GWR Switch and Crossing Practice, by David J. Smith

From the rear side cover: This book provides an informed account of an important but neglected aspect of GWR practice. Based on information drawn from official sources it relates primarily to the period from the mid 1930s to the mid 1950s, though reference is also made, where appropriate, to the practice in other periods. Its comprehensive coverage includes switches, crossings, leads, diamonds, compounds, catch points, crossover roads and much more besides. Photographs and specially prepared drawings illustrate various features of the prototype. Appendices on design calculations and the preparation of templates are complemented by a set of tables of dimensional data, all of which will enable the GWR modeller to design and build crossing work which is accurate and authentic in its portrayal of original items. Whilst invaluable for modeller, the book will have a wider appeal to anyone who has an interest in the subject.

The author, who is a recently retired chartered civil engineer, began his career in the mid 1950s with the Western Region of British Railways. He worked in the District Engineer's Office, Newport as well as in the Chief Civil Engineer's Office at Paddington and on New Works construction on site. His experience of permanent way was not only in design hut also in the laying in of new work and the relaying and maintenance of existing track. In the early 1960s, with the first Beeching report in prospect and the contraction of the railway system already wider way, he decided reluctantly and with regret to leave the railway industry and purse his career elsewhere in the sphere of municipal and county highway engineering. A long-standing interest in the GWR and is modelling, and an awareness of the lack of authoritative published information on that company's switch and crossing practice, led him to make good the latter deficiency in some measure by researching and writing this book.

The condition of the book is generally good. The covers have some minor scuffs, and light wear along the edges and corners, but the spine is intact and all pages are intact and tightly bound. There is some light foxing to the outside page leaves