Reservoir Builders of South Wales, by Harold D. Bowtell and Geoffrey Hill
Book published by the Industrial Locomotive Society in 2006, 130 pages. Hardback (N6961)
From the rear side cover: This book recalls the stirring tales' of men and machines engaged in the construction of the dams and reservoirs for the growing communities of South Wales. Many were sited in some of the more remote areas of the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains. An extensive network of temporary railways - both standard and narrow gauge - were laid down to carry not only the equipment and materials required, but also the workmen and even visiting civic dignitaries.
Harold Bowtell (1915-1999) died with less than 60 per cent of the coverage of this volume drafted and in bringing it to completion Geoffrey Hill has, where possible, retained the distinctive Bowtellian style of prose. The authors have succeeded in identifying and tracing the history of more than 80 different steam locomotives that were used in the construction works on these temporary lines.
As well as incorporating more than 30 years of research among Municipal and Water Authority papers, County Record Offices, Public and Society Library collections and other sources, extensive interviews were conducted with many of the men actually involved with the work. With the text complemented by detailed maps and a wonderful selection of vintage photographs, this book is a fascinating account for anyone interested in social and industrial history as well as steam locomotives and railways.
The book is illustrated throughout with lots of black and white photographs, diagrams and maps.
The condition of the book is generally excellent. The covers are clean and bright, the spine is tight and intact, and all pages are clean, intact, unblemished and tightly bound.