I don't think that book has been written yet...

Solomon's books are like HISTORY CHANNEL RR programs, look great, pretty pix, but not much in research or hard facts.

Borden Tunnel posted:

I don't think that book has been written yet...

Solomon's books are like HISTORY CHANNEL RR programs, look great, pretty pix, but not much in research or hard facts.

Is Brian Solomon the new staff member at Trains magazine?

I have this book about ALCO, which chronicles their entire history from building steam locomotives to their beginning of diesel engine development in the 1920's with very deep dives on their technology advancements, models released and competition with EMD, whom they eventually succumbed to in 1969.

The American Locomotive Company: A Centennial Remembrance

It's one diesel manufacturer's perspective, but the book does a good job of covering the early diesel engine marketplace, that quickly became dominated by EMD, with GE emerging big as the book ends with ALCO's closing.

Great suggestions and thanks,

you guys just broke the budget but make a good point.  it is a complicated story over a bunch of years.  I need to start checking on whether any of these are in the library too.

I recommend two books:

The American Diesel Locomotive by Brian Solomon - published by MBI - this covers most early diesels and their history

Locomotives (The Modern Diesel & Electric Reference) 2nd Edition by Greg McDonnell - The Boston Mills Press.  This book covers modern diesels from all manufacturers.  It is my favorite.

NH Joe

I am checking out the recommendations, amazing what the kirkland books cost.  Joe, the McDonnell book is good, I have the 2008 version.  The other solomon book is very inexpensive too

Here is an interesting note about Kirkland I found at this web site.

Which one of us wants to do the next two volumes?

Although not a 'book' in the sense of the others listed here, Classic Trains did a special issue in 2006 called 'Diesel Victory' that was excellent.  When you read the articles therein, you quickly realize how compelling the business case was for the railroads to dieselize.  And EMD was relentless in improving its products in the 1940s-1950s.  I bet you could pick up a copy for next to nothing on the internet.

i

I found one diesel victory on fleabay for $20 and no copies anywhere else, go figure!

Still a few sellers to check.