Southern Pacific Daylight Steam Locomotives (TrainTech) [Paperback]

Kenneth G. Johnsen (Author)

Book Description

Series: TrainTech | Publication Date: February 1, 2007

Southern Pacific Daylight Steam Locomotives covers the Daylight’s inception and glory years, the Warbaby era, the Western Pacific versions, the American Freedom Train, and the modern-day adventures of the 4449. It includes full technical details, specifications, and complete historical data on all the Daylights. Variations in the appearance of the engines, a "Daylight Spotter’s Guide," numerous first-person accounts from the people who ran the Daylights, and a thorough index make this a book you’ll refer to time and time again. This book is the story of "the most beautiful trains in the world." The aesthetic qualities that made the Daylights stand out are documented in words and more than 250 stirring photographs.

 

Editorial Reviews

Review

Engineering in Miniature, February 2007

"For anyone interested in U.S. locomotive practice or the modeler wishing to build a model of the Daylight, this book is a must."

Internet Modeler, January 2007, reviewed by Gerry Nilles



"Whether you are a railroad enthusiast, historian, or model railroader this book would be a valuable reference addition to any library."

Modeling Madness, December 2006, reviewed by Scott Van Aken
 
"No part of the locomotive is missed and makes this a most valuable asset for the train buff and the casual reader alike. It is one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and I know you will not be disappointed."

About the Author

Dr. Ken Johnsen maintains a busy dental practice in Kent, Washington. His interest in trains is among the earliest of his recollections, and he began photographing them in 1955 at the age of nine. The Johnsen family began moving about to various parts of the United States in 1956, finally settling in Washington State in 1965. In the early 1970s Dr. Johnsen was instrumental in returning vintage trolleys to the city of Yakima, Washington, and is credited with saving the historic Yakima Valley Transportation Company interurban line. Over the years he has written scores of magazine articles and four previous books on railroad subjects. Photography has been Dr. Johnsen’s passion for over 50 years, and his work has won numerous awards.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Specialty Press; First U.S. edition (February 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580070981
• ISBN-13: 978-1580070980
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,895,644 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Prettiest Engines, March 21, 2007

By 

John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Southern Pacific Daylight Steam Locomotives (TrainTech) (Paperback)

The Daylights were arguably the most attractive steam locomotives ever built in the United States. First the mechanics of the engine, its balance, the look of brute power makes it look great. Now combine this with the red-orange-red paint scheme and the silver painted front end and you've got one beautiful engine.

Besides that, the engines were efficient.

The 'Daylights' were part of Lima's 'Super Power' design philosophy. This was the absolute state of the art when they were first built. New steels in the boiler allowed them to run at higher pressure, better bearings lowered resistance, everything that could be done was done, and minor improvements down through the years improved them even more.

This book is the definitive book in the subject. It talks at least a little about every engine built. It has a chapter on the engines that were damaged. It shows the engines from the time when they were king of the hill until the unfortunate time when they were being cut up for scrap metal.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A profusely illustrated and articulate text offering, May 11, 2007

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Southern Pacific Daylight Steam Locomotives (TrainTech) (Paperback)

Kenneth G. Johnsen is an expert on the 'Daylight' steam powered locomotives having studied them for many years and having personally restored a 1913-built Northern Pacific caboose. In "Southern Pacific Daylight Steam Locomotive" (part of the impressive Specialty Press 'TrainTech' series), Johnsen provides a profusely illustrated and articulate text offering full technical details and specifications on the engine, running gear, boiler, frame, and cab; complete historical data; first-person accounts from Daylight engineers, Daylight locomotive variations, and design, development, and operations of the Daylight steam powered locomotives. "Southern Pacific Daylight Steam Locomotive" is a welcome and informative addition to academic library Railroad History reference collections and of particular recommendation for railroad buff supplemental reading lists.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great SP Photos for Daylight Fans, April 5, 2007

By 

KK "Pop-up book lover" (Palos Verdes, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Southern Pacific Daylight Steam Locomotives (TrainTech) (Paperback)

The SP Daylight is my son's favorite engine so we have alot of books about them. This a great book to read as well as oogle the photos. Although it is small, it's packed with facts and trivia. If you buy only one SP Daylight book, this is the one.