Railways: books - history and rolling stock (1/2)

Rail Atlas Europe

A translated edition of a European railway atlas originally published in Germany by Schweers & Wall in 2013. It covers all the countries in Europe up to the Russian, Belorussian and Ukranian borders. The mapping is at 1:2 000 000 scale to enable clear representation of each line in each country (names of lines are shown) together with all significant stations.

There is additional detailed mapping of the rail systems in the major urban centres of Europe. Single and double track is differentiated, as well as electrically operated lines. Tourist or preserved railways and narrow gauge lines are also shown.

Other features shown on the mapping include marshalling yards, intermodal stations (container terminals), combined rail-road transport, stations with timber loading, logistics statations, locations of gauge conversion, motive power depots, mines, ferries, tramways, cableways, metro systems and airports.
A useful and detailed introduction outlines how the pan-European rail network works, and there are detailed maps on special features such as high-speed stretches, scenic rail routes, railways in books and films and summaries of national rail system operations. There is also an extensive index.

All those planning to travel by rail in Europe or just interested in the railway networks of the various countries in Europe will find this book a practical and informative guide.

Rails Across Europe : Northern and Western Europe

The first of two volumes covering the North and West of the continent. The photos were taken by David Cable, a well-regarded author of several photographic albums of trains throughout the world, supplemented by a few taken by friends.

The books show pictures of modern traction mainly from the 1980s to the current era, covering the huge variety of classes - locomotives as well as multiple units - and the panoply of colour schemes that continue to grow.
The photos were taken both at railway stations and in the countryside and give a wide range of locations. The first volume covers Scandinavia, the Baltic states, Germany, Poland, the Benelux countries, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Rails Across Europe : Eastern and Southern Europe

The two volumes covering Rails Across Europe are divided into one covering the North and West of the continent, the other dealing with the South and East. The photos were taken by David Cable, well-regarded author of several photographic albums of trains throughout the world, supplemented by a few taken by friends.

The books show pictures of modern traction mainly from the 1980s up to the current era, showing the huge variety of classes - locomotives as well as multiple units - and the panoply of colour schemes that continue to grow. The photos were taken both at railway stations and in the countryside and give a wide range of locations.

The first volume covers Scandinavia, the Baltic states, Germany, Poland, the Benelux countries, the United Kingdom and Ireland.
This second volume deals with France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Austria and the majority of Central European and Balkan countries, which had been in the former Soviet Eastern Block.