Ken Gibbs tells the history of the engineering triumph that is a steam locomotive from the 1800s to the 1960s showing how each development changed the course of history.

This book is an account of my experiences growing up in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, about exciting situations I found my self in as a pilot and aircraft owner for 20 some years. Also, many times I have been asked about the operations of a railroad. I have tried in this book to relate some of these operations while telling what goes on in the cab and the sights that are seen through a locomotive windshield. I have also related some of the narrow escapes and dangerous situations I have found myself in as an Engineer for forty years. Sometimes it was humorous, sometimes scary, sometimes deadly. So all you guys and gals, who always thought you wanted to be a locomotive engineer let me tell you about what you missed. In some instances you'll be glad you did.