This book illustrates the work of Network Rail over the past eight years to transform the Western Region from a diesel-only railway, with track layouts from the 1960s and '70s, to a modern electrified railway on the core Paddington to Cardiff and Newbury section, with enhanced capability, new signalling systems, and widespread equipment renewal, including the new station and flyovers at Reading. Using never before published photographs of the upgrade and renewal work both under way and completed, it gives an insight into the work involved.
The book does not just encompass the core section of upgrade work, but also extends into Wales, Devon and Cornwall, emphasising the widespread nature of the work. Lavishly illustrated, it also includes track diagrams of new layouts, the campaign diagrams utilised during the big blockade works, and tables showing key stages of the works and milestones attained.