We’ve received a bumper crop of new books, so here’s a special edition of Modeller’s Bookshelf, featuring a diverse range of titles aimed at modellers and general enthusiasts alike. (GD)

Central belters

The Highlands of Scotland always tend to grab the headlines, in terms of scenic railway photography, yet the Central Belt has long had plenty to offer rail enthusiasts. These two volumes by Ian Lothian offer a pictorial overview of an evolving rail scene, beginning in the late 1990s. There’s a colourful array of passenger and freight traction, with the first volume featuring traction with a British Rail heritage, while the second book inevitably sees the proliferation of new multiple units and the ubiquitous Class 66s taking over much of the freight traffic.

Indeed, by reading both books together, one can appreciate how the railway has developed since privatisation, with lines reopening and freight traffic ebbing and flowing. There’s plenty of useful supporting text (though no maps) and excellent images are presented in colour throughout.

Books: Railways of Central Scotland; Railways of Central Scotland 2006-15 by Ian Lothian (Key Books)

Price: £15.99 each

Availability: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk

Cornish yarns

Presented over two volumes, Craig Munday serves up a colourful selection of images of Cornwall’s railways over the past few decades. Beginning at Brunel’s spectacular Saltash bridge, the first volume includes many familiar locations, including Liskeard and the Looe branch, Lostwithiel, Fowey, Par and the Newquay branch. The second volume continues the journey from St Austell to Penzance, taking in Burgullow and the St Ives branch.