, the culmination of a lifetime of research and writing on the topic, Harry Shapiro isolates the different elements behind the war on drugs to present an issue reaching boiling point. Using a range of interviews, documentation, private papers, government archives and studies from the Institute for the Study of Drug Dependence, Shapiro synthesises a tale of crime, money, politics and exploitation bigger than any country.

Fierce Chemistry - Harry Shapiro - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

In July 1920, when the first Dangerous Drugs Act was passed, the UK drug scene was limited to small groups of Soho night people smoking opium and sniffing coke, and some middle- and upper-class people (mainly women) around the country quietly getting private morphine prescriptions from their GP. Now, exactly 100 years on, we have hundreds of thousands of people using a whole smorgasbord of different drugs. How did that happen?The nineteenth century saw scientific developments whose unintended consequences laid the foundations for the modern explosion of recreational and chronic drug use, which has in turn sparked a worldwide effort to stop it. At first encouraged by the commercial opportunities afforded by widespread ‘cures’ – many consisting of little more than heroin or cocaine – by the twentieth century a moral crusade had gathered force to curb this new social ill.In truth, although the dangers of drug use were very real, the origins of the war against drugs stemmed from wider fears in society. In this new book, the culmination of a lifetime of research and writing on the topic, Harry Shapiro isolates the different elements behind the war on drugs to present an issue reaching boiling point. Using a range of interviews, documentation, private papers, government archives and studies from the Institute for the Study of Drug Dependence, Shapiro synthesises a tale of crime, money, politics and exploitation bigger than any country.

Volvo Lorries - Bill Reid - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

Car production at Volvo began in 1926 in Stockholm with a prototype. By 1927 small goods vehicles based on the car designs were in production at Gothenburg, and heavier three-tonners were being produced by 1928.Already known for their robust cars, Volvo lorries first came to British roads in 1967 after Jim McKelvie, a former road haulier, saw the need for better trucks than UK manufacturers were producing at the time, and imported the Volvo F86 model as a 30/32 ton artic unit. The lorry was light, had a high power-to-weight ratio and provided incomparable comfort for the driver. It took the UK market by storm.This early import was the forerunner of later Volvo trucks across the entire range, with various models of bus chassis also being introduced to the UK markets. Volvo production has gone forward in leaps and bounds, today being a major player on the world stage.Though a relative newcomer to the UK scene, Volvos have gained a very large following. Lavishly illustrated with rare and unpublished photographs, Volvo Lorries traces their history in Britain from the early F86 imports of the 1960s to the FH16 750 bhp fleet flagships seen on the roads today.

Britain’s Rail Network Today - Adam Head - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

Over the last few years the UK rail network has been going through a transformative period, changing rail travel for many different people. New train operators and new trains have revolutionised the way we travel.In this book Adam Head utilises a number of previously unpublished images to illustrate the many changes that have affected the UK rail network, including the introduction of new operators and demise of others, the network’s latest trains, and livery changes from the around the country. A wide variety of operators and rolling stock are featured here, as Britain’s rail scene faces new challenges on the tracks and in stations.

MGR Coal Trains - Mike Rhodes - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

As electricity became more widely used to power and light Britain’s towns and cities a number of municipal boroughs built their own power stations. In the early years these were inevitably fed by coal, of which the UK had a plentiful supply.In the 1960s and early 1970s the government embarked on a programme of constructing new power stations. The majority of these were constructed with direct rail-connected on-site coal handling facilities and thus was born the Merry-Go-Round, or MGR, coal train.The book features a UK panorama of a wide variety of coal trains on the move, with previously unpublished images from across many years and locations.

Volvo Buses and Coaches - Howard Berry - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

It seems impossible to think that a company who imported their first passenger vehicle into Britain in 1972 would, less than twenty years later, take over what was once Britain’s largest passenger and commercial vehicle manufacturer. It is a testament to the quality of Volvo’s products that they are one of the most popular chassis on the road today.Covering Volvo from their entry into the UK market, this book gives an overview of all the models to enter the UK market. With a brief description of each chassis type and 180 photographs, all in colour and with informative captions, it showcases Volvo’s products in their operating heyday.

Touring by Bus and Coach - Richard Walter - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

Tours are a common part of the itinerary of holidaymakers in the UK. There are long-distance tours, using the most modern coaches fitted with the latest seating and features for both passenger and driver comfort and relaxation, and local tours using modern single- and vintage double-deck buses both open- and closed-top. With an array of themed tours available, the choice is endless.Join Richard Walter as he travels around the UK and beyond to offer a flavour of how the tour business has blossomed and continues to grow. The book is illustrated throughout with images featuring scenic and contrasting locations, showcasing the variety of buses and coaches used in the touring industry.

Scania Buses and Coaches - Howard Berry - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

From a collaboration with MCW to produce buses in the 1970s through to the powerful luxury coaches of today, Scania vehicles are a familiar sight on the roads of Britain. Known for their levels of reliability, power and style, they are a popular choice for local bus services, as well as high-end coach operations.Covering the period from the start of Scania’s entry into the UK market up to the present day, this book gives an overview of all the models to enter the UK market. With a brief description of each chassis type and 180 photographs, most in colour and all with informative captions, it showcases Scania’s products in their operating heyday.

