An era ended in 1960, when the major railroads in the United States dieselized. Having served the continent for more than a century, North America's most visible symbol of industrial supremacy was obsolete. In railroad yards everywhere, thousands of steam engines stood gathering rust or waiting silently for a call to service that never came; still more perished unceremoniously, sold off and cut up for scrap metal. But a handful of railroads went out of their way to keep steam alive. This stunning volume is a pictorial tribute to working steam in North America, beautifully illustrated and lovingly told. -- Includes prime examples of accurate restorations that illustrate the development of steam locomotives while evoking the mood of this exciting period in North American History -- Filled with discussions of the dedicated preservationists who have kept steam alive in an era when the cost of overhauling and maintenance has become an extravagance -- More than 100 pristine, black-and-white photographs capture some of the most beautiful and historic steam locomotives in operation today

Perfecting the American Steam Locomotive documents the role played by mechanical engineers in the development of locomotive design. The steam engine and the mechanical engineering profession both grew directly out of the Industrial Revolution's need for sources of power beyond that of men and animals. Invented in England when coal mining was being developed, the practical steam engine eventually found numerous applications in transportation, especially in railroad technology. J. Parker Lamb traces the evolution of the steam engine from the early 1700s through the early 1800s, when the first locomotives were sent to the United States from England. Lamb then shifts the scene to the development of the American steam locomotive, first by numerous small builders, and later, by the early 20th century, by only three major enterprises and a handful of railroad company shops. Lamb reviews the steady progress of steam locomotive technology through its pinnacle during the 1930s, then discusses the reasons for its subsequent decline.

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.

Anyone who has watched in anticipation as a powerful steam engine rolled into a station, belching iconic billows of black smoke, or heard the memorable blue note sound of a steam engine whistle will revel in Charles McShane’s amazingly detailed exploration of the inner workings of the classic steam engine. This historical record from 1909 will delight fans of classic American steam locomotives and those who have an unwavering love for classic American history. You’ll be able to look over hundreds of detailed illustrations, from mechanical side valves and engines to locomotives like the Baldwin and the Richmond. Not only will you see the beauty of these historical machines, but McShane also explains every aspect of how these incredible behemoths of the railways operated. With detailed examinations of the engineering of the classic steam engine, you will be able not only to understand and admire the outer workings of these locomotives, but also to learn what a side valve, steam injector, and pressure gauge are, and how they work. This classic will be loved by all and fit perfectly as the centerpiece of any train aficionado’s library.

History and development of steam power since 1900, including railroad-by-railroad histories and rosters.

Explore a fascinating look at the history of one of the most iconic machines of all time - the British steam locomotive.

Complete with Travelers Tales boxes, specially commissioned maps & a listing of heritage team locomotives still in action today, this exciting chronicle tells the complete story of how the Iron Horse changed the course of history.