Publisher's Synopsis
All aboard for a journey through time and across continents!
Jam-packed with fascinating facts and bright illustrations, this is the captivating story of how trains have transformed our world. This book showcases the railway's incredible engineering breakthroughs - from the earliest trains used in underground mines, to the advent of the steam train, right up to the latest driverless trains, and mag-lev technology. With this complete, colorful guide to the past, present, and future of the railway:- Marvel at some of the world's most spectacular stations
- Discover iconic train journeys, like the Orient Express and the Pacific Railroad
- Learn about the trains used in social protests and during times of war
- Understand the changing role of women and people of color in the industry
- Decode the inner workings of these magnificent machines
- Meet rail heroes and innovators, including George Stephenson, Mary Elizabeth Walton and Hideo Shima
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Origins of the Railroads
The Earliest Railroads
The First Passenger Railroad
The Liverpool and Manchester
Rail Hero: George Stephenson
Chapter 2: Rail Around the World
Early Steam - US Style
European Steam
Crossing the Uncrossable
Classic Loco: Stephenson's Rocket
Chapter 3: Golden Age of Steam
Amazing Engineering
Statement Stations
Chapter 4: All Change
Time for Change
A Connected World
Rail Hero: George Westinghouse
Chapter 5: Running a Railroad
Tracks and Wheels
The Comfort Zone
Staying Safe
Classic Loco: Mallard
Chapter 6: Loco Power
How a Steam Loco Works
How a Diesel Loco Works
How an Electric Loco Works
Rail Hero: Granville T. Woods
Chapter 7: Iconic Routes
The Trans-Siberian Railroad
The Orient Express
The Pacific Railroad
The Indian Pacific
Chapter 8: The Wheels of Progress
A Woman's World?
Social Change
Classic Loco: DHR B-Class
Chapter 9: Going Underground
The First Underground Line
Underground Around the World
Rail Hero: Mary Elizabeth Walton
Chapter 10: Trains at War
The Early Years
World War Two
Classic Loco: Jupiter
Chapter 11: Oddballs
Suspension Railroads and Sky Trains
The Weird and Wonderful
Record Breakers
Rail Hero: Hideo Shima
Chapter 12: The Future
The Train's Second Age
Future Power
Driverless Trains
Preservation and Enthusiasts
Timeline
Index
Glossary