The disappearance of the steam locomotive in the land of its birth touched the hearts of millions, but when the government announced the Modernisation Plan for Britain's railways in 1955, under which steam was to be phased out in favour of diesel and electric traction, few people took it seriously. Steam locomotives were an integral part of our daily lives and had been for almost one and a half centuries. Furthermore, they were still being built in large numbers. It was popularly believed that they would see the century out and probably well beyond that. But the reality was that by 1968 a mere thirteen years after the Modernisation Plan steam traction had disappeared from Britain's main line railways. It was harrowing to witness the breaking up of engines, which were the icons of their day, capable of working long-distance inter-city expresses weighing 400 tons on schedules faster than a mile a minute. Top speeds of 100mph were not unknown.This book chronicles the last few years as scrap yards all over Britain went into overtime, cutting up thousands of locomotives and releasing a bounty of more than a million tons of scrap whilst the engines, which remained in service, were a shadow of their former selves; filthy, wheezing and clanking their way to an ignominious end. The pictures in this book are augmented by essays written by Colin Garratt at the time. Although steam disappeared from the main line network it survives in everdwindling numbers on industrial systems such as collieries, ironstone mines, power stations, shipyards, sugar factories, paper mills and docks. In such environments steam traction eked out a further decade and during this time many of the industrial locations closed rendering the locomotives redundant. The British steam locomotive was born amid the coalfields and was destined to die there one and three quarter centuries later.

This book looks back over a century of locomotive production around the world, capturing engines on plantations, in heavy industry and on the main lines. With 200 photographs from four continents, author and photographer Colin Garratt's memorable scenes and absorbing text encapsulate the lasting appeal of the age of steam. A gold-foiled jacket ensures that this is a book for steam enthusiasts to treasure.

This text presents a history of locomotive technology from the great steam engines of the 1830s to the electronic speed trains of the present day. It also contains accounts of 95 of the world's most legendary railway journeys, including such departure points and destinations as Boston, Venice, Pretoria, the Khyber Pass and Fuji.

Since the birth of the railroads in the early Industrial Age, people across the world have been fascinated by the locomotive as a powerful symbol of advanced technology and an exciting means of transport. From the early beginnings of steam power to today's high-speed passenger trains, this book spans nearly two centuries of locomotive and railway development.

Chapter 1. The history of rail -- Chapter 2. Servicng the cities -- Chapter 3. Train technology -- Chapter 4. Trains and society -- Chapter 5. Trains shaping history -- Chapter 6. Preservation and hobbies -- Chapter 7. Great rail journeys -- Index and glossary.

Tracks the complete evolution of railroad locomotion--from the steam locomotives of the 1800s to the high-speed technical wonders of today--with electrifying photography and authoritative text.

Since the birth of the railroads in the early Industrial Age, people across the world have been fascinated by the locomotive as a powerful symbol of advanced technology and an exciting means of transport. From the early beginnings of steam power to today's high-speed passenger trains, this book spans nearly two centuries of locomotive and railway development.

Since the birth of the railroads in the early Industrial Age, people across the world have been fascinated by the locomotive as a powerful symbol of advanced technology and an exciting means of transport. From the early beginnings of steam power to today's high-speed passenger trains, this book spans nearly two centuries of locomotive and railway development.

Covers all areas of locomotive history from 1950 to the end of the 20th century.