North American Railroad Bridges

Few railroading scenes are as enduring as those that depict a train traversing river or roadway, creek or cayon, atop a sturdy structure specially engineered for the situation. In this marvelously illustrated work sure to appeal to modelers and railfans alike, prolific rail historian Brian Solomon presents the only completely illustrated book to tackle the development and evolution of North American railroad bridges.

Inside, Solomon examines major types of construction-including trusses, trestles, viaducts (both stone arches and steel construction), suspension bridges, and movable spans-as well as many of the men responsible for pioneering them. In addition to explaining in layperson's terms the principles behind each type of construction and why they are used in given situations, Solomon offers histories detailing the origins, construction, and use of iconic structures such as Hell Gate, Starrucca Viaduct, and Suisun Bay Bridge, amoung others, as well as lesser known but nonetheless important and interesting spans.

North American Railroad Bridges is illustrated throughout with landmark patent drawings, period postcards, specially commissioned diagrams, and modern color photography from some of today's top rail photographers, capturing railroads large and small hauling traffic across bridges throughout the United States and Canada.

This photographic history pays tribute to the railroad bridge as both an icon of Americana and a marvel of engineering. Author Brian Solomon discusses the major types of construction: viaducts (both stone arches and steel construction), cantilever, suspension, and truss bridges, and explains why certain types of construction suit different situations. He describes the origins and construction of iconic structures and lesser known but no less interesting railroad bridges.