This book covers the start of the steam era in Australia. Following on from his first book, 'Australian Steam Locomotives 1896 - 1958', Jim Turner presents another unique volume, this time introducing readers to those steam locomotives operated by various State Government Railway departments throughout Australia between 1855 and 1895.
Over 155 locomotives have been included here. Each one is illustrated with a finely detailed watercolour painting and accompanied by the story of the locomotive, essential technical details and information about the sites of the preserved locomotives for the enthusiast who must see the real thing.
The book includes a Pictorial Index, accurately done to scale so that readers can compare the size and shape of each of the locomotives in the book. In addition, there are 57 sketches of the better known locomotive builders' plates, showing the changes that took place in the design and style of these distinctive markings during the steam era. Potted histories of the major locomotive builders are also provided, along with detailed information on how a steam locomotive works and the origins of the steam engine. Labelled diagrams illustrate the various part of a locomotive boiler, its valve gear and the steam locomotive itself. There are also extensive references for those wishing to further their research into that magnificent era when steam ruled the railways.
