The Climax Locomotive

THOMPSON, DENNIS BLAKE, RICHARD DUNN, STEVE HAUFF, ET AL

Publication: Oso Publishing Company, 2002, Arlington, Washington

First edition. Limited edition signed by the three authors on a special silver label affixed to the bottom portion of the title page. This is copy 233 of 750 copies. Black cloth titles printed in silver on the front cover and spine, Climax Locomotive advertisements on front and rear endpapers, xii [2], 496 [1] pp., dedication, project history & acknowledgments, introduction, illustrated mostly by black & white photographs, frontispiece, appendices, bibliography, index.

A comprehensive history of the Climax geared steam locomotive, particularly important to the history of American logging railroads and industrial transportation. One of the major American geared steam locomotives, The Climax competed with the Shay and Heisler. Built in Corry, Pennsylvania, these engines were designed to haul heavy loads over steep grades, tight curves and rough track where conventional locomotives were less practical. The book documents the manufacturer's history, the development of Classes A, B and C, individual locomotives, export sales and surviving examples.

The Climax locomotive was "one of the most unique locomotives ever manufactured in the United States of America." And this book is "the most ambitious work ever done on the Climax." Originating from the collection of Walter C. Casler who worked for the Climax Company until they closed their doors, it has been compiled over four years of research, due to the incredible elusiveness of the history of the Climax locomotives. Its extensive photographs, technical drawings and production records make it a substantial reference for railroad historians and collectors.

A very clean, fine tight copy in a fine bright dust jacket. A beautiful book on a great subject.