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.

If you have an ambition to build a small live steam locomotive, but are daunted by the skills required, then this book is for you. Written in his clear and encouraging style, Peter Jones demystifies the whole process for those with little or no previous experience. Contents include: An explanation of terms; Basic metalworking processes; Step-by-step project guides; Machining; Boilermaking; Painting; and Finishing. Fully illustrated throughout with color photographs and drawings, and including appendices of suppliers and societies, this is an invaluable work for the railway modeler.

For nearly half of the nation's history, the steam locomotive was the outstanding symbol for progress and power. It was the literal engine of the Industrial Revolution, and it played an instrumental role in putting the United States on the world stage. While the steam locomotive's basic principle of operation is simple, designers and engineers honed these concepts into 100-mph passenger trains and 600-ton behemoths capable of hauling mile-long freight at incredible speeds. American Steam Locomotives is a thorough and engaging history of the invention that captured public imagination like no other, and the people who brought it to life.

This book examines how modern steam locomotive works, including all its major sub-systems and appliances. Illustrations show how each part of the locomotive fits into the overall functioning, some background on each aspect of each function, and examples of various locomotives from a wide variety of railroads all over the U.S. The book is written for the layman to understand, providing a really easy to comprehend, yet technically competent and complete volume that will be valuable for anyone interested in the steam era.

"A Passion for Steam" describes how small scale, live-steam locomotives work in clear, understandable language. All systems are covered, including boilers, boiler fittings, burners, different fuels, valve gears, different cylinder types, and sundry variations. The second half of the book is a fascinating survey of nearly 100 miniature locomotives, scratchbuilt and commercial, that discusses what makes each one different from its fellows. The book is fully illustrated with hundreds of high-quality drawings and beautiful photographs.