Miniature Railway Books

Directories of Miniature Railways to Visit

Light & Miniature Railway Locomotives of Great Britain by ES Tonks Birmingham Locomotive Club, this title was one of several in the 'Pocket Book Series' giving details of all past and present industrial locomotives. Prepared in 'ABC' format, includes railways from 7.25" to standard gauge. Brief reference to location and stock with a sprinkling of photos. Simple card cover, 139mm x 110mm, 44 pages, 24 b & w photos, Each copy uniquely numbered. Published by Birmingham Locomotive Club, 1950. Out of print. Second hand copies are extremely scarce. May have rusty staples.
ABC Miniature Railways by B.G.Wilson Essential starting point of any UK miniature railway enthusiast’s book collection. Features many railways that are no longer in existence such as Christchurch, Chessington, Dudley, Weymouth Lake & others. Soft back, two colour card cover, 102mm x 152mm, 64 pages, 57 b & w photos, Published by Ian Allan, 1961. Out of print. Second hand copies are usually found in good condition, but may have rusty staples.
Miniature Steam Locomotives by G.Woodcock The author traces the history of the development of the miniature steam locomotive and the popular gauges. Includes an 'ABC' directory of miniature lines and unusually miniature locomotive builders. One chapter is devoted to the construction practises of the principal builders. Soft back, black & whitecard cover, 137mm x 216mm, 80 pages, 31 b & w photos, 6 drawings. Published by David & Charles, 1964. Original price of 16 shillings. Out of print. Extremely scarce.
Miniature Railways by Robin Butterell Basically an update of and companion to Wilson’s 1961 ABC but for some reason this edition by Robin does not have ABC in its title. Again features many railways sadly no longer in existence including the Hilton Valley Railway and the Saltwood Miniature Railway. Softback, card cover, 120mm x 185mm, 72 pages, 64 b & w photos and location map. Published Ian Allan, 1966. Out of print. Unfortunately due to the type of glue binding, second hand copies in mint condition are extremely scarce.
ABC Miniature Railways by Townsend, Holroyd & Butterell This 1st edition by the current team of authors was published by Ian Allan in 1998.The 1st ABC Miniature Railways was by B.G.Wilson in the early sixties followed by an edition edited by Robin Butterell circa late sixties/early seventies), is a pocket guide to over 160 miniature railways in the UK that are open to the public. Each entry includes location and contact details where available, a short description and locomotive list. With a black & white photo on most pages but not of every line. Softback, glossy colour card cover, 122 x 183mm, 96 pages.ISBN 0-7110-2593-2. Out of print. Surprisingly, second hand copies are currently scarce.
ABC Miniature Railways - 2nd Edition by Townsend, Holroyd & Butterell Published by Ian Allan, April 2000. This latest, 2nd edition by the current team of editors,(the first ABC Miniature Railways was by B.G.Wilson in the early sixties followed by an edition edited by Robin Butterell circa late sixties/early seventies), is a pocket guide to over 160 miniature railways in the UK that are open to the public. Each entry includes location and contact details where available, a short description and locomotive list. With a black & white photo on most pages but not of every line. Softback, glossy colour card cover, 122 x 183mm, 96 pages.ISBN 0-7110-2713-7. New copies are still available.
A Source Book of Miniature & Narrow Gauge Railways by Geoffrey Kitchenside One of a series of ‘Source’ books featuring transport published by Ward Lock in 1981. Features a goodly number of miniature railways open to the public at that time as well as narrow gauge railways. Hardback, 169mm x 119mm, 128 pages, 96 B & W photos. ISBN 0-7063-6070-2. Out of print. Second hand copies occasional available.
A Survey of Seaside Miniature Railways by DJ Croft Published by The Oakwood Press in 1992. Although lambasted by the critics as having some factual errors, this book remains a useful addition to any enthusiasts library. Mr Croft takes us on a tour of the seaside miniature railways, past and present of England, Scotland & Wales including a brief history of each line we visit. Softback, two colour card cover, A5 format, 136 pages , 118 b & w photos, plus maps. ISBN 0 85361-418-0. Now out of print. Surprisingly second hand copies are quite scarce
Miniature Railways Stockbook & Guide by RH Leithead A directory of miniature railways with lists of the resident locomotives Appears to have been self published and printed by the author at Narrotrack Ltd in 1975 at a cover price of 50p. The booklet has 32 pages with card cover with 18 rather poor quality B&W photos and a very small typeface.