Twelve years since the amazing account of Peter Vacher’s discovery in India was originally published, Grub Street is thrilled to bring readers the updated story of Hurricane R4118. Since the restoration of this magnificent aircraft to flight in 2004, Peter Vacher continued to research its history, and more stories of R4118’s origins are told, including the extraordinary tale of how this aircraft shot down a friendly Whitley bomber before it was assigned to a RAF squadron. With brand new photography and sources, including wartime letters from Bunny Currant, this book is essential reading for all Hurricane enthusiasts.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 192

Dimensions: 170 x 240 mm

Publication Date: 31-08-2017

The previously untold story of New Zealand’s iconic railway houses, of which more than 3,700 are dotted around the New Zealand landscape. As New Zealand Railways pushed the rail network about New Zealand, opening new country for development, a challenge presented itself to house railwaymen in country areas where infrastructure didn’t exist or was newly formed. Railways only alternative was to construct houses for their employees. Initially part of the Public Works Department responsibilities, eventually an Architectural Branch within New Zealand Railways was formed under George Troup. This development lead to new designs of railway houses, a design that was to become symbolic in the New Zealand landscape. To manufacture these houses, Railways set up a sawmill and special factory in Frankton, kit-setting houses, delivering them by rail as parts packs and ultimately erecting them about the country. As well as far-flung reaches of the railway system, Railways ended up developing “model” railway settlements at places as diverse as Otahuhu, Newmarket, Frankton, TeKuiti, Taumarunui, Ohakune, Taihape, Palmerston North, Napier, Eastown, Kaiwharawhara, Christchurch, Arthur’s Pass, Otira, Dunedin and other places around the country. These houses were supplemented in later years by newer designs. This book covers the housing scheme, sawmill and house factory, the railway settlements, the maintenance programme, the house numbering system, and as a railwayman and his family, what it was like living in a railway house, and how railway families interacted socially, often located in distant isolation from towns and cities. The book closes with Government’s exit from railway house ownership in the 1990s and a chapter on the railway house survivors that have been lovingly restored by current owners. Complementing the text is a lavish selection of black and white and colour images from the era and current day. Railway houses and the nearby railway environment where they were located are extensively featured.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 142

Dimensions: 273 x 213 x 20 mm

Publication Date: 04-09-2017

WK275 is a unique historic airframe and the only Supermarine Swift F4 left in the world. The aircraft spent 46 years outside an army surplus store before being purchased off eBay in 2012 and restored by Jet Art Aviation to static display condition. It now resides with Vulcan to the Sky which draws 1,500 paying visitors a month who will see WK275 and the other famous artefacts on site. Guy Ellis sets the scene of the importance of Britain’s early jets, covers the development of the Swift, which puts WK275 in context, then traces the heritage of that aircraft, its operational life, how it was acquired and finally the full story of its restoration with a plethora of detailed photographs, drawings and publicity images. The Swift pioneered the second generation of jet fighters and by recording the full story of one special aircraft, Guy Ellis has delivered a fitting tribute to British ingenuity.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 160

Dimensions: 185 x 246 mm

Publication Date: 29-09-2017

Moveable homes with endless opportunities for exploration and changes of scenery. Converted ferries provide ample space for families. Shanty boats inspire images of Huck Finn’s literary journey and youthful spirit. Former cruise ships become charming hotels. Rock the Boat’s floating domiciles showcase alternative living solutions from the private to the commercial. From the romantic lakes of Kashmir to the Bay of Venice, houseboats claim their space atop the water worldwide. A buoyant boutique hotel awaits guests in London. A floating sauna promises relaxation for friends upon the Pielisjoki River. DIY timber rafts evoke pride of craftsmanship whilst inspiring feelings of adventure. These charismatic structures provide refuge from being landlocked and a promise to satisfy curious natures. Rock The Boat profiles the imaginative inhabitants and designers behind these houseboats; the volume offers inspiration to anyone interested in a touch of escape or even a permanent change of address.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 256

Dimensions: 210 x 260 mm

Publication Date: 30-09-2017

Why would anyone want to do something as dangerous as motorcycling? For those who love to ride, no explanation is necessary. For everyone else, there’s Why We Ride. Designed as both an explanation for outsiders and an anthem for those within the fold, this new book presents the insights of Mark Barnes, PhD, a motorcycling clinical psychologist. As a popular columnist at Motorcycle Consumer News for more than twenty years, Dr. Barnes articulates the elusive physical, emotional, and interpersonal elements that make the world of the motorcyclist such a rich and exciting place. His wide-ranging text covers both sports psychology and the psychoanalysis of common riding experiences, including the results of Dr. Barnes’ own empirical research. Heartfelt and thought provoking, here is a straightforward account of what makes real motorcyclists tick. Inside Why We Ride: • What makes the hazards and hardships of riding a motorcycle worthwhile • An Examination of the complex gratifications, relentlessly compelling passions, and deeply personal experiences that motivate motorcyclists • Sports psychology and psychoanalysis of common riding experiences • Results of the author’s own empirical research on the motives of motorcyclists • A special section on how riders achieve the quasi-mystical state of “Flow,” a concept currently at the center of modern sports psychology

