“An important contribution to railroad technological history. The book’s strength is the author’s mastery of the mechanical details.” —Mark Reutter, editor, Railroad History The diesel locomotive sent shock waves through rigid corporate cultures and staid government regulators. For some, the new technology promised to be a source of enormous profits; for others, the railroad industry seemed a threat to their very livelihoods. Evolution of the American Diesel Locomotive introduces the reader to the important technological advances that gave rise to diesel engines, examining not only their impact on locomotive design, but also their impact on the economic and social landscapes. J. Parker Lamb describes the development of these technologies, allowing the reader to fully understand how they were integrated and formed a commercially successful locomotive. Like its companion volume, Perfecting the American Steam Locomotive (IUP, 2003), this book emphasizes the role of the leading engineers whose innovations paved the way for critical breakthroughs. Rail fans will appreciate this authoritative work. “A host of books and articles have touched on various aspects of this ongoing story over the years, but none tell the story with the completeness and superb clarity found here.” —Michigan Railfan “Lamb provides the reader with detailed descriptions of every generation of diesel locomotive along with a generous supply of excellent photographs.” —Technology and Culture

For nearly half of the nation's history, the steam locomotive was the outstanding symbol for progress and power. It was the literal engine of the Industrial Revolution, and it played an instrumental role in putting the United States on the world stage. While the steam locomotive's basic principle of operation is simple, designers and engineers honed these concepts into 100-mph passenger trains and 600-ton behemoths capable of hauling mile-long freight at incredible speeds. American Steam Locomotives is a thorough and engaging history of the invention that captured public imagination like no other, and the people who brought it to life.

About the Author: Jeff Schramm is an associate professor of history at Missouri University of Science and Technology. --Book Jacket.

Perfecting the American Steam Locomotive documents the role played by mechanical engineers in the development of locomotive design. The steam engine and the mechanical engineering profession both grew directly out of the Industrial Revolution's need for sources of power beyond that of men and animals. Invented in England when coal mining was being developed, the practical steam engine eventually found numerous applications in transportation, especially in railroad technology. J. Parker Lamb traces the evolution of the steam engine from the early 1700s through the early 1800s, when the first locomotives were sent to the United States from England. Lamb then shifts the scene to the development of the American steam locomotive, first by numerous small builders, and later, by the early 20th century, by only three major enterprises and a handful of railroad company shops. Lamb reviews the steady progress of steam locomotive technology through its pinnacle during the 1930s, then discusses the reasons for its subsequent decline.

A new generation of locomotives for a changing world: greener, cleaner, and just as powerful. This book introduces readers to General Electric's Evolution Series, the company’s latest achievement in a long and distinguished history of locomotive design. At the heart of the Evolution's success is the GEVO 12-cylinder engine, which produces the same horsepower as the old 16-cylinder FDL while using less fuel and reducing emissions. Today’s most up-to-date railfans will want to read about the development, testing, production, and use of the locomotive that, in its first year of production, has already been ordered by every Class 1 railroad in North America. Photographs and illustrations document the features and components of the Evolutions operating across the country, and interviews with GE and railroad personnel fill in the details of current operations and plans for what is certain to be the future of American rail.

From the first steam-powered locomotives of the early nineteenth century to the high-speed commuter trains of today, the American railroad has been a great engine powering the nations growth and industry. This book celebrates the glory and grandeur of that legacy with a lavish tour of the history of the American railroad and the culture surrounding it. Generously illustrated with vintage photographs, modern images, maps, timetables, tickets, brochures, and all manner of memorabilia, this volume offers a fascinating look at the rail industrys beginnings and development, as well as its place in American history. From the might of the major rail companies and their empires to the romance of rail travel, this is the full and fabulously colorful story of the industry that moved a nation--and stirs our imaginations to this day.

Learn all the players that built diesel locomotives and the American railway through breathtaking, modern, photography and fascinating research.

Between 1900 and 1950, Americans built the most powerful steam locomotives of all time--enormous engines that powered a colossal industry. They were deceptively simple machines, yet, the more their technology was studied, the more obscure it became. Despite immense and sustained engineering efforts, steam locomotives remained grossly inefficient in their use of increasingly costly fuel and labor. In the end, they baffled their masters and, as soon as diesel-electric technology provided an alternative, steam locomotives disappeared from American railroads. Drawing on the work of eminent engineers and railroad managers of the day, this lavishly illustrated history chronicles the challenges, triumphs and failures of American steam locomotive development and operation.

"Illustrated history of the North American Railroad industry's mergers and acquisitions illustrated with historical photography and 50 specially commissioned maps and line diagrams charting that evolution"-Provided by publisher.

History and description of the Union Pacific Railroad.