The route from Euston to Carlisle has always been the 'Premier Line' and, in Roaming the West Coast Rails , Derek Cross has captured its atmosphere and beauty during the transition from steam to the diesel and electric era. Dealing briefly with the construction of the lines, the reader gains insight into the work of the engineers who built them: Joseph Locke, who followed the natural contours of the countryside in long, sweeping curves, and the Stephensons, who cut straight through them straighter than Roman roads. An expert photographer can capture the beauty of both landscape and locomotives. Derek Cross is one of these and the 200 images contained in this book will bring back to life the memories of a 'Duchess' storming Shap summit and show the younger enthusiast what working steam was really like.