Locomotion A visual history of trains

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, 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.

Welcomes touches include ‘Train timeline’ which, over two pages, charts key milestones in the evolution of rail transport; and ‘Record breakers around the world’, including the largest steam locomotive and the smallest public railway in the world. The work of awardwinning artist Ryo Takemasa is used to illustrate the book throughout, and the spirit of the prototypes has been captured well.

While appearing to be aimed at children aged 7-13 (although the book itself does not state this), it serves as a welcome introduction to railways regardless of age. GE

Published by Big Picture Press www.bonnierbooks.co.uk

64 pages, hardback. £16.99