The U.K. Railway Photography Group was set up in May 2000 by Steve Edge aka 'shapwickmonster' with the idea that railway enthusiast photographers from across the U.K. could use an internet group to share photographs, ideas, train running information etc. In August 2000 there were just four messages! In August 2002 there were 1071! The first year saw a regular 20 members, that has now grown in February 2011 to 516. Messages now average up to 600 per month. In February 2011, 158 railway photographs were uploaded.

The aims of the group are "For railway photography in all its guises - from the casual snapper to the full-blown do-it-every weekend enthusiast. The chance to discuss anything related to photography and railways."

Such is the reputation for the quality of photography on the group that there are now members from around the world. Many of the members are regular contributors to the railway press. There are often lively discussions on digital image processing, some of those new to the digital world have used the expertise of other members to help them climb the learning curve associated with the use of Adobe Photoshop.

Photography is not limited to U.K. railways and you will find images from Europe and beyond in this volume. Most of the photographers who have contributed to this album specialise in steam railway photography, but this does not mean that diesel and electric traction are excluded. To join the group go to http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/UKRailwayPhotography

The book has been produced entirely electronically on a PC using the facilities of www.blurb.com. Should you decide to purchase a copy the book will be printed to your order and dispatched to your address within a few days. The quality of the images is superb and the reproduction is outstanding.

ALL PROFITS FROM THE SALES OF THIS BOOK GO TO "HELP for HEROES"

To preview this book and purchase a copy go to www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2037532