During the 1970s steam locomotives still played a big part in the operation of train services on the Deutsche Reichsbahn in the German Democratic Republic. On the main lines steam still worked a lot of important passenger services, including the express trains between Berlin and Dresden, as well as a lot of freight traffic. Steam was also responsible for most of the trains on the surviving narrow gauge lines – some of which can still be seen in action today.

Despite being behind the Iron Curtain, East Germany was probably the easiest of those countries to take train photographs without being arrested – particularly if you went on a tour organised by one of the British enthusiast clubs. These images were captured on trips such as these and, while not being welcomed with open arms, visitors were at least allowed quite a lot of freedom.

Featuring many of the different locomotives and trains that could be seen in East Germany in the 1970s, George Woods presents a fascinating and illuminating selection of photographs sure to interest any steam enthusiast.

•  Rare and unpublished images
• A fascinating glimpse at steam behind the Iron Curtain
•  Latest Amberley railway title