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Dominic Wells
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How a Steam Locomotive Works: a New Guide by Dominic Wells (March 12, 2015) Hardcover Hardcover

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 34 ratings
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0168SAB10
  • Customer reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 34 ratings

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Dominic Wells

Dominic Wells
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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
34 global ratings

Top reviews from United Kingdom

Stephanie Stewart
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 July 2023
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Like everything about this book and money well spent. My dad has had his nose in this book for weeks! Lots of diagrams and text
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5.0 out of 5 stars Clearly illustrated to understand the technicalities
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 June 2023
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The book is well presented,easy to read and well illustrated,gives a clear and instructive explanation of the workings of a steam engine,thoroughly enjoying reading this book,recommended for general instruction👍🤗
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Chris Newman
4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book for anyone wanting to learn about steam locomotives
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 May 2010
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This is an excellent reference book for anyone wanting to familiarize themselves with the inner workings of steam locomotives and for those learning to fire or drive them.

The book breaks the subject into 15 chapters each dedicated to a particular aspect of the steam locomotive - e.g.: Combustion; Water Management; Boilers; Boiler Fittings; Chassis; Cylinders; Valve Gear; Lubrication; Brakes; Controls etc, each amply illustrated with photographs and simple (and very comprehensible) diagrams.

The book draws on the author's personal experience of the maintenance and operation of steam locomotives on the Kirklees Light Railway and the Welsh Highland Railway, from which he has drawn informed descriptions enhancements such as oil firing and gas producer combustion systems.

The author has deliberately kept his technical descriptions as simple and comprehensible as possible, rendering the book ideal for all newcomers to steam locomotives and the railway on which they run.
6 people found this helpful
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Steven R Kowal
5.0 out of 5 stars Very easy reading
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 May 2014
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Very clear diagrams and pictures ensue it is very clear to understand steam loco working. Would recommend this book to anbyone
One person found this helpful
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K. A. Rintoul
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 May 2010
Wow!!! What a fascinating read. This book is ideal for explaining in a step-by-step process, the fundaments of how a steam engine really works coupled with clear, concise diagrams and photography. As a professional engineer, I've have always wondered how steam engines actually work and was looking for the text that did not assume too high a working knowledge, but neither too little on the subject. I believe this book reaches a broad audience, both young and not so young alike.

K Rintoul MSc CEng MIMechE
6 people found this helpful
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Mr. A. E. Blower
5.0 out of 5 stars Steam Loco book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 July 2010
An excellent book, very informative, if you do not know how a steam loco works, buy this book and you will know then.
2 people found this helpful
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G
3.0 out of 5 stars This could have been so good
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 July 2013
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I bought this book to understand how a steam locomotive works, being of a practical mindset, having some idea already and wanting to fill in the gaps. I also bought it having read the critical reviews and thinking that I'd probably still be OK with it. The production standards of the book are good with clear photographs and well drawn illustrations and the text is well written and easy to read and I did achieve my objective. That said it was a lot harder work than it should have beenand very error prone. I had to frequently refer to the errata sheet which documented most of the errors in the diagrams and captions. Just because a diagram looks good does not mean it's correct and on a book like this 'correctness' is really important. The lack of attention to detail in proof reading/checking this book has really let it down and like some of the other reviewers I can only hope a later edition corrects the numerous errors and delivers the excellent book this should have been.
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Top reviews from other countries

Peter Akins
4.0 out of 5 stars Clear and concise. Good comprehensive book on the topic.
Reviewed in the United States on 6 December 2013
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NIcely married in with the book on "Firing the Steam Locomotive". This book addresses the operation of the engine itself (not so much on the fire management). Very clearly written, with good illustrations of the mechanical workings. Covers some ancillary aspects such as braking systems, water injectors. A good practical book, and enjoyable to read. Recommended, along with "FIring the Steam Locomotive".
One person found this helpful
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Richard Staley
4.0 out of 5 stars steam locos
Reviewed in the United States on 20 May 2013
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Its good, but seems to be written for a younger person. I would have liked to see more detail.However I have young Grandchildren who like steam engines so it would work well for them.
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