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Classic American Locomotives (Classic)

Classic American Locomotives (Classic)
By Charles McShane

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Product Description

Anyone who has watched in anticipation as a hundred tons of hot, black, smoky iron rolls into the station, or who thrills at the smell of creosote and the plaintive blue note of a steam whistle, will revel in CHARLES MCSHANE'S detailed examination of the inner workings of the classic steam engine. For the first time since 1907, fans of classic American steam locomotives can pore over hundreds of fascinating mechanical illustrations as McShane explains every aspect of how these impressive juggernauts operated.

As impressive as the sum of the parts may be, the steam engine is made up of hundreds of discreet systems-slide valves, steam injectors, lubricators, pressure gauges, pneumatic brakes and more-all of them scrutinized in loving detail in Classic American Locomotives. Starting with a brief history of the locomotive, McShane addresses every aspect of locomotive construction, even treating how each company manufactured the various parts, how an engineer or rail worker should maintain these components, and the relative merits of the different systems.

CLASSIC AMERICAN LOCOMOTIVES will be a fascinating reference for experts and curators, and the centerpiece of any train fan's library.

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #195193 in Books
  • Published on: 2003-12-01
  • Original language: English
  • Number of items: 1
  • Binding: Paperback
  • 728 pages

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover
Anyone who has watched in anticipation as a hundred tons of hot, black, smoky iron rolls into the station - or who thrills at the smell of creosote and the plaintive blue note of a steam whistle - will revel in Charles McShane's detailed examination of the inner workings of the classic steam engine. For the first time since 1909, fans of classic American steam locomotives can pore over hundreds of fascinating mechanical illustrations as McShane explains every aspect of how these incredible juggernauts operated.
As impressive as the sum of the parts may be, the steam engine is made up of hundreds of discreet systems - slide valves, steam injectors, lubricators, pressure gauges, pneumatic brakes and more - all of them scrutinized in loving detail in Classic American Locomotives. Starting with a brief history of the locomotive, McShane addresses every aspect of locomotive construction, even treating how each company manufactured the various parts, how an engineer or rail worker should maintain these components, and the relative merits of the different systems.
Classic American Locomotives is a fascinating reference for experts and curators, and the centerpiece of any train fan's library.

About the Author
CHARLES MCSHANE is also the author of One Thousand Pointers for Machinists and Engineers.

Customer Reviews

Every single aspect of locomotive construction is studied5
Classic American Locomotives by Charles McShane is the 1909 classic reference detailing steam locomotive technology. Offered to railroading enthusiasts is an impressive and expertly detailed description of how the steam engine of a locomotive is constructed, including an informative exploration and delineating of the workings of every part ranging from slide valves and steam injectors, to lubricators, pressure gauges, pneumatic brakes and more. Every single aspect of locomotive construction is studied, in considerable but accessible technical depth. Classic American Locomotives provides an inherently fascinating and meticulous dissection which is especially recommended for Railroading History reference collections and anyone who is curious about how a steam powered locomotive works.