On Track: The remarkable story of how trains have changed our world

Ages 7 to 10, Grades 2 to 5

On Track explores how railways opened up our world, sparked industrial, social and tech revolutions, and changed society in many positive ways.

All aboard for a journey through time and across continents!

Jam-packed with fascinating facts and bright illustrations, this is the captivating story of how trains have transformed our world.

This book showcases the railway’s incredible engineering breakthroughs – from the earliest trains used in underground mines, to the advent of the steam train, right up to the latest driverless trains, and mag-lev technology.

With this complete, colorful guide to the past, present, and future of the railway: Marvel at some of the world’s most spectacular stations Discover iconic train journeys, like the Orient Express and the Pacific Railroad Learn about the trains used in social protests and during times of war Understand the changing role of women and people of color in the industry Decode the inner workings of these magnificent machines Meet rail heroes and innovators, including George Stephenson, Mary Elizabeth Walton and Hideo Shima And, as well as classic locos from history, readers can also delight in record-breaking train stats, and learn about sky trains, suspension railways and monorails.

But the book also explores the enormous impact that railways have had on our lives, including the development of industry and commerce, the growth of our cities – even the setting of time zones.

This is a colorful, celebratory tribute to trains. These powerful machines opened the world to people like never before, and they continue to capture hearts and imaginations today. Look no further for the perfect gift for young train enthusiasts.

Table of contents:

Introduction

Chapter 1: The Origins of the Railroads

The Earliest Railroads

The First Passenger Railroad

The Liverpool and Manchester

Rail Hero: George Stephenson

Chapter 2: Rail Around the World

Early Steam – US Style

European Steam

Crossing the Uncrossable

Classic Loco: Stephenson’s Rocket

Chapter 3: Golden Age of Steam

Amazing Engineering

Statement Stations

Chapter 4: All Change

Time for Change

A Connected World

Rail Hero: George Westinghouse

Chapter 5: Running a Railroad

Tracks and Wheels

The Comfort Zone

Staying Safe

Classic Loco: Mallard

Chapter 6: Loco Power

How a Steam Loco Works

How a Diesel Loco Works

How an Electric Loco Works

Rail Hero: Granville T. Woods

Chapter 7: Iconic Routes

The Trans-Siberian Railroad

The Orient Express

The Pacific Railroad

The Indian Pacific

Chapter 8: The Wheels of Progress

A Woman’s World?

Social Change

Classic Loco: DHR B-Class

Chapter 9: Going Underground

The First Underground Line

Underground Around the World

Rail Hero: Mary Elizabeth Walton

Chapter 10: Trains at War

The Early Years

World War Two

Classic Loco: Jupiter

Chapter 11: Oddballs

Suspension Railroads and Sky Trains

The Weird and Wonderful

Record Breakers

Rail Hero: Hideo Shima

Chapter 12: The Future

The Train’s Second Age

Future Power

Driverless Trains

Preservation and Enthusiasts

Timeline

Index

Glossary

About the Author

Tom Adams is an award-winning television producer and author. He was born in Yorkshire but now lives in Kent, UK. With a science background, he was inspired to turn his hand to writing children’s books once his eldest son, then 5, started asking questions about how the world worked. He won the Society of Authors/ ALCS Award for Educational Writing for his book Molecule Mayhem.