Locomotion: A visual history of trains

By Alastair Steele (hardback, Big Picture Press/Templar Publishing, 64pp, £16.99, ISBN 978-1-78741-750-2)

WHEN you have been interested in trains throughout your living memory, it is easy to forget how you picked up some of your knowledge – and the jargon can appear daunting for those who may be trying to get to grips with the subject.

This book explains the origin and development of rail transport, while also providing an informative overview and an explanation of the commonly used terminology in British English.

Railways and locomotives featured include Flying Scotsman, Talyllyn (the world's first preserved railway), Ffestiniog and the development of the Double Fairlie; Stockton & Darlington, and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway among many others.

Types of rail operation and traffic are also explored, including travelling post offices, freight, trams, signalling, and high-speed rail. The development of the Metropolitan Railway forms the basis of explaining mass rapid transit.

Welcome touches include a train timeline, which over two pages charts key milestones in the evolution of rail transport, and a section called record breakers around the world, which includes the largest steam locomotive and the smallest public railway.

The work of award-winning artist Ryo Takemasa is used to illustrate the book throughout; the spirit of the prototypes has been captured well.

While appearing to be aimed at children aged 7 to 13 – although it does not state that on the cover, nor inside – it serves as an introduction to railways regardless of age. OPENING THE CARRIAGE DOOR