STEAM PASSENGER LOCOMOTIVES

THE ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF A TECHNICAL DIRECTORY OF MAJOR INTERNATIONAL EXPRESS TRAIN ENGINES FROM THE 1820s TO THE PRESENT DAY

Bryan Hollingsworth, Tiger Books 1989. Sadly, one of Man’s most marvellous mechanical creations, the steam locomotive, has almost disappeared, a victim of the technological and economic pressures exerted by such upstarts as motor cars, aircraft and trucks. This book is therefore presented as a historical record, a magnificent tribute to a form of transport that had spanned more than 150 years and in particular to the steam passenger express locomotive whose attributes are generally being realised only now that they are being snatched away from us.

Whether or not they have actually seen a working steam express locomotive, or a restored engine, the passionate enthusiast and the casual observer alike cannot fail to be moved by this handsome volume which describes over 150 classic engines from all over the world. Superbly completed by painstakingly prepared full-colour drawings and splendid photographs, the absorbing descriptions relate the development and service of the specially selected locomotive classes, citing fascinating facts, quoting interesting anecdotes and revealing Brian Hollingsworth’s obvious knowledge of his subject and half-century love affair with railways.

As an additional bonus there are two eight-page panoramic fold-outs depicting four true ‘giants of steam’ in full colour across the width of four pages.

Apart from a pencilled date and price inscription on the fep, both the book and the dust jacket are in very good condition, almost as new. Due to the size of the book, the scanned image is slightly clipped.