This, the latest book from noted author Ron Preston, tells the story of the New South Wales Railways 48 class branch line units that proved to be the most numerous class of diesel electric locomotive in Australia. From the introduction of 4801 in September 1959 until October 1970, A.E. Goodwin built 165, which were destined to operate over virtually every track on the system and to haul every type of train from single-vehicle freights to air-conditioned expresses. In pairs, triples, quads and even five units, they hauled heavy and lengthy trains over main lines and pioneer branches.

This book tells the story of their introduction, their problems, modifications, the variations within the group and the scope of operations. Add a number of accounts of journeys of a highly unusual nature and you have a book invaluable to the modeller, historian and student of locomotives. A full colour section shows the many liveries worn by the 48s during their careers, past and present while line diagrams add to the books value as a reference. Both the Silverton Tramway and the South Australian Railways acquired generally similar units and these are also covered in this informative and entertaining volume.

48 BACKBONE OF THE RAILWAYS by noted railway author Ron Preston follows the same format as his previous productions If not available in your local hobby shop or book shop, order direct from SCR PUBLICATIONS ORDER YOUR COPY NOW!

This 210mm x 275mm, 168 page with hard cover book has 24 pages of colour.