Diesel Locomotive Books #1

"Here is the first comprehensive history of the American Locomotive Company. Author Brian Solomon follows the story from the founding of Schenectady Locomotive Works in 1848 to that company’s merger with several smaller locomotive builders in 1901, to Alco’s ultimate demise in the competition for domestic diesel business. Solomon covers Alco’s famed steam locomotives—Hudsons, Niagaras, Challengers, and Big Boys—as well as the electrics built in partnership with GE, and diesel offerings both successful and quirky. Replete with historical photographs and modern images, the book is a fascinating and fitting tribute to a true icon of American railroading. "  

"The rise and fall of the American Locomotive Company mirrors that of America's Industrial Age. Formed from eight 19th Century locomotive builders during an age of 'trusts' and giant mergers underwritten by the country's greatest financiers, ALCO expanded further by acquisition of two additional locomotive builders and of other manufacturers in related and unrelated businesses.  ~  More than 1000 B/W photos, illustrations, & diagrams.  ~ The plants of ALCO and its predecessors and subsidiaries, showing plan views and detailed photos and illustrations across 150 years. ~ Detailed descriptions of ALCO's steam, electric and diesel locomotive designs, augmented by photos and original ALCO elevation drawings. ~ Detailed production data, covering the most important elements of annual production and of individual locomotive types."

"From the 1830s to 1956, Philadelphia-based Baldwin gave the world many of the most significant locomotives ever produced. For the first time, the details of these landmark machines are illustrated with a selection of superb builder's photos and publicity images taken with large-format cameras and housed in the Broadbelt Collection at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

Prolific rail historian Brian Solomon follows the design and development of Baldwin locomotives from the earliest steam models through the company's final passenger and freight diesel-electrics. From mass-produced behemoths to ideas that didn't quite catch on, Solomon leaves no stone unturned, providing model specifications, explaining the achievements of key company figures like Matthias Baldwin and Samuel Vauclain, and always presenting Baldwin locomotives in the context of contemporary industry developments. "

"General Motors' Electro-Motive Division rapidly moved to become the leader in diesel-electric technology.    .....  Producing roughly 1500 hp, Electro-Motive's famous 16-cylinder 567 diesel electric engine is at the heart of all GP7vGP20s. This book is an authoritative and richly illustrated account of EMD's General Purpose models GP7vGP20. It details these early road switchers' place in history with over 200 photos, most in color. Author Brian Solomon, contributor to numerous railway periodicals and author of over two dozen books on railway subjects, including the best-selling Specialty Press title EMD F-Unit Locomotives, shares his knowledge of the history and specifications of EMD's early road switchers.  ..."

"In February 2005, General Motors announced its decision to sell its Electro-Motive Division (EMD), thus ending its 75-year association with one of the most renowned brands in railroading. Looking at the heritage of the venerable EMD in light of this momentous development, this monumental volume offers an overview of the great locomotive maker unprecedented in its scope and unparalleled in the spectacular quality of its photographs. Leading railroad author and photographer Brian Solomon provides an authoritative, comprehensive account of EMD’s history, from its genesis in 1922 as the independent Electro-Motive Corporation, to GM’s acquisition of the company in 1930, and on through the age of today’s ""superpower"" locomotives. From the earliest 1920s railcars to the iconic mid-century F units, workhorse GP and SD locomotives, and Dash series; to the company’s race with its chief competitor, General Electric, to reach 6,000 horsepower, EMD’s complete story unfolds here in depth and detail, illustrated with a wealth of archival photos from across the country, as well as a remarkable collection of color photography from top railway photographers of the last half century"

Durango and Silverton: A photographic celebration of America's favorite narrow gauge train ride
" . . .Jim Boyd details the colorful product of the FM Company through more than 250 photographs. This comprehensive look at FM diesel production covers every original buyer as well as the railroads that inherited FMs through mergers. Tour the opposed piston world of UP and PRR, Santa Fe and Southern as well as the multitude of other lines that operated these unique diesels. "