Steam Locomotives: Books - Technology and Operation (1/2)

How Steam Locomotives Really Work

The authors, both railway experts, cover the design of locomotives, the many processes in the conversion of fuel to tractive effort, the dynamic characteristics of the locomotive as a vehicle, the braking equipment, and a host of other systems, major and minor, that make up a working locomotive. They also explain the reasons for running and maintenance practices.

The Steam Locomotive - An Engineering History

Books on railway history invariably start with the Stephenson's or with Richard Trevithick's locomotive of 1804, but the story begins much earlier with the development of steam engines for pumping out deep mines.

Ken Gibbs, a retired engineer who served his apprenticeship in the Swindon Works of British Railways, takes a more practical approach to railway history, using its engineering developments to tell the story of the railways. From the first ideas to the development of better metals, manufacturing, technology in wheel casting, improved boilers and valve gears, his book is a refreshingly different approach to the plethora of picture books showing branch lines in days past.

Ken's engineering background and love of railway technology gives us a book suited to the layman and engineer alike, explaining how each development made the railways better, faster or safer.
It took over 150 years to develop the steam locomotive from a basic boiler on wheels weighing a couple of tons to the magnificent express passenger and freight locomotives weighing in excess of 100 tons and capable of speeds over 120mph. Read how the steam locomotive developed from those early days to the last days of steam.

Modern Locomotive Construction - The legendary Bible of Locomotive Building from 1892

Created in 1892 by J.G.A. Meyer, the former chief draftsman at the Grant Locomotive Works, "Modern Locomotive Construction" is one of the most in-depth documents to emerge from the age of steam. Regarded as "the Bible" of steam engines, it is replete with information about every aspect of locomotive building and maintenance.

This text can educate even the most learned railroader and answer questions you never even knew you had. Running over 660 pages, this book is an encyclopedic discussion of operating components including but not limited to cylinders, valve gears, frames, pistons, driving axles, main rods, throttle pipes and gear, spring gear, boilers, smoke stacks, sand boxes, trucks, tenders, and more.

Exceptionally well-written and richly illustrated, this book educated a generation of engineers and draftsman. Regarded as exceptionally rare, it's never been easy to lay your hands on this wonderful book, until now!
This paperback edition represents the first time Modern Locomotive Construction has been available in over 100 years.

The Locomotive Up To Date - The Classic Encyclopedic Reference for Steam Locomotive Engineers and Firemen

When it was originally published in 1899, "The Locomotive Up to Date" was hailed as "the most definitive work ever published concerning the mechanism that has transformed the American nation: the steam locomotive."

Filled with over 700 pages of text, diagrams and photos, this remains one of the most important railroading books ever written. From steam valves to sanders, trucks to side rods, it's a treasure trove of information, explaining in easy-to-understand language how the most sophisticated machines of the 19th Century were operated and maintained.

This new edition is an exact duplicate of the original. Reformatted as an easy-to-read 8.5x11 volume, it's delightful for railroad enthusiasts of all ages.

Locomotive Building - Construction of a Steam Engine for Railway Use

Originally created in 1911, "Locomotive Building" is the definitive text concerning the construction of steam engines for railroad use. Chapters include descriptions of all locomotive systems and their functions, including side rods, boiler, wheels, axle and diving boxes, frames and cylinders, valve motion, shop practice and more.
Profusely illustrated with diagrams and rare photos, this reprint has been slightly reformatted. Care has been taken however to preserve the integrity of the text.

The Locomotive Engineman's Manual - The Classic Locomotive Text from 1919

Originally printed in 1919, "The Engineman's Manual" was intended to be used in the instruction of locomotive engineers, firemen, and railroad mechanics. It features dozens of chapters concerning every aspect of the steam locomotive power plant and control systems, including the air brakes.

Complete with detailed examination questions and answers, "The Engineman's Manual" remains one of the most complete books ever written about the working components of the railroad steam engine.
This high quality reprint includes all of the original text, nearly 500 pages worth, in an easy-to-read 8.5x11 format.