Smoking Beauties : Steam Engines of the World

Contents: Introduction. 1. International steam scenario. 2. Indian scenario. 3. Indian hill railways. 4. Saga of the fairy queen. 5. Indian steam heritage preservation efforts.

"Steam Engines--beauties with fire in their bellies, evoke nostalgic journeys down the memory track. The book showcases some of the \'beauties\' who are \'out\' but not over as yet. One of the most comprehensive books on the subject, it captures some special moments with these wonderful works of art.

These beauties of yesteryears are now staging a comeback, mainly for heritage and tourism purposes. The return is global in character with India playing a pivotal role. Formation of the Indian Steam Railway Society and the recent efforts towards carving an international organisation are pointers towards the increasing interest in steam locomotives.

The book, while exploring the affection these black beauties evoke, also gives an insight into the domestic and international steam scenario and the current preservation efforts in India.

This is an attempt to portray the glamorous and the happening side of steam locomotives. Who could have once imagined that these smoke belching black monsters, which once used to haul trains almost anywhere on the globe, would one day be identified as the symbol and the core of a tourism segment founded on love? Yes, love for steam locomotives, love for the raw power--raw power which once laid the foundations of the industrialised world of today--is the essence of this segment." (jacket).