|
Illustrated Encyclopedia of North American Locomotives, The Historical directory
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of North American Locomotives A historical directory of Americas greatest locomotives from 1830 to present day By Brian Hollingsworth Dust Jacket 1984 208 Pages
A hundred and fifty years ago just a few visionaries could predict the effect on all our lives that was to occur with the development of the locomotive. Yet, in a few short years, following closely in the tracks of the horse-drawn wagon trains, the locomotive opened up a continent, the United States of America, eventually allowing folk to travel in hours and days distances that would previously have taken weeks, and thereby to establish a nation whose influence is today boundless.
And such splendid beasts they were, too, those early locomotives, gushing and hissing and trumpeting steam and smoke, and generally causing tremendous excitement whenever they were leaving or arriving at a place, or just passing through. Steam gradually gave way to other forms of traction-diesel engines, electric units, combinations of these, and gas turbines -and the railroad industry generally consolidated and then contracted in the face of overwhelming competition from the automobile, the truck and, later, the airplane as a form of transportation of people and products. The "rules of engagement" in this protracted power struggle did not favor the railroads either so, for a while, the future looked bleak for the dwindling number of rail barons and builders of locomotives.
However, in recent years greater freedom has been granted to the railroads, industrial rationalization has been occurring, rail traffic of a welcome kind has been increasing, and there is potentially a better economic situation developing from an abundance of relatively inexpensive coal-and the combination of all these factors is brightening the prospects of the North American rail transportation community.
It is on this brighter note that this colorful tribute to the workhorses of that community is offered. Here, through superbly illustrated and highly detailed descriptions of over 150 historic locomotives of all kinds, unfolds the story of more than 150 years of American railroading. Within these pages are to be found the biggest, the most powerful, the most innovative, the most charismatic and most quaint locomotives- magnificent machines which will thrill and fascinate rail enthusiasts the world over.
All pictures are of the actual item. If this is a railroad item, this material is obsolete and no longer in use by the railroad. Please email with questions. Publishers of Train Shed Cyclopedias and Stephans Railroad Directories. Large inventory of railroad books and magazines. Thank you for buying from us.
Shipping charges
Postage rates quoted are for shipments to the US only. Ebay Global shipping charges are shown. These items are shipped to Kentucky and then ebay ships them to you. Ebay collects the shipping and customs / import fees. For direct postage rates to these countries, send me an email. Shipping to Canada and other countries varies by weight.
Payment options
Payment must be received within 10 days. Paypal is accepted.
Terms and conditions
All sales are final. Returns accepted if item is not as described. Contact us first. No warranty is stated or implied. Please e-mail us with any questions before bidding.
Thanks for looking at our items.
| 
