In this visually glorious chronological history, prolific railroad
historian and photographer Brian Solomon curates a selection of the
world's most significant trains and locomotives over the last two
centuries. Hop aboard to see trains and locomotives at work in scenic
locations throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
Two centuries after iron behemoths first began appearing in Europe and
North America, locomotives and trains continue to fascinate folks of all
ages. From North American steam and electric-diesel machines
designed and built by the likes of Baldwin and General Electric to
state-of-the-art electric freight and commuter trains in Europe and
Asia, Solomon provides a thorough look at the development of the most
famous, most influential, and most technologically advanced trendsetters
across more than two centuries, with photography depicting heavy
hardware at work in North America, Europe, and Asia. Topics covered
include:
- The Consolidation Type - The most prolific steam locomotive design
in America and one of the most common types around the world.
- Electric pioneers - The earliest commercial applications for
Edison, Tesla, and Siemens. Featuring hardware from Germany and
Scandinavia.
- Gas-Electrics and Wind-splitters - Pioneering aerodynamic trains
that looked like machines dreamed up by Rube Goldberg.
- Budd stainless-steel streamliners - Burlington's famous Zephyr
and the trains it inspired swept public imagination.
- Britain's Sir Nigel Gresley and his remarkable locomotives -
Includes World Famous Flying Scotsman and steam speed record holder
Mallard .
- Electro-Motive's F-unit - The iconic American diesel that killed
steam.
- Germany's Flying Hamburger - The pioneer high-speed diesel
streamliners from 1932.
- Stanier's Black Five and 8F 2-8-0 - Trendsetting British designs
that found widespread application as far afield as Turkey and Egypt.
- Spanish TALGO trains - Innovative lightweight passenger trains
sold around the world.
- Japanese Shinkansen trains - These record-breaking electric trains
are the epitome of high-speed rail.
- French TGVs - Some of the world's fastest services with trains
operating in more than a dozen nations*.*
- Soviet M62 diesel - Soviet-era relics continue to work in the
former Eastern Bloc.
- Swedish Rc Electrics - Over the last 50 years, these icons have
worked in countries across Europe, as well as Iran.
- Siemens Vectron - During the last decade this versatile electric
design has rapidly displaced older electric locomotives across Europe.
In addition to learning about the technology, railfans learn about
significant designers, builders, and operators. When it comes to
illustrated histories of railroading spanning time and nations, fans of
heavy iron will be hard-pressed to find a more compelling collection.
