The Last Years of Steam Around North Wales

This book features unpublished railway photographs from North Wales, capturing the steam era through the lens of Ellis James-Robertson.

In The Last Years of Steam Around North Wales, readers are invited to explore a remarkable collection of railway photographs that capture the essence of North Wales from the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s. Compiled by film-maker and author Michael Clemens, this photo-book showcases mainly unpublished images taken by railway enthusiast Ellis James-Robertson, who dedicated much of his life to documenting the railways of his homeland. The book features a mix of both color and black-and-white photographs, accompanied by an informative commentary that provides context to the images and the era they depict.

Ellis, who was born in Wales and later resided in Worcester, amassed a significant collection of railway photography during his extensive travels across the country. While some of his work was published during the 1960s, much of it remained unseen until now. This book serves as a tribute to his passion for railways and offers a glimpse into a pivotal time in railway history, when steam locomotives were still the dominant force on the tracks.

The Last Years of Steam Around North Wales not only appeals to railway enthusiasts and modellers but also to those interested in local history. The book includes images from major British Rail standard-gauge lines as well as the narrow-gauge Penrhyn and Padarn slate systems, showcasing the diversity of railway operations in the region. Through this collection, the legacy of Ellis James-Robertson lives on, preserving a vital piece of railway heritage for future generations to appreciate.