Ford Transit

Ford Transit
Author: Peter Lee
Publisher: Crowood
Total Pages: 454
Release: 2015-03-23
Genre: Transportation
ISBN: 1847978746

A commemorative history of fifty years of the iconic Ford Transit van, from the launch of the first-generation Transit in 1965, right up to the present day. Covering the full range of Transit models and with over three hundred photographs (including previously unpublished pictures from Ford's picture archive), Ford Transit - Fifty Years is an ideal resource for anyone with an interest in this world-beating commercial vehicle. Written by acknowledged Ford Transit expert Peter Lee, the book covers the development era, light commercial vehicles in the 1950s, the 'Project Redcap' prototypes and the first Transit. It goes on to describe the production and development of all eight generations and variants of Transits, including custom vans, camper vans, minibuses and special vehicle options. Specification guides, awards, and sales figures are all included as well as marketing worldwide. Finally, there are interviews with designers, engineers and Ford employees, along with owners' experiences. The Transit has and continues to receive numerous awards, voted 'International Van of the Year' in 2001 and 2013, and with the 2014 launch of the all-new two-tonne Transit and its pioneering technology, this looks to be only the first fifty years of the Ford Transit story. Fully illustrated with 200 colour and 100 black & white photographs, many previously unseen from Ford's archives.

The Harrier Story

The Harrier Story
Author: Peter R March
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 57
Release: 2012-02-29
Genre: Transportation
ISBN: 0752485067

The 'Jump-jet' was the world's first vertical/short take-off and landing (VSTOL) operational jet aircraft. Developed using the revolutionary Pegasus engine, the Harrier has served the RAF and US Marine Corps well for over 30 years. Here, vividly told, is the fascinating story from tentative hovering by the Hawker P1127 in 1960 to today's frontline Harrier GR9 and AV-8B warplanes. A naval version, the Sea Harrier, entered service with the Royal Navy in 1979. Alongside the RAF Harrier it saw action in the Falklands War in 1982. More recently, Harriers have seen combat over Kosovo, Bosnia and Iraq. In the USA, a license-built version (the AV8-A/B) equips the US Marine Corps and is in service today in Iraq. Harriers also equip air forces in Spain and Thailand. This competitively priced, full colour hardback is packed with clear and accessible information and is the latest in a series including The Concorde Story and The Spitfire Story.

Hunter Story

Hunter Story
Author: Martin W. Bowman
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 37
Release: 2012-02-29
Genre: History
ISBN: 0752485148

One of the world's greatest aircraft, for three decades pilots enthused about the Hunter and its smooth lines, Rolls-Royce Avon engine, outstanding handling characteristics and lively performance. Designed by Sir Sydney Camm, the genius behind the Hurricane, work on the Hunter commenced late in 1948, but the post-war economic situation in Britain delayed its first flight until 20 July 1951. In September 1953 Neville Duke piloted a Hunter to shatter the world speed record. This book traces the history of the Hunter across RAF and worldwide service, from design and development to the glory days and the unforgettable aerobatic displays with the Black Knights, Black Arrows and Blue Diamonds. A real pilot's aeroplane, the Hunter reigned supreme for fifty years, with the last example retired in July 2001.

The Mosquito Story

The Mosquito Story
Author: Martin W. Bowman
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 35
Release: 2012-02-29
Genre: Transportation
ISBN: 075248530X

When de Havilland proposed, in 1938, an unarmed bomber constructed almost entirely from wood, few would have thought it could become one of the most versatile aircraft of the Second World War. The Mosquito easily outran a Spitfire on its test flight and was ordered into mass production, soon proving itself a key weapon in the fight against the Luftwaffe by day and the Nachtjagd by night. Illustrated throughout with previously unpublished photographs, this book tells the story of an aircraft which was for many the perfect synthesis of power and beauty. Author Martin Bowman describes the service histories and daring exploits of the 7,781 examples of the ‘Wooden Wonder’ which were built in the UK, Canada and Australia.

Hercules Story

Hercules Story
Author: Martin W. Bowman
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 38
Release: 2012-02-29
Genre: History
ISBN: 0752485083

The C-130 Hercules first flew in 1954, an easily maintained aircraft which entered service with the USAF Tactical Air Command. Ten years later the 'Charlie 130' was providing the essential logistical support in Vietnam where a new landing technique, the Khe Sanh approach, added to the Hercules folklore. Paradrops, airlift and evacuation operations were completed around the clock, often at low level, usually under fire and nearly always in bad weather. AC-130 gunships blasted the Ho Chi Minh Trail at night, Lamplighters and Blind Bats dropped flares, and others scattered defoliant, 'pancake bombs' and 15,000 'Big Blue' block-busters. But more than anything else it was in the role of 'Trash and Ass hauler' that the C-130 earned unstinting admiration from ground troops and aircrews alike. The 'Herky Bird' or 'Fat Albert', as the C-130 is fondly known, went on to serve with similar panache in the Gulf War and in humanitarian relief operations around the world. Today, the modern C-130J version continues to provide the effective support for which the Hercules name is renowned.

