How Steam Locomotives Really Work
"This book describes the anatomy and physiology of the steam train, to enable all train enthusiasts to understand the workings of the various types of engines in use. It covers the design of the engine, the process of converting fuel into mechanical tractive effort to haul passenger and freight trains, and the function and design of the various components of the engine. The authors also outline the reasons behind the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of steam locomotives. " ~ amazon.com
Illustrated Treasury of the American Locomotive Companymerican Locomotive
"American Locomotive Company (ALCO) has a long history producing in excess of 90,000 steam, diesel-electric and electric locomotives, including such legends as the New York Central Hudson type and the Union Pacific's "Big Boy". ALCO locomotives have hauled many of the world's most famous passenger trains, as well as high-speed freight trains. This book is both a short history of ALCO and a treasury of builders' photographs of locomotive production over the years. The photographs accurately portray the locomotives as they appeared brand-new, from early steam to the greatest articulateds, through electrics and modern diesels. Locomotives are listed alphabetically by railway, road number, wheel arrangement, date built, driving-wheel diameter in inches and weight in tons of the locomotive and tender, respectively." ~ Amazon.com Editorial Review
Iron Horses: American Locomotives 1829-1900
"Colorful stories of the old steam engines of yesteryear fill these pages--from the steam carriage operated on the streets of Paris in 1769 to the mighty locomotives that thundered across the American West in the latter half of the nineteenth century. Fine, rare illustrations, many rendered by the author, depict the famous Tom Thumb, the first American-built steam locomotive to be operated on a common-carrier railroad; the John Bull, one of the first successful locomotives in the U.S., which today is the world's oldest operating engine; as well as "Crab" and "Mud Digger" types of locomotives." ~ Dover Publications
"Colin Garratt has a good claim to being the world's foremost steam-engine enthusiast. Ever since Britain switched to diesel in 1968, Garratt has traveled the world in search of the last of this dying breed. Legends of Steam collects his remarkable, often beautiful, photographs of aging engines at work in exotic settings like Eritrea and Sumatra." ~ Legends of Steam
Locomotives of the Rio Grande
"A Detailed Locomotive Roster of the Rio Grande System 1871-1980."
Locomotives that Baldwin Built
The history of the Baldwin Locomotive Works, 1831-1923
This book is a source of absolutely excellent photos of Shays, Heislers, and Climaxes used in the logging industry in the Pacific Northwest. The photos were taken by Darius Kinsey. With his huge box cameras and glass image plates, Kinsey was to B&W photography of the period as IMAX is to color motion pictures of today. The photos are the best B&W I have ever seen and are definitely of museum quality. Beyond Excellent Recommended - Buy It! ~ The Locomotive Portraits
Mason Steam Locomotives - Mason Bogie Locomotive
"William Mason’s beautiful steam locomotives were considered the finest in form and function, the “Rolls Royces” of the day. More than 700 of these locomotives were built at the Taunton, Massachusetts factory beginning in 1853. After 50 years of research, Art Wallace brings the complete Mason locomotive story to light. In detailed text and nearly 200 photographs and illustrations, Mason’s handiwork comes to life in this rich historical volume. From American Standard 4-4-0s to 4-6-0s and double-truck 0-6-6Ts and 2-8-6T’s, Mason locomotives have captured the eye of railfans, engineers and historians for decades."
"Presents details and measurements of steam locomotives from their first appearance to their final days. Includes nearly 1,000 rare photographs and over 127 HO scale plans, notes, and specifications for almost all steam locomotives in North America." ~ Model Railroader Cyclopedia : Steam Locomotives
Modern Locomotive Construction 1892
"A reprint of Meyer's 1892 original publication of this book. It shows you how to design an 1892 locomotive from the ground up. You learn every aspect of design and construction with over a thousand illustrations, most of them being incredibly detailed working drawings. You get detailed how-to knowledge that can only be acquired from working in the industry.
It covers every aspect of designing and constructing steam locomotives, from why spiral springs should not be used in the slide valve pressure relief groove..., to the correct place to drill holes in smoke stack to ensure a flow of air in the annular space between the two shells of the smoke stack, which will prevent the paint on the outer shell from becoming overheated and blistering. There are even three pages, with working drawing, showing you how to construct a steam whistle!" 685 pages ~ Lindsay Publications Inc