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Since the birth of the railroads in the early Industrial Age, people across the world have been fascinated by the locomotive both as a powerful symbol of advanced technology and an exciting means of transport. In this special boxed set, two authoritative illustrated volumes offer a world encyclopedia of locomotives and a fascinating tour of the most celebrated railway journeys of the world. The history of locomotive and railway development is described in detail, from the very beginnings of locomotive design, to the development of steam power, and the transition from steam to diesel and electric power, analysing how these changes transformed the locomotive into a superior passenger and freight-pulling machine. At-a-glance specification boxes give key details on each model, including date, capacity and maximum speed. Over 95 outstanding railway journeys are vividly evoked, from short journeys steeped in history such as Stephenson's 27km line from Bedford to Bletchley, to the transcontinental lines in Canada and the European Orient Express, and the luxury of the "Palace on Wheels" in Rajasthan and the Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow to Vladivostock. Nothing captures the imagination like a cross-country train journey, and the romance and excitement of classic journeys are described in vivid narrative - travel The San Francisco Muni, take the Blue Train from Cape Town to Pretoria, ride on Tokyo's Yamanote Line and experience the Pacific Coast Motorail. Each account bears eloquent witness to the enduring appeal of rail travel. Written by leading experts in the field and illustrated with over 1400 photographs, this classic book collection enthrall every reader.