Arthur Peppercorn, a vicar's son from Herefordshire, was the last L N E
R Chief Mechanical Engineer.
He managed his department for a very short time before it was swept away
in the wholesale changes that followed Nationalisation of British
Railways in 1948.Although a disciple and follower of Sir Nigel Gresley,
he was his own man and developed his talent for production engineering
that fully complimented the design skills of his greatly respected
leader.
He then became a worthy deputy to Edward Thompson during a war that
demanded great personal sacrifices from both men.
When he finally became C M E in 1946 he used his wide talents and
experience to lead in developing two successful pacific classes of
locomotives, that many rate as being among the best locomotives of this
type ever to appear in Britain.
This book, which is the first detailed biography of Peppercorn, tells
his fascinating story and describes the influences on his life and
career, illustrating his many achievements along the way.