Whether you're a steam buff or your interest lies in the modern railways of today, you'll treasure this incredibly compact volume filled with over 150 interestingly written chronological entries, from the 1830s to the present day. This highly illustrated reference contains technical specs, design development and service information, plus a complete history of international passenger and freight locomotive evolution.

More than 250 classic American locomotives. "Let the country but make the railroads, and the railroads will make the country." — Edward Pease During the mid-1800s, American railroads became the lifeblood of new communities in the West and brought new ways of life and means of commerce to rural communities. Railroads became the shining thread that tied together the tapestry of American life into a land of plenty. The Illustrated Dictionary of North American Locomotives explores the story of railroads and their motive power. Giant beasts of iron and steel once roamed the land. Their descendants still race across the country. This book charts the progress of motive power on America's railroads from 1830 until the present. Its 432 pages illustrate a wide variety of grand and humble locomotives from the steam powered Puffing Billy types of the "Early Days" chapter, to the mighty Allegheny class steamers that were used to haul coal for the American industry in the "Steam in Charge" chapter. Technical specifications are given for each engine type and the book is fully illustrated with both black & white and color photos. The book goes on to show the progress of Diesel Power, including the output of General Electric and General Motors electromotive division (EMD) from the 1920s to the present. Ultimately, the book also explores the Electric Power that powers so many of today's railways.

Since the birth of the railroads in the early Industrial Age, people across the world 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 high-speed passenger trains, this book spans nearly two centuries of locomotive and railway development.

A pictorial encyclopedia of some of the most influential and famous trains from the working steams trains of China to the bullet Train and Eurostar, with detailed specifications of 50 key locomotive designs.

Two perfect books for train enthusiasts, with a historical reference book spanning nearly two centuries of locomotive development, and an enthralling illustrated guide to the world's greatest railway journeys of all timme