On Track

All aboard for a journey through time and across continents!Jam-packed with fascinating facts and bright illustrations, this is the captivating story of how trains have transformed our world. This book showcases the railway’s incredible engineering breakthroughs – from the earliest trains used in underground mines, to the advent of the steam train, right up to the latest driverless trains and mag-lev technology. With this complete, colourful guide to the past, present and future of the railway: Marvel at some of the world’s most spectacular stations Discover iconic train journeys like the Orient Express and the Pacific Railroad Learn about the trains used in social protests and during times of war Understand the changing role of women and people of colour in the industry Decode the inner workings of these magnificent machines Meet rail heroes and innovators including George Stephenson, Mary Elizabeth Walton and Hideo Shima And, as well as classic locos from history, readers can also delight in record-breaking train stats and learn about sky trains, suspension railways and monorails. But the book also explores the enormous impact that railways have had on our lives, including the development of industry and commerce, the growth of our cities – even the setting of time zones. This is a colourful, celebratory tribute to trains. These powerful machines opened the world to people like never before, and they continue to capture hearts and imaginations today. Look no further for the perfect gift for young train enthusiasts.Table of contents: Introduction Chapter 1: The Origins of the Railways The Earliest Railways The First Passenger Railway The Liverpool and Manchester Rail Hero: George Stephenson Chapter 2: Rail Around the World Early Steam – US Style European Steam Crossing the Uncrossable Classic Loco: Stephenson’s Rocket Chapter 3: Golden Age of Steam Amazing Engineering Statement Stations Chapter 4: All Change Time for Change A Connected World Rail Hero: George Westinghouse Chapter 5: Running a Railway Tracks and Wheels The Comfort Zone Staying Safe Classic Loco: Mallard Chapter 6: Loco Power How a Steam Loco Works How a Diesel Loco Works How an Electric Loco Works Rail Hero: Granville T. Woods Chapter 7: Iconic Routes The Trans-Siberian Railway The Orient Express The Pacific Railroad The Indian Pacific Chapter 8: The Wheels of Progress A Woman’s World? Social Change Classic Loco: DHR B-Class Chapter 9: Going Underground The First Underground Line Underground Around the World Rail Hero: Mary Elizabeth Walton Chapter 10: Trains at War The Early Years World War Two Classic Loco: Jupiter Chapter 11: Oddballs Suspension Railways and Sky Trains The Weird and Wonderful Record Breakers Rail Hero: Hideo Shima Chapter 12: The Future The Train’s Second Age Future Power Driverless Trains Preservation and Enthusiasts Timeline Index Glossary