Description

Steam At Its Pinnacle is a captivating visual journey into the golden era of New South Wales railways, captured through the lens of railway photographer Norman Joseph Read between 1949 and 1953. Compiled by the Australian Railway Historical Society (ARHS NSW Division), this rare collection of over 700 meticulously restored images offers a unique glimpse into a transformative period in Australian railway history.

Presented in a high-quality paperback format (30 x 21 x 1 cm) and spanning 110 pages, the book combines historical accuracy with visual artistry, making it both a valuable archive and a visually striking keepsake.

From the bustling platforms of Sydney Station to the scenic lines of the South Coast, South West, and North of NSW, Read’s technically superb photographs reflect not only the steam railway heritage of Australia, but also the artistic vision of an enigmatic and talented photographer.

The volume includes detailed photographs of locomotives, carriages, service and freight vehicles, safe working practices, private railways, and Sydney trams—making it an essential addition for any railway enthusiast, modeller, or historian.

With images selected by Alex Grunbach and expertly captioned by John Beckhaus and Bill Phippen, this book is a lasting tribute to Read’s legacy and a priceless archive of Australia’s steam age.

Whether you’re a collector, a model railway enthusiast, or passionate about Australian transport history, Steam At Its Pinnacle is a must-have NSW railway photography book that will transport you back to the heyday of steam in NSW.

Key features:

• Over 700 high-quality black and white photographs

• Paperback, 30 x 21 x 1 cm, 110 pages

• Covers Sydney, suburban, and regional NSW railways

• Includes rare images of trams, freight, and private railways

• Compiled by ARHS NSW Division

• A tribute to unsung railway photographer, Norman J. Read.