SLS Library (page updated 29 March 2008)
Introduction to the SLS Library
The Society has a substantial permanent library located at Hersham in Surrey, with over 7000 titles which is open to members approximately twice per month. The opening days are published in the Society 'Journal'. Those members who cannot attend personally can borrow by post.
The Library contains important and unique reference documents including official reports, works and builders lists and a substantial run of bound magazines dating back to late 19th century. There are about 10,000 items for loan plus a large collection of photographs. The items date from the earliest days of railways to the present day.
All of the 2006 Library Catalogue is on line. A new catalogue is currently work in progress.
BOOKS - We have books on all aspects of railways. The majority are on Britain's railways.
LISTS - There are lists of the motive power for most British, European and Overseas railways. We also have builders works lists covering most of the world's builders of motive power from various researchers and sources. including all of the late Prof.Mike Page's collection.
PAMPHLETS - A large collection of pamphlets, brochures and prepared papers covering a wide selection of railway matters.
PAPERS - from Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Locomotive Engineers, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Newcomen Society and the S.L.S..
DIAGRAMS - A selection of railway locomotive diagram books together with drawings of locomotives and rolling stock.
MAPS - The library has a good selection of maps, mostly British.
ACCIDENT REPORTS - A large selection of British official Accident Reports.
MAGAZINES - Complete runs of the SLS Journal, Railway Observer, Railway Magazine, Locomotive Magazine, Modern Railways and Railway World. Bound volumes of many other British railway magazines and a long run of the U.S. Trains.
TIMETABLES - A selection of British timetables both public and working and a small number of overseas timetables.
PHOTOGRAPHS - A large collection of photographs of British locomotives over the years for both large and small companies and of industrial locomotives. Also a selection of stations and running sheds. There is a good selection of overseas locomotives.
The total collection contains over 80,000 photographs.
SPECIAL ITEMS FOR REFERENCE AT LIBRARY ONLY
Railway Distance Tables Railway Clearing House 1924
Original Kitson Works Records
Kitson Trial Book 1861-1938
Kitson Engines & Tenders
Kitson Tank Engines
Kitson Tram & Light Railway Engines
Kitson Locomotive Engines Vol 1
Kitson Locomotive Engines Vol 2
Kitson Locomotive Engines Vol 3
Nasmyth Wilson Loco Reference 1861-1897
An extensive Library catalogue is available and is supplied free of charge to members in printed form or on disk. Lists of the photographs are in preparation.
