The Riddles Standard Types in Traffic by G.F.Allen 1982

Last Updated on April 23, 2026

The Riddles Standard Types in Traffic by G.F.Allen 1982.

Imagine (or recall) for a moment that your delights were the engines of Churchward, Gresley, Stanier and Bulleid, to pick a few.

Think of your excitement and hopes centred on the 1948 Locomotive Exchanges, to find the engines which would be chosen to run over the whole system.

And then, understand your disbelief when Riddles said no-he would build a range of standard types.

Many felt that this would kill the appeal of steam. What a waste with so many fine machines just waiting for the summons. Who was this man Riddles anyway? But he did it- his engines made their mark, as this book shows.

He lost no time – a ‘Britannia’ was ready for the Festival of Britain in 1951. He only built twelve types and 999 locomotives before steam came off in 1968, but in this short time they ranged over more metals than any other previous class. They unexpectedly aroused interest and by their looks and performance quickly earned widespread affection. And this affection has kept them high in the nostalgia league table.

This book traces their careers from the cradle to the grave at Barry-and the resurrection of the chosen few. Conception, design, construction and above all, in traffic.

With photographs which were specially chosen to show what versatile machines they were.

This book was previously for sale at Margot’s Books. The shop is now closed — this post is kept as an archive record only.