LOVERS of all things railway and especially those who enjoy a nostalgic trip to the steam powered era will no doubt enjoy this wonderfully produced book — 'Emotions of Railway Art', published by Haynes.

Each of the 101 paintings, complete with a personal explanation of what inspired its creator, have been drawn by members of the Guild of Railway Artists.

As it says in its foreword, 'emotions are the driving force when an artist puts brush to canvas' — so this aptly named hardback brings a variety of brush stroke technique to a subject matter that is as endless as a journey on the Trans-Siberian Express.

This is the fifth fine-art book by the Guild of Railway Artists since being formed more than 30 years ago, but one with a difference.

Earlier titles adhered to a specific theme, but this time the artists have been given the freedom to choose their own railway scene.

Among the artists is Bernard Jones from Broadwoodkelly, in West Devon, who paints in oils, exhibiting his work at the buffet of Okehampton Station.

He contributes two fine oils — one entitled 'Redhill Station, December 1964' (left) based on a photograph he took when a student around 6.30am on 'a cold and frosty morning'. His painting of a locomotive, wreathed in steam, beautifully captures a scene which captures, as the railway-loving artist admits, 'a vision I clearly remember.'

His second work is 'The Ulster Express' departing Euston'where the artist attempts to recall his childhood memory to capture 'the atmosphere of the old Euston station, the whistles, exhaust blasts and the pervading smells of coal smoke, hot oil and decaying fish.'

The book is priced £40 and published by Haynes Publishing. ISBN: 9781844259922.

John Hutchins