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

The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Steam & Rail

Since the birth of the railroads in the early Industrial Age, people everywhere have been fascinated by the locomotive as a powerful symbol of advanced technology and an exciting means of transport. From the early beginnings of steam power to today's awe-inspiring high-speed passenger trains, this book spans nearly two centuries of locomotive and railway development, and it also documents 95 outstanding railway journeys around the globe.

This book covers: the golden age of steam locomotives; the landmark engines; the railway pioneers; and the great train journeys. It is a comprehensive history and development of the train, from the great steam engines of the 1830s to the electronic speed trains of the present day.
It contains accounts of 95 of the world's most legendary railway journeys, including departure points and destinations such as Boston, Venice, Pretoria, the Khyber Pass, Darjeeling, Fuji, Sydney, Edinburgh and many more. It features over 1500 stunning photographs of locomotives in action around the world.

Information

The Iron Horse : The History and Development of the Steam Locomotive

With the nineteenth-century enthusiasm for railways came a demand for everfaster locomotives that could haul greater loads than their predecessors. As different companies competed in what is now known as the 'steam era', the face of locomotives was changed forever.

The Iron Horse is an accessible and illustrated study of the development of the steam railway locomotive, from Trevithick, Hedley, Blenkinsop, Séguin, Stevenson and other pioneers to the ground-breaking analytical work of Chapelon and his disciples.
Here John Walter outlines the fascinating history of steam railway locomotives followed by a comprehensive and easy-to-understand directory based on the Whyte wheel classifi cation system.

Packed with images, diagrams and contemporary artworks, this wellresearched book will be indispensable to casual and serious enthusiasts alike.

Information

European Steam in the 1970s

The abrupt decline of steam on British Railways in the late 1960s dealt a poignant blow to the myriad railway enthusiasts accustomed to the sensory allure and thrill of steam power.
While industrial railways in Britain offered a modest alternative, those yearning for main line steam experiences found solace by embarking on short journeys to the Continent. Across various European countries, steam endured well into the 1970s and even the '80s.

This illustrated book presents a rich visual retrospective, featuring an abundance of captivating and previously unpublished photographs from nations like Spain, Portugal, and Germany.

Information

The World's Last Steam Locomotives in Industry: The 20th Century

Following on from his popular series examining industrial steam in regions of the UK, Gordon Edgar looks at a series of fascinating workings around the world during the final days of steam in industry.
Numerous globe-trotting trips in the latter part of the twentieth and early twenty-first century by the author, and other talented photographers, has produced a remarkable record of steam at work in locations as varied as Western and Eastern Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia.

With stunning, evocative photographs that capture not only the final days of these industrial workhorses, but also the atmosphere of the environments in which they toiled, including coal mines, quarries, steelworks, and sugar plantations, this is a fitting tribute to an important aspect of international industrial history. This first of two volumes focuses on scenes captured in the latter decades of the twentieth century.

Information

The World's Last Steam Locomotives in Industry: The 21st Century

NEW

In continuation of his well-received series on industrial steam in various UK regions, Gordon Edgar shifts his focus to the captivating global panorama during the concluding era of steam in industry.
Through extensive travels spanning the late 20th century and early 21st century, Edgar meticulously documented the compelling presence of steam in diverse settings worldwide - ranging from Germany, Austria, and Poland to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, Cuba, Java, India, and China.

The book, enriched with arresting photographs, not only immortalizes the final days of these industrial workhorses but also encapsulates the ambiance of their laborious environments, encompassing opencast coal mines, quarries, steelworks, and sugar plantations.
Serving as a poignant homage to a crucial facet of international industrial history, the volume predominantly emphasizes scenes captured in the 21st century.

Information