It is almost 50 years since High Speed Trains (HSTs) were introduced on the Great Western Main Line between London Paddington and South Wales via Bath and Bristol. For those lamenting the demise of steam trains, and unsatisfied by the diesel and electric locomotives that replaced them, this latest innovation heralded a renaissance in rail travel. The HST is now widely regarded as one of the most successful trains to operate on the rail network, significantly reducing journey times, improving reliability and increasing its customer base wherever it ran. Though many power cars have now come out of service and been exported, significant numbers remain, with many gathering in Scotland. The comprehensive selection of colour photographs in this book takes the reader west from London Paddington to some of the familiar haunts of the HST over several decades. Along the way, the great variety of liveries and changes to stations, signalling, the countryside and industrial landscape are all detailed, offering a nostalgic review of the country's more recent rail heritage.
