Steam by the Numbers

Steam by the Numbers answers many questions about steam locomotive evolution, explaining the reasons why so many wheel arrangements were developed. Brian Solomon helps you understand why a fast passenger locomotive was not well-suited to heavy freight service, or why a big articulated locomotive that performed well on heavy, slow coal trains in the mountains would not be a good choice for fast freight in the Midwest.

This book explores over 30 wheel arrangements, uncovering the history, development, and operational significance of each arrangement, shedding light on why locomotives varied based on duty, geography, and era.

You'll get into the history of each wheel arrangement, explaining:

• Why each was developed
• When it appeared
• The major railroads using them
• How many were built
• How long they operated