This book charts the progress of motive power on American railroads from 1830 until the present. Its 432 pages illustrate a wide variety of grand and humble locomotives from the steam powered Puffing Billy types of the "Early days" chapter, to the mighty Allegheny class steamers that were used to haul coal for the American industry in the "Steam in charge" chapter to the electric power that powers so many of today’s railways. Technical specifications are given for each engine type and the book is fully illustrated with both black & white and color photos.--adapted from back cover