Classic Locomotives

Book excerpt: DIVThis massive collection of 700 color photographs (comprising the previously published volumesSteam Power,Vintage Diesel Power, andModern Diesel Power) traces the development of North American locomotives from the early nineteenth century right up to the present, spanning dozens of models from the likes of Alco, Baldwin, Electro-Motive, Fairbanks-Morse, General Electric, and more. Top-notch imagery from dozens of photographers is accompanied by detailed captions from author Brian Solomon that discuss locomotive technology, the roles of specific locomotives in individual railroads, and even the locations and operations depicted in the photographs. Together, this awesome collection stretches from the Baltimore & Ohio’s diminutiveTom Thumbsteam locomotive—generally considered the starting point of North American locomotive technology—right up to today’s high-horsepower “green� models from General Electric and Electro-Motive. The resulting volume, which also reflects the grand geographic and technological breadth of railroading in North America, is the ultimate gathering of great locomotive photographs for casual and hardcore railfans alike./div