The first of the English Electric Type 1 design, what we now know as the Class 20s, appeared in June 1957. With their distinctive 'chopper' engine sound, these single-cabbed locomotives soon gained a reputation for rugged reliability brought about by their simplicity and use of tried and tested components.

British Rail Class 20 Locomotives looks back at the operations of these fine locomotives since 1957, covering their varied workings and duties, regional use and railtour operations. The book also covers the technical aspects and specifications of the locomotives, including liveries and detailing.

Pip Dunn was born in 1969 and his passion for railways started in 1981 in Warwickshire and the West Midlands, generating a keen interest in the ex-BR heritage diesel and electric locomotives. With a degree in Transport and Logistics, he has been a professional railway writer since 1996, starting on RAIL magazine before progressing to become editor of Railways Illustratedin 2006. He is also a regular writer on Modern Railways and also contributes to road haulage magazines such as Commercial Motor.