Due to circumstances entirely outside our control the Society's own library is currently closed pending relocation. A limited service remains available mostly surrounding access to photographs, with details given in the Society Newsletters or available from the Librarian. To email Gerry Nichols - Librarian
During this closure period alternative arrangements are in place with the RCTS. Full details of how to use the RCTS' Library (located at Leatherhead) as an SLS member, together with latest dates of opening, are contained within the latest SLS Newsletters. This link is to the RCTS Library webpage.
Our grateful thanks are expressed to the RCTS for this reciprocal arrangement.
The SLS Newsletter will continue to include progress updates for the RCTS Library opening dates/times (together with information on our own new facility) as and when, details can be released.
CATALOGUE - All of the Current Library Catalogue is on line as either PDFs or as a CSV file loadable into various software options. The 2006 catalogue is now obsolete and has been withdrawn.
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BOOKS - We have books on all aspects of railways. The majority are on Britain's railways although the section on N American railroads is also extensive.
LISTS - There are lists of the motive power for most British, European and Overseas railways. We also have builders works lists covering most of the world's builders of motive power from various researchers and sources. including all of the late Prof. Mike Page's collection.
PAMPHLETS - A large collection of pamphlets, brochures and prepared papers covering a wide selection of railway matters.
PAPERS - from Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Locomotive Engineers, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Newcommen Society and the SLS.
DIAGRAMS - A selection of railway locomotive diagram books together with drawings of locomotives and rolling stock.
MAPS - The library has a good selection of maps, mostly British.
ACCIDENT REPORTS - A large selection of British official Accident Reports.
MAGAZINES - Complete runs of the SLS Journal, Railway Observer, Railway Magazine, Locomotive Magazine, Modern Railways and Railway World. Bound volumes of many other British railway magazines and a long run of the U.S. trains.
Timetables - A selection of British timetables both public and working and a small number of overseas timetables.
PHOTOGRAPHS - A large collection of photographs of British locomotives over the years for both large and small companies and of industrial locomotives. Also a selection of stations and running sheds. There is a good selection of overseas locomotives. The total collection contains over 80,000 photographs. See sub-section - SLS Library - Stanford Jacobs Collection which contains three photo's from the library's photo collection. Various photographs from the Library Photographic Collection will also appear regularly on the What, When or where? page and on the Answered What, When or where? page.
SPECIAL ITEMS FOR REFERENCE AT LIBRARY ONLY Railway Distance tables Railway Clearing House 1924 Original Kitson Works Records Kitson trial Book 1861-1938 Kitson Engines & Tenders Kitson Tank Engines Kitson tram & Light Railway Engines Kitson Locomotive Engines Vol 1 Kitson Locomotive Engines Vol 2 Kitson Locomotive Engines Vol 3 Nasmyth Wilson Loco Reference 1861-1897
An extensive Library catalogue is available. Lists of the photographs are in preparation.
For details of any help wanted pictures see page "What, when where?"
One of two "Stephenson" name plates from class 87s available for members to view in the SLS Library (opening dates as listed in the Journal.) Photo © John New. More about the SLS Nameplates collection is here, Click here or on photo to open larger copy of image.
New Centenary Headboard, created specially for the SLS by the Bluebell Railway (Hosts of our April 2009 AGM weekend) and one of several headboards preserved in the library. Click image for larger size copy. More about the SLS Special headboards is here. Photo © Brian Dotson.
To find us/Venue map (Section updated 8 October)
Section temporarily removed until the Library is able to reopen in early 2019
SLS Library - Stanford Jacobs Collection
Meetings calendar
Photography collection and related
What, when, where? (Images unresolved)
What when, where? (Images solved)
About us / Contacts
Links to other sites
Links to other railway sites (Off-site link)
