This title features key facts and figures spanning over 150 years of British railway history, from the early 1800s to the end of the golden era of steam in the 20th century. It offers technical specification tables for each class, including builder's name, location and date, weight, driving wheel diameter, boiler pressure, cylinders, valve gear, coal capacity, water capacity and tractive effort. It features all the classic British steam locomotives, including the 'Iron Duke' class, the D class, the 'Royal Scot' class, the Q1 class, and many more. It is divided into sections covering the four main eras: 1800-1885; 1885-1920; 1920-1940; and 1940-1960. It includes a glossary of key railway terms. Britain was the pioneering force behind the birth of the steam locomotive. By 1829, George Stephenson and his son Robert had developed a fast, revolutionary and light-weight steam engine: Rocket. This superbly illustrated book celebrates the British steam locomotive legacy. From the streamlined 'flyers' of the 1930s to freight workhorses and dock tanks, the book profiles the variety of steam locomotives that Britain has produced.
With over 200 photographs covering 85 classes, as well as detailed information on each period and a comprehensive glossary, the book covers the story of the first, finest and fastest locomotives ever to run on rails.