| How Steam Locomotives Really Work | 
| Authors: P. W. B. Semmens, A. J. Goldfinch
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Category: Book
List Price: $25.00
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Seller: pbshop
Rating:  20 reviews
Sales Rank: 88,312
Media: Paperback
Pages: 368
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5 x 0.8
ISBN: 0198607822
Dewey Decimal Number: 625.261
EAN: 9780198607823
ASIN: 0198607822
Publication Date: June 10, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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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the next 150 years, steam locomotives were further developed and refined, until the advent of new electrical technology superseded them.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:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 20
 Serious about Steam March 20, 2010
David H. Nettle (St Peters, NSW, AU)
You are serious about steam locomotives and consider yourself knowledgeable about the various types and their strengths and weaknesses, but crave to understand the technical details in more detail. For example, you know what an injector does, but how exactly does it work? How do designers decide whether to use Walschaerts or Stephensons or Bakers valve gear? How does a superheater work and why does it increase a locomotive's efficiency so dramatically? If these are the kind of questions that intrigue you, then this is the book for you.
Most of the examples are taken from British locomotive engineering practice, but the principles described are generic. Unfortunately, some of the photographs are poorly rendered and the details described in the text are sometimes hard to see, but the descriptions are very detailed and precise. If the photographs had been better I would have rated this volume 5 stars.
Steam Locomotives September 29, 2009
D. Griffiths
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
The most comprehensive outline of steam locomotive engineering that I have seen. Mainly concentrates on British practices, not too much on US practice.
Good, if not perfect December 28, 2008
A. Palmer (CA USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
First of all, ignore the reviews that call this book "too complicated" or, (laughably by a previous reviewer) "wrong"(!) One of the authors was a CME (chief mechanical engineer) for British Rail, for heaven's sake. If you think it is wrong, back up your argument with facts. Anyone who didn't sleep through high school physics or chemistry should have no problems with this work. Just remember that this book is aimed at enthusiasts, not casual readers sifting through the bookstore remainder bin. OK, now this book could benefit from better editing and a glossary of terms, but it remains the only detailed guide to steam locomotive operation and specific mechanisms in the general press. For other intelligent reviews of this product, please refer to amazon uk's listing of this book.
Good book, but not an easy read October 8, 2008
Walt (Syracuse, NY USA)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Unless you already know how a steam locomotive works, some parts of this book are difficult. However, it is the most accessible technical intro to steam locos that I've found. It could use more and better illustrations. An edition with illustrations by DK would be what I need!
 Not for anyone other than physicists, mechanical engineers, or obsessed steam fans. December 28, 2007
Ben Griffith
2 out of 11 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.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 20
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