This book explores the opposed piston (OP) engine, a model of power and simplicity, and provides the first comprehensive description of most opposed piston (OP) engines from 1887 to 2006. Design and performance details of the major types of OP engines in stationary, ground, marine, and aviation applications are explored and their evolution traced. The OP engine has set enviable and leading-edge standards for power/weight refinement, fuel tolerance, fuel efficiency, package space, and manufacturing simplicity. For these reasons, the OP concept still remains of interest for outstanding power and package density, simplicity, and reliability; e.g., aviation and certain military transport requirements. Using material from historic and unpublished internal research reports, the authors present the rationale for OP engines, their diverse architecture, detailed design aspects, performance data, manufacturing details, and leading engineers and applications. Comparisons to four-stroke and competitor engines are made, supporting the case for reconsidering OP engines for certain applications. Topics include: The history of OP engines Aeronautical Automotive Military Marine Unusual OP engines Comparison between 2 and 4 stroke engines The future of OP engines and more

This glorious visual celebration of train travel keeps you on the right track with stop-offs at the most important and incredible rail routes from all over the world. Your first stop in The Train Book is the groundbreaking steam locomotives of the 19th century and your final destination is the high-speed bullet trains of today. From the Union-Pacific Railroad to the Trans-Siberian Railway, you'll cross the continents to experience epic journeys and staggering scenery. You'll pick a seat on the most iconic locomotives, including the Orient Express, the Blue Train, and the Eurostar. You can also inspect the engines of famous British trains, such as Rocket, Mallard, and Javelin, and international trains, such as India's Palace on Wheels and America's Thatcher Perkins. You'll meet the true pioneers of train and track, including "Father of the Railways" George Stephenson, engineering legend Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and Métro maestro Fulgence Bienvenüe. For train-spotters and transport enthusiasts everywhere, this is your trip of a lifetime.