Locomotive Headboards

The practice of naming trains has a long history. The ‘Irish Mail’ was known thus, unofficially, from about 1848 and the ‘Flying Scotsman’ from 1862. However, official recognition of these titles did not come until many years later, and engine headboards later still. The first headboards for titled trains were introduced by the North British Railway in 1912 and the last by Virgin Trains in 1996. Dave Peel’s guide to the subject aims to provide a comprehensive history. It covers all named trains that ran with headboards. Differing designs are examined in detail, while variations in material, shape and style are fully explored. Over 400 outstanding photographs are included. This is an invaluable reference source for all railway historians, while railway modellers will also find it of great assistance.