| Author: |
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P. J. G. Ransom
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| Title: |
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British Narrow Gauge Steam : Its Origins, Developemnts, and World-Wide Influence |
| Moochable copies: |
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No copies available |
| Topics: |
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| Published in: |
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English |
| Binding: |
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Hardcover |
| Pages: |
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192 |
| Date: |
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1996-05 |
| ISBN: |
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0860935337 |
| Publisher: |
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Haynes Pubns |
| Weight: |
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1.65 pounds |
| Size: |
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7.87 x 10.04 x 0.67 inches |
Amazon prices: |
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| Description: |
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Product Description
This is the story of how and why steam locomotives have been developed for narrow gauge railways. The narrow gauge "mania" that spread throughout the world during the last century is described, together with the colourful personalities involved. The much-loved and individualistic narrow gauge railways of the British Isles are put into their full context and the author shows how such railways declined in the face of road competition, and how this in turn prompted the immensely successful railway preservation movement. The story is brought right up to date as the Ffestiniog Railway, which led the world with the introduction of steam locomotives on such a small track gauge, continues the tradition today by constructing new locomotives in its own workshops. The text explains why so many railways have been built with a track gauge less than Stephenson's standard of 4 feet 8 and a half inches, with details of those who pioneered them. It describes the first steam locomotives built for small gauge railways and how designs were developed to produce locomotives of maximum power for their size, and shows how British engineers influenced the design of overseas railways and locomotives. The growth of railways in North Wales is looked at in particular detail, including their decline and subsequent renaissance as tourist attractions. Appendices provide the opening dates of notable narrow gauge railways around the world and detail all early narrow gauge locomotives. Many well-known locomotives are illustrated and described including the Ffestiniog's "double engines", the Isle of Man's Beyer Peacocks, the World War One Alcos and Baldwins, the Welsh Highland "Russell", and the giant Garratts of South Africa.
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| URL: |
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http://bookmooch.com/0860935337 |
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