Bind: paperback

Pages: 240

Dimensions: 178 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 02-10-2017

Porsche stands for seven decades of sports car lineage. Its grand heritage of unique design lines and technical philosophy is seen through the years in such renowned models as the 356, 550, 904 Carrera GTS, and 911. Porsche equally stands for creative breaks from tradition with innovation and the creation and fulfillment of sports car fantasies. With an outstanding track record in speed and high performance, Porsche has won the most famous long-distance races in the world: Le Mans, Daytona, and Sebring. It has triumphed at great road races like Targa Florio, Carrera Panamericana, and with rally victories in Monte Carlo. Since Porsche’s founding in Stuttgart, Germany in 1931, extraordinary men and women—entrepreneurs, engineers, racers, visionaries—have collectively made the Swabian company the most famous sports car manufacturer in the world.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 492

Dimensions: 300 x 300 mm

Publication Date: 01-07-2018

For decades, a passion for vintage motors was regarded as an eccentric hobby, particularly prevalent among the wealthy of an older generation. Today, classic cars have an ever larger, younger fan base. Events such as the Mille Miglia in Italy, the Festival of Speed at Goodwood in England, and Pebble Beach in the U.S. enjoy increasing popularity and booming visitor numbers, year after year. In an opulent coffee table book, Classic Cars Review celebrates the classic car phenomenon by presenting the most beautiful, exciting, and exclusive vintage vehicles, until now only visible in museums or behind the locked doors of private collections. It’s a Concours d’Élégance in book form, showcasing such icons as the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, Aston Martin DB5, and Rolls-Royce Phantom III, as well as a multitude of extraordinary cars with remarkable histories—whether owned by well-known personalities or ushered in extraordinary successes on the racetrack. Many of these cars were produced in minimal runs or are one of few surviving models. In addition to the vehicles themselves, this must-have classic car book also shows the institutions and key players behind the exclusive vintage car scene. With large, never-before-seen collections and their collectors, Classic Cars Review provides exclusive insights into the world of the largest classic car auction houses, the most innovative classic car dealers, and all the key vintage car events.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 416

Dimensions: 290 x 370 mm

Publication Date: 12-10-2018

An inspiration for all adventurous travelers An illustrated book showing Land Rover off-road models in all their impressive action Stunning landscape photography from Namibia, Scotland, Guatemala, Argentina, and beyond Crossing borders, expanding horizons, and discovering unchartered terrain: for 70 years, Land Rover has championed adventure. The legendary Land Rover Experience Tour is a paradigm of exploration and discovery, marking its 12th edition in 2018. This time, the off-road tour took its six winning participants, selected from thousands of applicants, through the stunning scenery of Peru. As a companion to the previous Land Rover Experience Tours, this spectacular Land Rover photo book takes the reader on an adventure through variegated wilderness, landscapes, and cultures. Revised and expanded, this volume offers unparalleled impressions from each trip otherwise reserved for the six lucky Tour Experience winners alone. Awe-inspiring photography and fascinating anecdotes from the Land Rover Experience Tours in Jordan, Malaysia, Bolivia, Iceland, Australia, and along the Silk Route bring an irresistible dose of wanderlust for car and 4x4 fanatics and adventurers alike. Alongside phenomenal landscapes, you’ll see the superb and dynamic cross-country SUVs like Land Rover Discovery or Evoque in full action. With exciting insider reports from Dag Rogge, Director of the Land Rover Experience Tour, this thrilling coffee table book takes readers on an off-road experience like no other.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 320

Dimensions: 250 x 320 mm

Publication Date: 31-01-2018

Do you know… What are the most unusual things left behind by passengers on British trains? How China is using trains to recreate the ancient Silk Road? How many of the sixty Sherlock Holmes stories feature travel by rail? The appeal of trains travels far and wide. More than just a means of transport, these revolutionary machines connect communities, evoke memories and promise adventures galore. This fact-packed miscellany tracks their development across the globe from the earliest steam locomotives through to the superfast trains of today, stopping off along the way to explore great railway journeys, iconic stations and memorable depictions in the arts. Whether you’re a rail aficionado or a curious newcomer, this companion will keep you engrossed and entertained to the end of the line.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 240

Dimensions: 135 x 204 mm

Publication Date: 07-05-2018

Helicopter Boys is the latest addition to Grub Street’s Boys series from acclaimed author Richard Pike, exploring the role of helicopters in military and civilian situations. With over fourteen contributors, Helicopter Boys contains stories of the diverse nature of helicopter operations. From the dramatic war scenes during the Indo/Pakistani war which saw one pilot’s actions earn him a VrC gallantry award to the experience of Chinook pilots on board the Atlantic Conveyor during the Falklands War. Then there are the civilian tales from rescue missions in the Outer Hebrides to being a pilot across the world in places such as Australia and Nigeria. There is also a focus on the Piper Alpha disaster in 1988 which saw the loss of 167 lives. The book ends with Pike’s experiences in Kosovo, helping to distribute emergency humanitarian aid on behalf of the United Nations World Food Programme shortly after the war ended in 1999. Each story is told with great detail conveying the action and excitement that helicopter pilots experienced with each operation. The scope, flair and pace of the writing in this book will appeal to the general reader as well as to the enthusiast.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 192

Dimensions: 156 x 234 mm

Publication Date: 31-05-2018