Kaleidoscope of Traction Engines, A

CARS RAILWAYS TRANSPORT –

Traction Engines and Steam Vehicles in Pictures.

is a prominent reference book by R.A. Whitehead, first published in 1980 by Marshall, Harris & Baldwin. It serves as a visual and historical record of steam traction engines, primarily through a collection of archival photographs. 

The book is widely regarded by steam enthusiasts for its extensive documentation of the “golden age” of steam power. 

AbeBooks +2

• Content: It contains approximately 144 black and white photographs featuring a variety of traction engines, including showman’s engines, agricultural tractors, and road locomotives.
• Key Manufacturers: The images often feature legendary British makers such as Burrell, Fowler, Garrett, Marshall, and Wallis & Steevens.
• Historical Scope: While the book was published in 1980, its photos capture engines from their peak in the late 19th and early 20th centuries through to their preservation in early rallies from the 1960s onwards.