How Steam Locomotives Really Work

Review from previous edition ...if you are only buying one book for a steam railway enthusiast this Christmas, it has to be this one.'National Railway Museum ReviewThis book is essential reading for anyone interested in the realities of steam traction.‘Transport Digest. . . an excellent treatment of theory, practice and history . . . It will fascinate engineers and railway enthusiasts, as well as prove a source of interesting historical and technical teaching material.'New ScientistEnthusiasts will be riveted.‘Yorkshire Evening Press. . . a most worthy book at an attractive price for anyone interested in steam locomotive technology.'The Newcomen SocietyExcellent value for money.‘Railnews`To enable train enthusiasts to understand the workings of the various types of engines in use, this book describes the anatomy and physiology of the steam train. It covers the design of the engine, the process of converting fuel into mechanical tractive effort to haul passenger and freight trains, the function and design of the various components of the engine, and the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of steam locomotives. Although the steamlocomotive originated in the United Kingdom, there were parallel lines of development in North America and Europe, and the individual features of these are also covered.‘Mechanical Engineering

Peter Semmens was formerly Deputy Head of the highly popular National Railway Museum in York from 1974, and has been active for many years in the popularization of science and technology. He has written 33 books on trains and railways, and in 1990 he was appointed Chief Correspondent of The Railway Magazine, having written the monthly ‘Railway Practice and Performance’ for many years.

Alan Goldfinch was Chief Mechanical and Electrical Engineer, BritishRail Eastern Region, until he retired in 1989.