The book concentrates on the London Midland Region in the final years of steam traction covering the period 1948 to 1966.All major London Midland Region towns and cities are represented. - A fascinating collection of hithertounpublished black and white photographs by former Senior British Medical Council researcher, Ben Brooksbank. - Over 275 photographs are included. - The photographs show remarkable clarity even though photographic materials were difficult to obtain during the immediate post-war period. - Many different classes of locomotives are featured, ranging from the old Midland and LNWR engines ready for withdrawal in the late 1940s, the ex- MR Johnson 0-6-0s which would survive a little longer, the Fowler classes quietly going about their business, the Stanier Class 5 and 8Fs covered in grime, but still efficient, while a bit of 'glamour' is provided by (some) neatly turned out named 'Jubilee' 4-6-0s and 'Coronation' Pacifics.The next generation of locomotives - the BR Standards - also appear, with the 'Britannia' Pacifics included along with Class 5 4-6-0s, Class 4 4-6-0s, Class 4 2-6- 0s, Class 3 2-6-2Ts and the heavy freight 9F 2-10-0s. - Photographs have been taken from the line-side, on station platforms, on shed, around a number of Works and along lines which have long since disappeared. - The captions are well researched and include locomotive details as well as historical information about the various routes, stations and other architectural features