The Ford Transit Story

The Ford Transit Story
Author: Giles Chapman
Publisher: History Press
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2011-10
Genre: Ford Transit van
ISBN: 9780752462837

'White Van Man' is a larger-than-life presence on Britain's road, but he's no fool. Given the choice, he inevitably opts for a Ford Transit...and indeed he has been doing so, more than for any other van, for the past 45-plus years. Why? Because the Transit better suits the needs of working drivers than anything else around.Once, vans were mean, narrow, slow and uncomfortable. But in the early 1960s, Ford pooled its European and American experience to create a van that not only did the job - no matter what its final specification, power or payload - but did it with broad-shouldered muscle and a driver-friendly environment.Ford has constantly refreshed the Transit, carefully improving every aspect of it, but has never diminished its totally fit-for-purpose character. And it remains a mainstay of Britain's motor industry, no matter what.Here, award-winning writer Giles Chapman tells the whole, amazing story.

GWR Story

GWR Story
Author: Rosa Matheson
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 45
Release: 2012-02-29
Genre: Transportation
ISBN: 0752485040

The Great Western Railway – quickly coming to be known as ‘God’s Wonderful Railway’ – was once regarded as the most advanced in the world. Engineered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel it was initially designed to connect Bristol to London and came to develop a distinct character all of its own, one of the many reasons why it remains a much-loved and popular area of interest.This book traces its history covering topics such as the company, its engines and carriages, its engineers – including Gooch, Dean, Armstrong, Collett, Churchward and of course Brunel – as well as the battle of the gauges. Full of little-known facts and figures and with numerous photographs and memorabilia as well as a timeline, it is a tale full of record breakers and mighty achievements waiting to be retold to a modern age.

Narrowboats Story

Narrowboats Story
Author: Nick Corble
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 45
Release: 2012-03-30
Genre: Transportation
ISBN: 0752485725

Bright and colourful, slow and easy, narrowboats are seen today as the epitome of a peaceful life and a wonderful way to get away from the stresses of modern living. Although true, this is a far cry from their origins as the workhorses of the early days of industrial revolution, without which Britain may never have developed as far and fast as it did. Packed with colourful illustrations and little known snippets of information, this entertaining and informative guide retraces the story of how narrowboats have evolved, how their very existence was once challenged and how they have risen phoenix-like into the holiday craft of today. Nick Corble is a renowned canal expert and has written a number of books on the waterways for The History Press, including James Brindley: The First Canal Builder and Living Aboard, the definitive guide for anyone contemplating making a life afloat.

The Camper Book

The Camper Book
Author: Dave Hoekstra
Publisher: Chicago Review Press
Total Pages: 208
Release: 2018-06-01
Genre: Travel
ISBN: 1613738234

The Camper Book will captivate all those who dream of waving good-bye to the rat race from the window of their own moveable home, be it a camper, RV, travel trailer, camper van, or tiny camper. Not just for placid retirees anymore, camper culture has sprung up among simplicity-seeking millennials, retro-loving "glampers," sports and movie stars, aging hippies, contract workers, "road-schoolers," and others. Award-winning journalist Dave Hoekstra hit the road in his own custom camper van, named Bluebird, to explore the history, culture, subcultures, and future of camper life. Traveling and talking his way through US campsites, RV parks, landmarks, and communities, Hoekstra draws out revealing stories from all walks of life—from Americans who are downsizing material goods while upsizing spiritual pursuits to RV enthusiasts such as Grammy-winning singer-songwriter John Prine and Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon. A modern-day Studs Terkel, Hoekstra provides a delightful mix of oral history, in-depth reporting, and practical information, while photographer Jon Sall's beautiful color photographs illuminate the unique people, places, and rigs that typify camper life.

HMS Victory Story

HMS Victory Story
Author: John Christopher
Publisher: The History Press
Total Pages: 52
Release: 2012-02-29
Genre: History
ISBN: 0752485105

Constructed from the wood of over 6,000 trees HMS Victory was designed as a ‘first-rate ship’, packing a formidable punch with over 100 guns arranged over three decks. Immortalised as Admiral Lord Nelson’s flagship in the Battle of Trafalgar, after bringing Nelson’s body back to England the Victory sailed out on a number of expeditions until her retirement in 1812.In a wonderfully entertaining narrative, and packed with fun facts, figures and over 100 colour photographs, author John Christopher recounts the story of this celebrated warship right up to its restoration project and current role as the centrepiece of Portsmouth’s historic docks.Author John Christopher is a life-long transport enthusiast and a balloon pilot. He has previously written The Hunter Story and Balloons at War for The History Press.