On track The remarkable story of how trains have changed our world

This elegant overview explores the impact trains have had on the past couple of centuries and predicts innovative applications for the future. International in scope, coverage begins in England with early steam engines used primarily for mining and transporting industrial materials before moving on to passenger lines built in Europe, the U.S., India, and Panama. Notable engineering feats are highlighted, including tunnels, bridges, and viaducts, along with impressive architectural accomplishments, such as New York's Grand Central Station and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Station in Mumbai. Pleasantly busy pages filled with brief paragraphs of text, sidebars, and detailed illustrations (drawings, diagrams, cutaways, models, labels, and captions) cover topics ranging from inventors and entrepreneurs to the creation of train-travel inspired time zones to the roles trains played during significant historical events. One double-page spread is dedicated to superlatives: the longest, fastest, strangest, highest, lowest, and most secret trains. Future considerations include green energy (solar, magnetic levitation, hyperloops), evolving technologies (robotic attendants), and examples of enthusiasts who work to preserve and document historic lines. Back matter includes a time line and glossary but no bibliography, not that dedicated young readers will mind. Surprisingly, there aren't that many titles currently available on this perennially fascinating topic. This detailed survey serves as a solid and handsome addition for school and public library STEM collections.