Michael Rutherford. City of Truro: Main Line Centenarian (2003)

      Michael Rutherford. City of Truro: Main Line Centenarian (2003) A biography of the famous GWR engine that reputedly broke the 100mph mark in England in 1904. A competent survey of motive power development under Dean and Churchward, an analysis of the reasons why the record-breaking run probably didn’t happen as described, and assorted other remarks, as well as survey of the engine’s work as a relic make up this book. As is common with enthusiasts’ books on railways, there is little or no attempt to connect the pictures to the text, and the writing is very much that of an amateur. The author thanks a friend for correcting grammar and punctuation, but the friend had no better skills than Rutherford himself; there are not nearly enough commas. Still, a pleasant survey, with interesting photographs, most of which are excellent, and all of which are well printed. ** (2004)