For nearly half of the nation's history, the steam locomotive was the outstanding symbol for progress and power. It was the literal engine of the Industrial Revolution, and it played an instrumental role in putting the United States on the world stage. While the steam locomotive's basic principle of operation is simple, designers and engineers honed these concepts into 100-mph passenger trains and 600-ton behemoths capable of hauling mile-long freight...

Puff tells a tale about an old-fashioned small steam engine who lives a very unexciting life in a train yard. Puff daydreams that he could swim, or imagines traveling to distant lands like Egypt, India, France, and even outer space. Puff's chance to prove his mettle finally arrives when a newer, modern engine pulling the circus cars breaks down during a snowstorm. Puff bravely hooks to the cars and manages to bring the circus into warm sunshine.

Uses cutaway schematic diagrams and comprehensive explanations to introduce young readers to the elementary principles of how steam locomotives work and can be repaired.

Thomas and his friends learn many lessons about working together and getting along with each other.

"Kate's humdrum life is transformed when her eccentric Uncle Herbert brings her a colossal locomotive train, the Silver Arrow, as her eleventh birthday gift, leading her and her younger brother on a mysterious quest"--Title verso page.

Introduces steam trains and describes how they work and what jobs they perform.

Tells the stories behind the locomotives, includes rosters, and explains wheel arrangements, streamlining, and more with photos, summaries, and specifications.

Documents the history and development of the railroad industry in North America.

Explores the development of the railroad industry through several short documentaries ranging from the building of the first transcontinental railroad line to the triumph of diesel train engines.