| About Ian Allan Publishing
In 1942 Ian Allan published his first ground-breaking book - abc of Southern Locomotives - and from this initial success a company was formed. Since then the company has gone from strength to strength as a leading independent publisher of books and magazines. In 2002 the company celebrated 60 years in the business. During this time it has grown from a small producer of books for train enthusiasts and spotters to a dedicated transport publisher producing high quality illustrated titles on an enormous range of largely transport related subjects. In the course of any year new books cover subjects as diverse as military and civil aviation, naval and maritime, buses, trams, trolleybuses, steam railways both historical and preserved and modern traction. In the leisure field we also publish some highly successful football titles, the most popular of which - Aerofilms Guide: Football Grounds - is now in its 17th annual edition.
To strengthen its position as the world's leading transport publisher, Ian Allan Publishing has acquired within the last few years a number of prestigious and successful imprints. OPC was purchased in 1998 from Haynes Publishing and is arguably the most prominent and well-regarded railway list of them all; since 1998 OPC has undergone a dramatic renaissance, with considerable investment being made in both new and backlist titles.
Midland Publishing was acquired in 1999 to complement existing imprints and to further strengthen our position in the aviation market. Now fully integrated into the Ian Allan Publishing list the Midland imprint provides a range of specialist, highly illustrated titles, covering military aviation subjects from World War 2 right up to the present day. In civil aviation too, fascinating and colourful works of reference are published on a regular basis.
Classic Publications, a pre-eminent publisher of high quality aviation titles, was added to our growing cluster of interests in 2002, bringing to the company another imprint firmly established as a principal player in the World War 2 aviation market and complementing ideally the other Ian Allan Publishing imprint disciplines.
As well as publishing books, Ian Allan Publishing is well known for its range of enthusiast-based magazines. We currently have nine magazines in the portfolio:
Railways Illustrated, a monthly targeting enthusiasts and reflecting the growing vitality in the railway industry. Now under the editorship of Pip Dunn, this magazine has quickly established an avid readership.
Modern Railways, launched over 40 years ago, is still as topical and controversial as ever. As well as being seen on the desk of every decision-maker in the railway industry, it also boasts a strong enthusiast following, many of whom are regular train commuters.
Buses magazine has also been on the newsagents shelves for more than 40 years, and this perennial favourite keeps on growing in popularity with its lively coverage of today’s bus scene together with some nostalgic forays into the world of bus preservation.
Bus and Coach Preservation was first published in 2001 under the Ian Allan banner following a merger of two existing titles, and outstrips the competition in its coverage of the bus preservation scene.
Classic Bus is essential reading for anyone wanting to keep alive the sights and sounds of buses and coaches from years gone by. Recently sporting a fresh new look, Classic Bus is keen to encourage interaction from a younger audience whilst maintaining its reputation as a point of historical record and forum for lively debate.
Vintage Roadscene This now monthly journal covers all the best in the world of historic transport. Vintage Roadscene has been established for over 20 years and deals with the transport scene on the roads of yesteryear - lorries, vans, buses, trolleybuses, trams, steam traction etc.
Aircraft Magazine was added to our magazine list in July 2009 and covers World War Two, the inter-war period, World War One and the pioneer aviators. It also looks at modern-day aviation happenings with a unique historical slant.
Combat Aircraft, one of the world’s foremost military aviation magazines, is now published by Ian Allan Publishing in the UK and provides all enthusiasts with in-depth coverage of the men and the machines at the forefront of the missions undertaken in today’s combat zones. This visually stunning magazine is illustrated by photographs of the world’s most awesome combat aircraft, and is now brought to you by the team who have made Aircraft Illustrated so successful over the years.
Hornby Magazine was added to the collection in March 2007 in an exciting venture. As well as appealing to youngsters who can now combine computer technology with a worthwhile 3D hobby, the magazine will also be welcomed by those 40 to 50 year olds, returning to the hobby after their activities with model trains were interrupted by family matters 20 to 30 years ago. Since then, there has been great advancement in the hobby, and Hornby Magazine will show those taking it up again how to progress their interest.
We currently have four Ian Allan Bookshops, sited at key locations around the country. They provide a one-stop shop for all transport enthusiasts and cater for every interest, whether modern or historic. They offer a unique combination of expertise, personal service, friendly and knowledgeable staff, comprehensive stock and a Special Order service.
Click here for locations and contact details.
Returning to books, Ian Allan Publishing's trade representation is provided by Amalgamated Book Services, not only for its own imprints, but also for a number of associated publishers. We also have a very effective distribution centre in the Midlands, which fulfills all the mail order requirements of our many thousands of customers across the world. Midland Counties Publications, acquired by Ian Allan Publishing at the same time as Midland Publishing, was established in the 1970s with the objective of selling books at aviation events and by mail order to a growing number of enthusiasts who could not always find the publications they wanted to read on the shelves of their local High Street bookshop. The company established itself as a leading retailer of aviation books and later expanded into selling road, rail, military and other transport-related titles. Midland Counties Publications has steadily built up a reputation for excellent customer service. Each new catalogue offering an ever-expanding range of specialist books is eagerly awaited by enthusiasts the world over. Their 'Superstore' web site was moved within this site in October 2005, and the company is responsible for fulfilling all orders placed via this site.
The addition of these mail order and aviation publishing businesses to the long established Ian Allan Publishing fold has considerably enhanced our position as the largest specialist transport publisher in the world.
We are delighted to welcome you to this website, which is a user-friendly showcase of our many outstanding products and services. Hours of fascinating browsing await you, and when you want to purchase your books you can be assured of secure on-line ordering facilities and the very best in customer care.
| 
