The Great Book of Trains Hardback

For anyone who has ever been drawn by the romance of railways, The Great Book of Trains provides a lavishly illustrated and technically detailed description of more than 300 of the world's most famous locomotives.

Tracing the development of rail power around the world, it begins its journey in that evocative age when steam was king.

Fully described and laden with fascinating facts and anecdotes, the entries list a host of passenger steam locomotives that powered the world's first great railway boom.

This comprehensive guide begins with the early pioneers of the 1830s, such as Stephenson's Northumbrian and Jarvis' Brother Jonathan, and carries on to include the twentieth-century giants, such as Union Pacific's enormous Challenger class locomotive, which raced its 40 tons across the wide expanse of the United States during the 1940s.

The Challenger, however, was to be the highpoint for steam locomotion.

After 150 years the story of railpower moved on; more efficient ways of traction revolutionised the way locomotives looked and worked. Beginning as far back as 1879, a series of 150 electric and diesel locomotives are described, such as the remarkable TGV electric train from France, which today carries its passengers at speeds of up to 162mph.

It also includes a number of modern hybrids, such as gas-turbine trainsets, and reviews the development of modern railpower.

With entries covering a total of 310 locomotives this book boasts not only an exceptional text of great historical and technical value, but also a series of 160 beautifully drawn, unique colour illustrations.

To complement these superb views, the 500 photographs selected include some of the rarest and most dramatic available.

Whether you are an avid enthusiast of steam locomotives, or a keen observer of modern railways, this book, with all its detail and variety, will be a source of reference and entertainment for many years to come.