The 2024 Railway Quiz Book

The 2024 Railway Quiz Book from The Transport Treasury

Contents Introduction

4

1

GWR/WR

7

2

SR and Constituents

13

3

LMS/LMR

19

4

LNER/ER

23

5

Scottish Railways

27

6

BR Standard Steam

29

7

Modern Traction 1

33

8

Signalling and Trackwork

37

9

Accidents

41

10

Railway Reading

45

11

Personalities

49

12

Modern Traction 2

53

13

Railway Geography

57

14

UK Railways since Privatisation

61

15

Pot Pourri

65

Answers

68

3

Section 1

GWR/ WR As with all – well most of the questions – you could probably find the answer on the internet, but have a go without the technology first. Delving deep into the grey cells and/or a book can be so much more rewarding.

1.

In what year was the original Great Western Railway incorporated?

2.

And to make up for such an easy start, a locomotive question, what was the number and name (if it has a name that at least narrows it down a bit) of the locomotive fitted with Lentz style rotary cam poppett valves in 1931?

3.

Still on the subject of locomotives but moving into the BR(W) era. In 1951 Swindon undertook controlled road testing on a locomotive class from another region. What class of engine – give yourself a bonus if you can find the number – and what was the purpose of these tests?

4.

The GWR came into conflict, or should we say competition with its rivals at several locations. Plymouth, Exeter, Gloucester, etc. At Exeter for example passengers might leave for London in different directions; GWR towards Taunton and SR to Exeter Queen Street/Central. Where in Wiltshire might London passengers also have departed in different directions?

5.

As a means of economy, the GWR introduced the Motor Economic System of Maintenance on several cross-country and branch lines from the late 1920s onwards. Which was the first?

6.

When were red distant signals abolished on the GWR?

7.

Associated with the above, the controlling signal lever was also now painted yellow – to correspond with the new colour for distant signals.

But what had the controlling lever been painted when distant signals had a red arm?

8.

At Reading and elsewhere and in the days of slip coach working, there existed what were known as ‘slipping distants’. What were these and what was their purpose?

7

Here we have a view of A3 No. 60060 The Tetrarch. One named member of this class of engine with the BR No. 60103 is perhaps the best known steam engine of all. What is its name?

Ken Wightman

22

Top: This is a view of B1 No. 61133 at Thornton Junction. So what in the 1960s was the first passenger station on the line that diverged to the left?

Bottom: This – now preserved – popular engine was closely linked with a BBC children’s programme. What was it called?

Both images W. A. C. Smith

26

WHERE WHY WHO HOW WHAT WHEN Know your railways?

Of course you do, and probably like most you are an expert in some areas. The subject of railways is so vast that no one person can hope to know it all. So here is the opportunity to test yourself, to find out how much you do – or don’t – know.

Over 400 written and pictorial questions should find you out.

Go on, give it a go – we know you want to!

£17.50

ISBN 978-1-915281-06-7