Product Description

Steam locomotives were developed in the early part of the 19th Century, initially by Trevithick, and then most successfully by George Stephenson, whose engine Locomotion inaugurated the famous Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825. For the next 150 years, steam locomotives were further developed and refined, until the advent of new electrical technology superseded them. Although British Railways operated its last main-line steam locomotives in 1968, there is still immense interest in the large numbers of locomotives that have been privately preserved, and which run on heritage railways and in various parts of the world. 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. Although the steam locomotive originated in the UK, there were parallel lines of development in North America and in various other European countries, many of which introduced their own individual features. These are dealt with in the book, which will appeal to railway enthusiasts throughout the world.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #349899 in Books
• Published on: 2004-06-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 368 pages

Review
`Review from previous edition ...if you are only buying one book for a steam railway enthusiast this Christmas, it has to be this one.' National Railway Museum Review

`This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the realities of steam traction.' Transport Digest

`. . . an excellent treatment of theory, practice and history . . . It will fascinate engineers and railway enthusiasts, as well as prove a source of interesting historical and technical teaching material.' New Scientist

`Enthusiasts will be riveted.' Yorkshire Evening Press

`. . . a most worthy book at an attractive price for anyone interested in steam locomotive technology.' The Newcomen Society

`Excellent value for money.' Railnews

`To enable train enthusiasts to understand the workings of the various types of engines in use, this book describes the anatomy and physiology of the steam train. It covers the design of the engine, the process of converting fuel into mechanical tractive effort to haul passenger and freight trains, the function and design of the various components of the engine, and the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of steam locomotives. Although the steam locomotive originated in the United Kingdom, there were parallel lines of development in North America and Europe, and the individual features of these are also covered.' Mechanical Engineering

About the Author

Peter Semmens was formerly Deputy Head of the highly popular National Railway Museum in York from 1974, and has been active for many years in the popularization of science and technology. He has written 33 books on trains and railways, and in 1990 he was appointed Chief Correspondent of The Railway Magazine, having written the monthly "Railway Practice and Performance" for many years. Alan Goldfinch was Chief Mechanical and Electrical Engineer, British Rail Eastern Region, until he retired in 1989.

Customer Reviews

Good book, but not an easy read
Unless you already know how a steam locomotive works, some parts of this book are difficult. However, it is the most accessible technical intro to steam locos that I've found. It could use more and better illustrations. An edition with illustrations by DK would be what I need!

Not for anyone other than physicists, mechanical engineers, or obsessed steam fans.
WARNING: Think carefully about this information prior to purchasing this book. There is nothing simple about this book. Prerequisite courses in physics, and mechanical engineering are required prior to attempting to understand this book. A purchase of this book is a complete waste of money. First of all, it is about British steam. Second, it is about as interesting as attempting to read and understand a copy of a Shakespeare play written in Latin. It is by far the worst purchase I have ever made.

Great explanatory text that gets into all the details
This is a small paperback that had me spellbound. That's as good as a technical text can be! I carried it everywhere with me, and read it in my spare time. If you love steam locomotives, this is a real page turner. It covers steam engines from the earliest ones (stationary mine engines), to the very last. It is of course a UK book, and thus concentrates upon British locomotives. The candor in the writing is quite refreshing. It clearly admits that a failing of many UK steam locomotives was a "just good enough" mentality amongst the designers and drivers. This meant that the engine drivers in France, and in North America had greater technical knowledge of their machine's working. In the design of the machines in these other countries (e.g. Andre Chapelon's engines) their locomotives were far more advanced and sophisticated than their British counterparts.

Nevertheless, the evolution and workings of each of the subsystems of the steam locomotive are examined in good detail. Once you've finished this book, you will have a heightened appreciation of the thought that went into the design and construction of each of these locomotives. You'll also know why drivers and firemen do what they do.

This is a superb text, highly recommended.