Trains and technology Book

This third volume in a four-volume set focuses on the track and structures of 19th-century American railroads, beginning with historical background on rail and track systems from their earliest introduction in European mines through the factors that hindered their application in the US. Coverage includes how routes for the tracks were chosen (not always with forethought), construction methods and machines, track gauges, rail development and manufacture, and the structures of American railroads, from small town depots to city terminals and including service structures, watchmen's shanties, signal towers, and storage structures. Includes some 150 illustrations and drawings. Distributed by Associated University Presses. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR