Customer Reviews

Steam Locomotives: Whistling, Chugging, Smoking Iron Horses of the Past

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Once very much a part of America's landscape steam locomotives are now things of the past. Nonetheless, these huge iron horses continue to fascinate. With pictures and well researched text Karl Zimmerman introduces young readers to the trains that once were the backbone of our country's transportation. Their whistles called and their smoke left vaporous trails wherever they traveled.

Geared for young readers age 10 and up our text opens with the beginning of the age of steam. Prior to this the moving of goods was totally dependent upon what a horse, ox or mule could haul. Next we explore the growth of the engines from "Tom Thumbs" to the giant "Big Boy."

Readers learn how a steam locomotive works and then how steam gave way to diesel locomotives.

This was an eventful time in America's history and well worth revisiting or seeing for the first time. The illustrations and diagrams are splendid.

- Gail Cooke

Not one for adults, really. It's well illustrated, but the text is very basic. It's a good book for beginners. But if you're even an average railfan, you'll probably find this book dull. You won't find anything in the way of new information.

I was disappointed in this book. If you're looking for something with some meat in it, look elsewhere. The really sad part is that some of the best books written on steam locomotives in general and American Railroading in particular are now out of print.

This book was absolutely wonderful. It was a very well written and extremely informative. The photos captured the true essence of a bygone era.

This is my toddler's favorite book. We kept renewing it at the local library so we just purchased it. Every night he leaves it open to his favorite train....and he loves then looking on youtube.com for the trains in the book. (I've learned so much about steam trains in the past 2 years - fascinating!)

Another train book that I gave to my husband for Christmas two years ago. Last book that I have purchased for him. The photos and information in this book are wonderul and informative for anyone who loves trains. He looked at the pictures, placed it in the bookcase never to be seen again! No more books for him...unfortunately...