Knowing the value of publicity to the many increasing number of Great Western enthusiasts, the GWR produced a series of books for, to quote their famous words, "Boys of all ages".

The man behind the series of books was Walter George Chapman, a member of the general manager's staff who joined the Great Western in 1896. While in the general manager's office, he wrote his first book, published in August 1923 called The 10.30 Limited describing a non-stop run between Paddington and Plymouth on the Cornish Riviera Express, which sold for the modest sum of 5 shillings (25p). Understandably, sales of this book exceeded expectations, reaching 71,000 copies in the first six months. A second edition was produced in September 1923, and the price was reduced to just one shilling (5p).

This secondhand copy is dogeared and has a sticky tape repair on the spine.