Discovering Railwayana

Just a quick post on a book I recently purchased from an honesty box the other day for 25p. It’s a guide entitled ‘Discovering Railwayana’ by Donald J Smith and was part of a larger series of  ‘Discovering’ guides that featured such obscure (but equally as enticing) titles as Inn signs of Britain, Horse Brasses, The Folklore of Industry and Devon.

From what I can glean from the inside cover, the series was upright in the early 1970′s with this particular guide being published in 1971. The guides were intended as a comprehensive focus on the ins and outs of collecting vintage railway tat – a subject which probably deserves a post in it’s own right.

It’s full of curious illustrations and hilarious photos, including perhaps my favourite hobby photo of all time (above), which I only noticed on closer inspection at home. It appears that the engine behind the proud looking W. J. Bassett-Lowke has let out an ungodly pall of steam at the precise moment the photographer took the picture. Is it just me or is this alone a legitimate reason to buy this guide? The idea of these grown-men riding these mini steam engines around in their dapper suits both tickles me and confuses me at the same time.

Here’s a list of other titles in the series – just look at those splendid covers. For the record… This book was only 30p (net) when it was brand new in 1971. I saved 5p. Poop Poop!