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How Steam Locomotives Really Work | 
 enlarge | Authors: P. W. B. Semmens, A. J. Goldfinch
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Category: Book
Buy Used: $66.35
Used (2) from $66.35
Avg. Customer Rating:  16 reviews
Sales Rank: 2229426
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 360
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.7
Dimensions (in): 9 x 6 x 1
ISBN: 0198565364
Dewey Decimal Number: 625.261
EAN: 9780198565369
ASIN: 0198565364
Publication Date: October 19, 2000
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Excellent customer service. Order inquiries handled promptly.
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Product Description
Steam locomotives were developed in the early part of the 19th Century, initially by Trevithick, and then most successfully by George Stephenson, whose engine Locomotion inaugurated the famous Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825. For the next 150 years, steam locomotives were further developed and refined, until the advent of new electrical technology superseded them. Although British Railways operated its last main-line steam locomotives in 1968, there is still immense interest in the large numbers of locomotives that have been privately preserved, and which run on heritage railways and in various parts of the world. This book describes the anatomy and physiology of the steam train, to enable all train enthusiasts to understand the workings of the various types of engines in use. It covers the design of the engine, the process of converting fuel into mechanical tractive effort to haul passenger and freight trains, and the function and design of the various components of the engine. The authors also outline the reasons behind the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of steam locomotives. Although the steam locomotive originated in the UK, there were parallel lines of development in North America and in various other European countries, many of which introduced their own individual features. These are dealt with in the book, which will appeal to railway enthusiasts throughout the world.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 11 more reviews...
 Not for anyone other than physicists, mechanical engineers, or obsessed steam fans. December 28, 2007
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
WARNING: Think carefully about this information prior to purchasing this book. There is nothing simple about this book. Prerequisite courses in physics, and mechanical engineering are required prior to attempting to understand this book. A purchase of this book is a complete waste of money. First of all, it is about British steam. Second, it is about as interesting as attempting to read and understand a copy of a Shakespeare play written in Latin. It is by far the worst purchase I have ever made.
 Great explanatory text that gets into all the details June 13, 2007
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
This is a small paperback that had me spellbound. That's as good as a technical text can be! I carried it everywhere with me, and read it in my spare time. If you love steam locomotives, this is a real page turner. It covers steam engines from the earliest ones (stationary mine engines), to the very last. It is of course a UK book, and thus concentrates upon British locomotives. The candor in the writing is quite refreshing. It clearly admits that a failing of many UK steam locomotives was a "just good enough" mentality amongst the designers and drivers. This meant that the engine drivers in France, and in North America had greater technical knowledge of their machine's working. In the design of the machines in these other countries (e.g. Andre Chapelon's engines) their locomotives were far more advanced and sophisticated than their British counterparts.
Nevertheless, the evolution and workings of each of the subsystems of the steam locomotive are examined in good detail. Once you've finished this book, you will have a heightened appreciation of the thought that went into the design and construction of each of these locomotives. You'll also know why drivers and firemen do what they do.
This is a superb text, highly recommended.
 Lots of info, but no real organization May 7, 2007
Decent book with lots of information, but not very organized. You might have to read this book twice to get all the info out of it. More drawings and pictures would certainly help. The author crams a lot of material in here, but goes all over the place getting it out. BUT, since there are very few books out there that contain this info that are readily available, I would still say that if you are interested in how steam engines work, this book is a good place to start.
 Good information but terrible as a paperback October 31, 2006
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have not gotten much past the intro, but already have found the answer to a curiosity - the baker valve gear. Not having seen a real baker valve gear up close, it has always been a mystery, no matter how many diagrams and details until this book(a point also noted by another reviewer). I will use this as a reference, but as with all paperbacks they cannot take abuse. I would like to see a review of the hardcover book, from a book quality standpoint. Because I like this book enough, I would consider the almost $50 plus tab for a used hard cover copy. The other detail that caught my attention was the way British engine drivers and French drivers learned their craft, the latter with a more academic approach and the former by 'Sitting with Nellie." The other point, part of the reason for the book, is to inform modern steam footplate crews not how to operate a locomotive, but how to understand what "underlies what they are taught." Railroads and steam power have always been an interest, but steam was gone, in a blink, before one could appreciate what was happening and despite any talk and hope to the contrary; the book also backs this point. - I have since, the original review date, acquired the hard cover and disposed of the paperback. Infinitely better! Spend the money!
Complete but not very technical March 1, 2006
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This book is a very good guide to the way steam locomotives work, you can consider it a "descriptive" account of the inner workings found in most steam locomotives. But if you are looking for charts, diagrams, formulaes or technical details they are not there. Anyway it is a nice, easy to read book.
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