One man's locomotives: 50 years experience with railway motive power

One man's locomotives: 50 years experience with railway motive power by Smith, Vernon L.. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780870460791.

Fascinating autobiography of a man who spent his life working on both steam and diesel locomotives. The author began his career firing locomotives in the iron ore area of Minnesota, then worked as an engineering apprentice at a major car builder, as a designer at Lima Locomotive in the Super Power era, at Franklin Railway Supply (developers of poppet-valve gears), at the Pennsylvania Railroad during the development of the T1 steamer, on the Santa Fe, and finally 22 years with the Chicago Belt Railway where he rose to be in charge of the companys motive power. Provides a well-written, detailed and engaging look at the development of steam and diesel engines over the years from the view of someone familiar with the mechanics and design of locomotives. Includes a full chapter and appendices related to poppet valve locomotives, including the PRR T1 and the AT&SF No. 3752. Illustrated throughout with black and white photos as well as detailed schematic drawings. Includes rosters for the Chicago Union Transfer Co. (steam) and the Belt Railway Co. (steam and diesel-electric). With maps (including foldout of the Mesabi Iron Range), bibliography and decorative end papers. 181 pages with index.