More Amazing Extraordinary Railway Facts

Another fascinating miscellany that will delight railway buffs everywhere. The branch lines of transport history are fully explored and all who love trains will delight in stories of the old railway companies, famous engines, discontinued lines, and all sorts of other railway trivia.

TRAINS & RAILWAYS: GENERAL INTEREST. This is a collection of fascinating and diverse British railway facts and stories to read in any spare moment. Travel back to the age of steam and discover the world's oldest active steam locomotive before becoming up-to-date with railways in films, such as Harry Potter. In addition to the fascinating lists of longest tunnels, widest bridges and most powerful locomotives, ponder the dismal failure of Brunel's atmospheric railway in South Devon, before reading the rags-to riches tale of Frank Hornby. From the sublime to the ridiculous and the euphoric to the poignant, every railway enthusiast is catered for.

In the four years between 1881 and 1885, Canada was forged into one nation by the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway. The Last Spike reconstructs the incredible story of how some 2,000 miles of steel crossed the continent in just five years — exactly half the time stipulated in the contract. Pierre Berton recreates the adventures that were part of this vast undertaking: the railway on the brink of bankruptcy, with one hour between it and ruin; the extraordinary land boom of Winnipeg in 1881–1882; and the epic tale of how William Van Horne rushed 3,000 soldiers over a half-finished railway to quell the Riel Rebellion. Dominating the whole saga are the men who made it all possible — a host of astonishing characters: Van Horne, the powerhouse behind the vision of a transcontinental railroad; Rogers, the eccentric surveyor; Onderdonk, the cool New Yorker; Stephen, the most emotional of businessmen; Father Lacombe, the black-robed voyageur; Sam Steele, of the North West Mounted Police; Gabriel Dumont, the Prince of the Prairies; more than 7,000 Chinese workers, toiling and dying in the canyons of the Fraser Valley; and many more — land sharks, construction geniuses, politicians, and entrepreneurs — all of whom played a role in the founding of the new Canada west of Ontario.

A riveting, visually engaging collection of vignettes highlighting the rich heritage of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Since its founding in 1881, Canadian Pacific has made an indelible mark on the lives of Canadians. Most commonly associated with its iconic railway, at its height CP also ran hotels, steamships, and an airline, and had myriad involvements in immigration, irrigation, resource development, war contributions, and international trade. It has been said that no other single corporation has shaped Canadian national identity as much as CP. Railway Nation: Tales of the World’s Greatest Travel System is a compilation of more than fifty thrilling and historically significant stories based on colourful anecdotes and archival sources dating back to the company's golden era. From the construction of the ground-breaking Spiral Tunnels on what was previously the most dangerous and accident-prone stretch of railway track in the Rockies, to the CPR-manufactured Valentine tanks that helped the Soviet Union fight off the Nazis in World War II, to the long and frustrating struggle of CP stewardesses fighting against sexist employment policies, this lively and nuanced portrait of an iconic company is illustrated with fascinating archival photography and will be an essential addition to any Canadian history buff's library.

Dow's Dictionary of Railway Quotations is an authoritative compendium of quotations about railways from 1608 to the present day. More than 3,400 entries are drawn from over 1,300 writers and speakers and a wide range of original sources both British and American—Acts of Parliament, poetry, songs, journals, advertisements, obituaries, novels, histories, plays, films, office memoranda, speeches, newspapers, television and radio broadcasts, and private documents and conversations. Here Andrew Dow records remarkable, memorable words—from the well-known to the abstruse, from the commonplace to the vital. The selected quotations are arranged by subject matter and searchable by speaker, subject, and keyword. Dow's Dictionary will inform and captivate railway enthusiasts along with readers interested in railway architecture, engineering, geography, and history.

Enjoy this journey through the fascinating history of trains in this picture-packed celebration of the story of trains and how they have transformed our world. Discover how George Stephenson’s dream of a steam-powered railway changed the world. Look inside a locomotive to understand how the piston turns the wheels. Learn how the railroads helped to shape the history of America. Read how the electric and diesel power provided more speed and efficiency, and take a glimpse into the future to see how trains keep transforming how we travel! DK Eyewitness Train also looks beyond the trains and tracks to learn about the people who built the railroads and keep them running. Cross continents, too, as you find out about some of the great train journeys of the world. Become an eyewitness to the wonders of one of history’s greatest inventions, from royal trains to record-breakers, overcoming obstacles to traveling underground, this picture-led guide will take you on a visual tour of trains like never before. Throughout the pages of this newly- revised incredible history book, you can expect to find: -Up to 20 per cent new images, including photography and updated diagrams -All information updated by expert consultants -Packed with amazing facts, infographics, statistics, and timelines -Includes brand new eyewitness accounts from experts in the field This museum in a book uses striking full-color photographs and illustrations as well as amazing facts, infographics, statistics, and timelines to help bring the extraordinary high-powered world of trains to life before your very eyes. The unique visual approach immerses curious children in every page, making this a must-have volume for curious children aged 9+ with a thirst for knowledge and learning, alongside teachers, parents and librarians. So, what’s new? Part of DK’s best-selling Eyewitness series, this popular title has been reinvigorated for the next generation of information-seekers and stay-at-home explorers, with a fresh new look, up to 20 percent new images, including photography and updated diagrams, updated information, and a new “eyewitness” feature with fascinating first-hand accounts from experts in the field. Explore the series! Globally, the Eyewitness series has sold more than 50 million copies over 30 years. Join the journey to combat climate change with Eyewitness Climate Change or take a trip aboard the most famous ship in history with Eyewitness Titanic.

Jim was a South African railway inspector in the late 1800s who lost his legs in an accident while at work. Unable to perform all his tasks with his disability but desperate to keep his job, Jim discovered a brilliant solution, a baboon named Jack. Jim trained Jack to help him both at home and at the depot. But when the railway authorities and the public discovered a monkey on the job, Jack and Jim had to work together to convince everyone that they made a great team. This inspiring true story celebrates the history of service animals and a devoted friendship.