Customer Reviews

Steam, Steel & Stars: America's Last Steam Railroad

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

During a recent business visit to Norfolk Southern Railroad office tower complex in Roanoke, VA. I was surprised to see stunning photos, almost on every floor, of N&W steam locomotives. I was told to get a book by O Winston Link-Steam Steel & Stars, if I wanted to see more. I was not disappointed. Mr. Links work is like nothing ever done before or since. He captured not just the end of steam on the Norfolk & Western Railway, but a way of life in America. This is not your typical railfan photo essay. The text describes the great lengths and advance planning that went into all of his photos. He is a true living legend. He has frozen in time the end of an era. You need not be a railfan to enjoy this book.

If interested in Steam, order this book. If interested in photography, order this book. If interested in the history of Norfolk & Western, order this book. The photos in this book are breathtaking on many levels. First, the content. Steam locos and steam railroading at its finest. Second, on a technical level, the photographs are unmatched in quality by ANY standard, past or present. Keep in mind these pictures were taken in the late 1950's, at night with flash, of a moving 100 ton locomotive. The detail, lighting, focus, and depth of these photos will amaze you. O. Winston Link was/is a master at designing a shot. This is Black&White photography at its finest. For the Steam fan it is a must. As a "coffee table" style book, it is quite unique. This book can make a railfan out of almost anyone.

This is a must-have volume of a portion of O. Winston Link's photographic legacy of the steam-powered Norfolk & Western. The photographs are inexpressibly magnificent. I don't think anyone will ever capture the power of the iron horse better than Link. I subtracted one star from my rating for a silly reason which nevertheless really peeves me. The text in this book is in a large bold ugly typeface which is an extreme distraction from viewing the pictures.... But: don't let that stop you from owning this collection of exceptional photographs.

The late O. Winston Link was truly an innovative photographer. He did much night photography because he was able to control the lighting. In addition, he loved the old steam locomotive. In the late 1950's he made several forays from his New York City office to the Norfolk and Western Railroad to photograph the last of these steam giants in operation.

The result of these sojourns is this book, and what a book it is! An ancient adage has it that a picture is worth a thousand words. These pictures may be worth a few more! They portray an era that is unfortunately long gone. The steam locomotives are placed in the context of those times. The world is richer for Link's work.

Of particular interest to the student of the technical aspect of photography are photographs and explanation of what Link had to do in order to obtain these photographs. There is a lot to learn from this master of the art.

This book is destined to become a classic in the annals of photography if indeed it is not already one. A copy of it belongs in the library of anyone with an interest in either railroads or photography. What's more, at a price of $[money], this book is a steal. If you do not yet own a copy of this book,you should purchase one as soon as possible.

I bought this book years ago when it was first released and was disappointed to see that many pictures are printed over 2 pages which means the fold is cutting the beautiful pictures in two. Also, these pictures look so much better when presented on a white background, why on earth did they use black?
The pictures themselves are of course the best railroad pictures ever taken and print quality is superb!

A superb collection of black and white photographs from the 1950s, this chronicles America's last totally steam railroad, the Norfolk and Western in Virginia. The pictures are wonderfully atmospheric night shots, including the well known drive-in theater shot which has appeared on calendars. They were extremely complicated to set up, with multiple flash units, but all look extremely natural. One of the best collections of railway photographs I have seen.

This is an excellent book. The photographs are stunning, most all of them taken at night using flashbulbs. They not only depict the trains, but the towns and people who live near them. If you are both a train and photography buff, this book highlights both, but the emphasis is on the photos.

Fantastic photography of steam locomotives. Link makes these machines appear to be massive beasts running through the nightime streets of small-town America.

What can I tell more about this famous book from the well known photographer? If you like perfect sharp B&W pictures taken at night with steam locomotives, but also from people working with trains or at stations, this is the book you should have.

Just look at thoses gorgeous loco-locomotives. Posing so mightily in the cool night air. Billowing that hot steam and smoke. WOW!

Warning you are about to view the best railroad pictures ever taken. Yea you'll find some other real good shots in other books by other photographers. But this is THE collection when it comes to the hardcore stuff. Stunning vintage night photos hold you mesmerized.

With todays special effects we are used to this kinda stuff. Air brushed and digitally enhanced. But all these shots are from the 1950's. With strobe flashes set up across acres of land just to get the right shot. Straight up from a die hard railroad enthusiast to us die hard railroad enthusiasts. Link just adored those babies.

I argee with another reviewer; the publisher should have printed these top quality night photos on white pages and not used two page layouts. The images might have poped more and the crease would not cut through some of the images. But thats a small criticism in a very worthy book.