SALE ON NOW! PROMOTIONS

Close Notification

Your cart does not contain any items

$65

Paperback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

QTY:

English
Miscellaneous
01 October 2025
The definitive reference book revealing the very oldest examples of steam locomotives all over the world.

The steam locomotive is a machine that has inspired imagination, innovation and invention from the time of its origination and continues to evoke passion in enthusiasts today. Here Michael R. Bailey, expertly and in fascinating detail, describes the development of the steam locomotive during its pioneering first half-century until 1850 by exploring the surviving locomotives that may be seen in Britain, Europe, and North and South America. In addition to surviving relics, he also takes a look at operable replicas, which fill many gaps in international collections, to provide continuity in this evolutionary story. Exploring in depth each example's operational and preservation history, along with design characteristics, component materials and modifications made, no detail is left unmentioned. With unparalleled detail, incredibly stunning images and a list of museums housing all of the world's oldest locomotives, this truly is a volume that no student of railway history should be without.

AUTHOR: Michael R. Bailey is a railway historian who has undertaken projects for museums in England, Canada and Denmark. He writes and lectures (and occasionally acts as a TV consultant) and was a consultant to UNESCO regarding the Rhaetian Railway's application for World Heritage status. He is a member of the Newcomen Society, and was its president 1995 – 1997. He was a Trustee of the Museum of Science & Industry in Manchester and remains president of the museum Friends, and is a vice-president of the Stephenson Locomotive Society.

50 colour, 250 b/w illustrations
By:  
Foreword by:  
Imprint:   Miscellaneous
Country of Publication:   United Kingdom
Edition:   New edition
Dimensions:   Height: 224mm,  Width: 245mm, 
ISBN:   9781803999630
ISBN 10:   1803999632
Publication Date:  
Audience:   General/trade ,  ELT Advanced
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Forthcoming

MICHAEL R. BAILEY is a railway historian who has undertaken projects for museums in England, Canada and Denmark. He writes and lectures (and occasionally acts as a TV consultant) and was a consultant to UNESCO regarding the Rhaetian Railway’s application for World Heritage status. He is a member of the Newcomen Society, and was its president 1995 – 1997. He was a Trustee of the Museum of Science & Industry in Manchester and remains president of the museum Friends, and is a vice-president of the Stephenson Locomotive Society.

See Also