Image: Trains.com · source
Kalmbach Publishing · Mid-range
A reference by Jeff Wilson on diesel locomotives produced in North America from the 1930s to today, with spotting features on all major locomotive types.
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We have not tested it ourselves: strengths and weaknesses below come from the tests cited.
The maker's page offers more than 300 pages of detailed information on North American diesel locomotives. It includes all-time rosters for more than 100 major railroads in the U.S. and Canada through the 1970s, spotting features on all major locomotive types produced, and an explanation of the characteristics and operation of diesel locomotives. The page also lists new and updated material, text, charts and photos, and about 400 color and black and white photos.
The book is described as an important reference for railfans and model railroaders alike, and as an essential guide for model railroaders and train enthusiasts. The page lists spotting features for every major locomotive type produced, which is the information a railfan uses to tell one model from another beside the track. The author's biography on the same page says Jeff Wilson has written more than 25 books on railroads and model railroading, spent time as an associate editor at Model Railroader magazine, and now works as a freelance writer, editor and photographer, contributing to Model Railroader and other magazines. It adds that he enjoys building structures, detailing locomotives and photographing both real and model railroads. A library catalogue record lists the book at 303 pages and notes that it covers how diesel locomotives work and the major North American builders: EMD, GE, Alco, Baldwin and Lima, and Fairbanks-Morse. The same record's contents list also names chapters on diesel locomotive history, details and options, locomotive types, rebuilds, slugs and hydraulics, rosters, and a list of railroad abbreviations.
Strengths
Weaknesses
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Jeff Wilson |
| Length | More than 300 pages |
| Photos | 400 color and black and white |
| Subject | Diesel locomotives produced in North America, 1930s to today |
| Railroad rosters | More than 100 major U.S. and Canadian railroads, through the 1970s |
It suits railfans and model railroaders who want a reference to diesel locomotives produced in North America, which is how the maker's page describes its audience. Readers wanting a story or a general history should choose another book.
Train: The Definitive Visual History (DK) is already in this catalogue as a broader reference to trains around the world. The same store lists Guide to North American Steam Locomotives, Revised Edition, for readers whose interest is steam rather than diesel, and How Diesel and Electric Locomotives Work, among its related titles.
Image: National Geographic (Penguin Random House) · source
National Geographic · Mid-range
A National Geographic hardcover that profiles 100 railway journeys around the world, with notes on when and where to go, which cabins to book and what to see off the train.
Image: Lorenz Books / Simon & Schuster · source
Lorenz Books · Mid-range
A hardcover guide to the golden age of train engines by Colin Garratt, with 700 photographs covering the first designs to modern high-speed trains.
Image: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers · source
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers · Budget
A board book by Kevin Lewis, with pictures by Daniel Kirk, that follows a busy toy steam locomotive through a playroom from sunrise until all its freight has been delivered.
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