In this new title, John Balmforth presents a comprehensive history of the South West Trains TOC (train operating company). The book outlines in detail the history of South West Trains including information on the expansion of the franchise to cover the Isle of Wight and the development of Stagecoach's rail operations through East Midlands Trains. Filling a huge gap, this title is the first-ever title solely focused on South West Trains and its operations. South West Trains assumed operation of the Christchurch area in 1996 and is now one of a handful of TOCs to have retained its franchise throughout the period of privatization, a position that has recently been reconfirmed as it successfully bid to retain the franchise. The volume combines detailed descriptions of the history of South West Trains along with a selection of color illustrations.