Steam Engine Encyclopedia?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I am hoping to find a book (or web site) that will explain by definition or illustration components of steam engines. e.g., pilot beams, the smoke box, drivers, leaf springs…

I found a great book on logging terminology but I can’t find one for engines.

Are there any recommended books or web sites.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

2

The Steam Locomotive book that was printed by Model Railroader I believe was a very good book that explains the options that steam locomotives used. I have the book and the Diesel book also, but they have not been unpacked. Maybe someone out there will give the exact title. They also have pictures and details on about one hundred locomotives.

Sorry about the name, but someone will give you that correct name. It is a large format book that is about 8 x 12 or something like that.

3

“Model Railroader Cyclopedia Vol 1 - Steam Locomotives”, edited by Linn Westcott.

Absolutely great reference book. Found my copy on ebay.

Also check this post by jacon12 for a good drawing of a steam loco. Click on the drawing to enlarge:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=23404

Also check out:
http://www.steamlocomotive.com/
Go to the FAQ section which has some good links to explanations of loco parts.

Regards

Ed

4

See: http://store.yahoo.net/kalmbachcatalog/01001.html

5

I have the MR Cyclopedia, but I have found a good companion for it. Hundman Publishing (Mainline Modeler) offered a similar book, “The Locomotive Cyclopedia Vol. 1”. These are all steam loco drawings from Mainline Modeler over the years. Great drawings of N&W "A "and “J” classes, B&O EM-1, C&O 2-6+6-6, SP GS series, UP FEF-3 and a bunch more. The drawings are generally better than those found in the MR book (newer and more detailed), and the explanation of how things work on a steam loco seems to go in a slightly different direction. My suggestion is to have both, as they tend to compliment one another.

6

Good model railroad (or real railroad) books are like locomotives, you can never have too many. [:D]

Thanks for the lead on the other cyclopedia. Just what my wallet needed.

Regards

Ed

7

Linn Westcott’s book is a must!

8

Kalmbach’s “Guide to North American Steam Locomotives”, compiled by George H. Drury is also a good reference to have. I picked up a second hand copy through Amazon.com.