Steam on Britain’s railways ended in 1968 - and the fifty years since have been a period of controversy and debate; has it been a time of progress and development, or under-investment and political meddling? Some would say that Beeching’s cuts led to an era of corporate monotony, whereas others would claim that the last half century has witnessed remarkable technological advancements, with innovations like the HST 125 and Crossrail.

Taking an often controversial viewpoint, and utilising a wealth of images, author Mark Lee Inman explores the rapid changes made on Britain’s railways over the last half century, decade by decade, considering whether it really has been a period of progress, from the end of steam right up to Crossrail, Class 88s and beyond.