Crane Locomotives - John Woodhams - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

The first cranes mounted on railway wheels were hand-operated, but by the mid-nineteenth century several builders had fitted steam engines and boilers to enhance lifting capabilities, though initially these machines were not self-propelled, but merely portable. By the 1860s self-propelled cranes were offered and gradually designs were developed for more specialised uses, such as dealing with accidents or for quarrying.A crane locomotive is a conventional steam locomotive, built or subsequently fitted with a crane jib. The first example was a locomotive converted by the London & North Western Railway in 1866. Other railways followed with their own conversions, and three main line companies even built a small number new. These were all mainly employed for shunting and loading in workshop areas. Private firms also designed and built specialist crane locomotives for use in heavy industry, such as shipyards and steelworks, where they proved to be extremely versatile, with the last examples working into the early 1970s. While over 200 were built in the UK, for both domestic service and export, these fascinating machines have been largely overlooked by the railway historian and enthusiast.

Robin Hood and Other ITC Swashbuckling Collectibles - John Buss - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

From the mid-1950s through to the late 1970s Sir Lew Grade’s company ITC (Incorporated Television Company) were quite possibly the most dominant force in British television. The earliest series from this new company were predominantly swashbucklers or, more accurately, historical action adventure shows. The Adventures of Robin Hood was the first of these shows, proving to be extremely successful both in the UK and USA.It was soon followed by other shows of the same ilk. ITV channels in the UK quickly becoming dominated by not only Robin Hood, but other ITC programs including The Adventures of Sir Lancelot, William Tell, The Count of Monte Cristo, The Adventures of the Scarlet Pimpernel, The Buccaneers, Sword of Freedom and the last of ITC’s swashbucklers, Sir Francis Drake.

Bus Breakers of the UK - Keith A. Jenkinson - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

Steel City - Ian D. (sheffield Hallam University Uk) Rotherham - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

Ian D. Rotherham offers an illustrated history of Sheffield, one of Britain's great industrial centres.

HCB Angus A Pictorial Record - Aidan Fisher - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

HCB-ANGUS produced some 6,500 fire engines in their factory at Totton, Southampton, for fire services all around the world, and for many UK Brigades. The author presents a pictorial record, in chronological order, of some of the more significant designs, each with an informative caption. All types of appliance are shown, from UK domestic to refinery, military, and aviation, and from Land Rover to massive Thornycroft Nubian - they made them all. Needless to say, only a fraction of the total production is illustrated, but this book contains a good representative sample. The author has had exclusive access to the company''s archive of photographs, as well as technical papers and brochures preserved by the company and now in his custody, to produce this photographic account. Aidan Fisher, a member of the Fire Service Preservation Group, lives in Manchester

Pokemon Collectibles - Lisa Courtney - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

In February 1996, two games were unleashed in Japan: Pocket Monsters Red and Pocket Monsters Green. A few years later, the UK received their own versions - Pokémon Redand Pokémon Blue. Very few could predict how far these games would go, and just how many hearts they would capture. Now, more than twenty years later, the franchise continues to delight and entertain a brand new generation, while still keeping older fans hooked. Over these years, a huge amount of collectibles has been created, encompassing all 800+ Pokémon in some way or form.Catch ‘em all as you join us on a journey across the various regions of the Pokémon world and take a look at the vast array of Pokémon merchandise from the UK and Japan, starting at Kanto and stopping at Galar for a glimpse into the future.

The Last Days of Second Generation EMUs on the Main Line - Adam Head - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

As time goes by, progression is always happening across the UK rail network, and a major aspect of this is the trains that operate on the network. The replacement of the trains is a significant part of this process. Train operating companies around the country periodically undertake the removal of some of their life-expired, older trains in preparation for newer, much more modern units to take over the day-to-day operations of passenger work as the numbers of people travelling on the railways rises every year. Once removed from service, the next destination of these units varies as they are either transferred, stored or sent for scrap.With fascinating illustrations and informative captions, Adam Head looks at the final months of a variety of elderly EMUs operating all over the UK network in their many different liveries and locations.

Stagecoach in the Twenty-First Century - Keith A. Jenkinson - Bog - Amberley Publishing - Plusbog.dk

Carrying on the story of Stagecoach, this volume looks at the company’s continuing growth across the UK and its various overseas ventures, which took it to Hong Kong, mainland Europe, the USA, Canada and New Zealand. In addition to its ongoing expansion and the continual upgrading of its bus and coach fleet, it also introduced numerous innovative ventures including Magicbus, megabus and Stagecoach Gold, all of which heralded new travel concepts across the UK and overseas.No doubt, in the years ahead, Stagecoach will continue to expand whenever, and wherever, opportunities arise, and also continue in its bid to further minimise the impact of its operations on the environment with an increase in alternatively powered buses, including hybrid, gas, hydrogen and electric.Here, Keith A. Jenkinson brings the Stagecoach story up to the present time, leaving no stone unturned and illustrating it fully with colour photography.