Electric Locomotives (Paperback)

by Brian Solomon (Author) "The development of the steam locomotive in the first decades of the nineteenth century made possible the railway boom that began in Britain in the..." (more)
Key Phrases: pounds starting tractive effort, powered axles, traction motors, New Haven, New York Central, Grand Central (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The history of electric freight and inter-urban commuter locomotives in the U.S. begins with their development in East Coast urban centers and continues their service in the present day. Railways that used or continue to use electric motive power in cities, suburbs and even over mountain passes - including the B&O, Pennsylvania, New Haven, New York Central, Norfolk & Western, Illinois Central, Milwaukee Road, and Amtrack - are depicted in period and modern color photography. The book also covers legendary electrics like the S-motors that towed steam powered trains through tunnels and into busy urban stations and several more. The text includes discussion on the roles played by GE and Westinghouse, specialized equipment, and how technology laid the groundwork for the development of diesel-electric locomotives prior to WW II.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: MBI; illustrated edition edition (October 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760313598
• ISBN-13: 978-0760313596
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 8.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #496,391 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #8 in	Books > Nonfiction > Automotive > Electric & Hybrid
  #72 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Engineering > Power Systems

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Something For the Layman, January 10, 2007

By	Paul J. Coliton (Montreal Qc.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I found this an excellent scource of information on the developement of the Electric Locomotive in North America .An overview is provided from introduction of the technology to the present day utiliisation of this form of traction .
As a person with a technical background a more profound explanation of fonction would have been appreciated. I.E.Block Diagrams ,photos of rectifying diodes, and resistors used to control starting currents in D.C. locomotives . They must be, "whoppers" .Blessings Paul Coliton

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good treatment of the electric locomotive., February 17, 2008

By	Ben Griffith "Woodywoodenrails" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book specifically treats the titled subject. The photographic record is well done. An excelent primer, one might want more information and diagrams illustrating some of the technical information. It lacks an additional reading list of books where further information is available. (This unfortunately is not unusual for this type of book.) Overall an excellent book covering the subject.

3.0 out of 5 stars Only mediocre, January 14, 2009

By	J. Braun (New England, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book had plenty of facts but was ultimately disappointing. It had too many references to design features without definitions. I had to keep the Wikipedia open to know what the author was talking about.
The many locomotives started to blur together and the pictures were of little help. A spreadsheet of locomotives with features, driver arrangements, and power ratings would have been a big help.
Lastly, the pictures could have been improved with the help of a designer and some PhotoShop work.
It's a slim volume that can be read in one sitting. It is as likely to crush your interest as fuel your desire for more research.