THERE'S something about railways which draws many grown men (and perhaps a few ladies) like a piece of nutty slack to an open fire — and if there's one subject in the world to make them get up a head of steam — well, it must be rail transport.

To the true rail enthusiast, the thirst for information and books on their hobby is like an old locomotive stopping at a water tower on top of steep hill at the height of the summer — insatiable.

So the latest in a long line of such books, Devonshire Railways by Colin G Maggs, will be a welcome addition to not only any railway enthusiast's library — but indeed also those who enjoy reading about an important part of local history.

Colin tells the fascinating tale of the railways and the impact they had on the lives of everyone in Devon. The nostalgic branch lines with their small local trains and the main lines, with their thundering expresses, are all part of a rich heritage which is explored in an expert text.

Added to that, more than 200 evocative images present an absorbing view of Devon's recent past.

Colin has published more than 70 books to date including 'The Branch Lines of Devon: Plymouth, West and North Devon', 'West of England', 'GWR Principal Stations' and 'Rail Centres, Exeter.'

His dedication and clear expertise in the subject has merited him being awarded an MBE in 1993 for services to railway history and an honorary MA by the University of Bath in 1995.

The book, published by Halsgrove, is priced at £19.99 and is available from local stockists or from Halsgrove Direct on 01823 653777.

ISBN 9781 84114 9127