Description

Loco Motion: The World’s Oldest Steam Locomotives offers a definitive, lavishly illustrated exploration of steam locomotive history. Written by railway historian Michael R. Bailey, this book traces the development of the steam locomotive in its pioneering first half-century — up to around 1850 — by chronicling the surviving relics and operable replicas preserved across Britain, Europe, and North and South America.

Inside, readers will find in-depth examinations of each locomotive’s design characteristics, materials, modifications, operational history, and the preservation journey that ensures their survival today. With over 50 colour and 250 black-and-white illustrations, including detailed photographs and archival drawings, the book is as visually rich as it is historically rigorous.

Ideal for railway enthusiasts, historians, model-rail fans and anyone fascinated by mechanical heritage, Loco Motion is much more than a catalogue — it’s a compelling narrative of industrial innovation, human ingenuity, and the enduring legacy of steam-powered rail travel. A comprehensive list of museums housing each locomotive makes this volume a valuable reference for scholars and travellers alike.