The LNER Encyclopedia

I have for some years enjoyed 'The Big Four in Colour' by Edgington, Jenkinson and Smart. Within its pages the second section covering the LNER far exceeds in beauty the combined charms of the other three* group sections - naturally enough - and is especially graced by a selection of photographs drawn from the Philip Colebourn collection. Who was this man? Did he take the pictures himself or commission them? Most are of good all around quality for choice of subject matter and technical achievement. This collection had only recently come into the book author's hands when the title was in preparation and detail is sparse on its origin.

The pictures featuring C1s are my particular favourites. As the captioning observes, something of the quality of a painting can be seen in these photographs.

*Extra (and there is also a post '48 'round up' section too but never mind that); for those who don't have this book there is a short section covering the Metropolitan Railway as an adjunct to the LNER section. Noteworthy in its own way for a photograph of part of a pre-group coach side still in pre-group ownership on high grade colour film stock. The one authentic colour photographic glimpse I know of, to show what a pregroup carriage livery would be like, and it is a lovely thing to see. Varnished teak lined out with quite broad ivory bands with well radiused corners.

Dear Mr H Shed,

As the 'Smart' in the list you quoted I wish I could give you an answer - if I knew it, it is long gone.

I think your best bet for a fruitful reply would be Ron White, ex-Colour Rail.

There are still many questions about the material we presented - but the LNER section was mostly my doing!

John

For those interested, there is a copy of the book for sale on eBay now:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BIG-FOUR-COLO ... 27c193151e