From Shedmaster to Railway Inspectorate
The physical changes on British Railways since the Second World War resulting from modernisation and the Beeching axe are well known. Less obvious have been the behind-the-scenes changes in management style and approach, attitudes towards staff, working conditions, and the often difficult and hazardous jobs necessary to keep even highly publicised steam locomotives in good and reliable condition. In over half a century of railway work Christian Hewison's service, from locomotive-works apprentice, shed- master and engineer to the Department of Transport's Railway Inspectorate, spans the period when steam reached its peak in the 1920s and 30s to the electrified and dieselised BR in the 1970s.
For 27 years he worked closely with loco- motives, having charge of several LNER running sheds. The name of Gresley might be uttered in hushed reverence but not after spending much time and effort putting right persistent defects which, had the design been right, should never have occurred. Yet this was a time when lower and middle management suggestions for improvements or even requests for salary reviews were regarded as criticism and held against them and future promotion prospects.
As Senior Employment Inspector in the Railway Inspectorate he investigated many staff accidents ranging from painters falling off the Tay bridge to level-crossing collisions and train derailments.
In this autobiographical account the author describes in anecdote and factual survey his experiences of what must be a unique railway career.
Hardback with dust jacket, 14x22cm, 176 pages, black & white photographs
Condition: Good/Very Good
ISBN: 9780715380741
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Updated: 2 April 2024