How a Steam Locomotive Works

Unavailable for some time, this book proved to be an instant success when first published, explaining as it did, in a simple and comprehensible way the complex engineering behind a steam locomotive. The subject is explained through a series of easily understandable diagrams which show the function of the components in step-by-step sequences. The clear diagrams and explanations require no prior technical or engineering knowledge. Photographs, both historic and contemporary, illustrate the text.Starting with a basic introduction to the principles of the steam locomotive boiler, the text provides detailed explanations of both coal and oil firing. Further detailed chapters examine the essential components, including gauge glasses, injectors, ejectors, control valves, mainframes, cylinders, valve gear, lubrication, air and vacuum brakes and cab layouts. Additional chapters cover wheel arrangements, balancing, engine layout and fault finding.This expanded edition is the ideal introduction to the subject both for older steam enthusiasts, as there are few who understand every aspect of the steam locomotive in its entirety, a subject which encompasses many engineering specialisms including structures, dynamics, thermodynamics and fluid flows, and heritage railway volunteers and fans who love this most dramatic and inspiring form of traction but may not be up to speed with how it actually operates.

An ideal introduction to new fans of steam as well as experienced enthusiasts. Swanage Railway Magazine
Injectors, ejectors, control valves, mainframes, cylinders, valve gear, air and vacuum brakes... the 'hidden magic' of those terms is laid bare for all to see and learn at a glance. Heritage Railway
This is an excellent value for money book, ideal for either consolidating an existing library's content into one volume, for beginning a steam section in your own reference library or purchase as a present for a newcomer to railway enthusiasm. The Journal of the Stephenson Locomotive Society
Whether you are interested in driving the real thing or just looking to understand the main principles, this beautifully illustrated book will provide all the elements necessary leading to a greater understanding of steam locomotives and their operation, through diagrams, crisply reproduced photographs and easy-to-follow text.One thing's for sure, you are bound to adopt new driving techniques for your locomotives having read this book.A fascinating read. Hornby Magazine
This is a lucid and concise explanation, in lay terms, of all the characteristic features of a steam locomotive; it is not limited to the principal components, such as boiler, firebox and cylinders, but covers lubrication, suspension, brake systems and various types of valve gears among other topics. The concluding chapters deal with locomotive preparation, driving, firing and disposal. There is also a handy fault-finding guide. The text is illustrated with a profusion of coloured diagrams and close-up photographs of actual locomotives.First published in 2015, this is a revised version of the popular, step-by-step guide to the workings of a steam locomotive. There is a slight bias toward British practice, but in most respects the principles described would be the same anywhere. The layout and presentation are exceptionally clear and is a perfect companion for someone who wants to become involved with a locomotive side of preservation, or a miniature railway, and would be a handy reference for the more general enthusiast. The Railway Observer
The steam locomotive is such a simple idea - boil water in a sealed container to create steam at pressure which is then used to power a piston which turns a wheel - but such a complication machine. It is hardly surprising that few people - enthusiasts included - have a complete understanding of how everything works and which component performs which function. The traditional way of acquiring this knowledge has been to acquire a copy of the so-called 'black book', officially known as the Handbook for Railway Steam Locomotive Enginemen which was originally published by British Railways for the education and information of its own footplate staff. But this is a highly technical manual aimed at a knowledgeable audience. Most lay people reading it for the first time will fully understand only a fraction of the contents. So it is pleasing to find a guide like this one which not only sets out the process of converting fire and water into steam capable of propelling a train at anything up to 126 mph in simple words and phrases, but which also includes many clear and informative diagrams and pictures. The chapters are set out in a logical way leading through the basics of how boilers work through valve gears, braking systems, how water is fed into the boiler, lubrication and so on. Each chapter is short and made easy to follow, the pictures and diagrams generally well positioned in relation to the text. All is printed on quality paper.The whole is topped off with chapters on how to get involved with steam railways, driving, firing, preparing and disposing of a locomotive. The only thing the book does not tell you is how dirty (and tired) you will be after a day of all this. Steam locomotives are dirty, labour intensive machines which need endless TLC to keep them serviceable. Well, there HAD to be a reason for building diesels, didn't there?Today's locomotives almost all rely on volunteer labour and it seems likely that a good proportion on the sales of this book will find their way into a footplate bag or box to be consulted in (rare) quiet moments or in the run up to one of the many exams a footplate volunteer will find themselves sitting. They will find it useful and readily understandable. National Railway Museum Review

Dominic Wells is a fully qualified Mechanical Engineer, who worked at the former LNER Doncaster plant works. He has also worked on a number of heritage railways in Britain, including the Welsh Highland Railway and the Kirklees Light Railway. He currently lives in Sheffield and this is his first book for Ian Allan Publishing.

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