Table of Contents

A brief history of the traction engine. Choice of an engine and deciding on a scale. Order of construction. Description of the steam engine. Boilers - locomotives and other types. Smokeboxes, chimneys, grates, boiler fittings and cladding. Cylinders and valve gear. Connecting rods, crankshafts and bearings, compound cylinders, safety valves, lubricators. Road gears and compensating gear. Tender, steerage details, wheel and roll construction. Painting and lining. Raising steam and driving. The engine 'outfit'.

About the Author

John Haining gave up the family farm to serve an apprenticeship in steam when it was still the predominant source of power in the countryside. An apprentice's life was a hard one in those days but the hard work and strict training stood him in good stead and led on to further valuable experience gained in the drawing and design offices of Cammell Laird, Joseph the boilermakers of Hyde, and Sentinels of Shrewsbury. He died in 2005.