Steam locomotive diagrams-where to find?

[TODD RADEK]

The CNW Historical Society has a diagram book for sale.

Here's the link to it in their store...

http://cnwhs.org/shopping/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=54&osCsid=pio5kk4k35h7ec9jdkv38jukn6

[BigJim]

Overmod

It hasn't been my experience that the Simmons-Boardman Cycs are very useful in providing 'diagrams' of specific steam locomotives -- they are more intended to show off different supplier wares for components and auxiliaries.  I think there has been a confusion with the Model Railroader Cyclopedias (or Train Shed Cyclopedias) which indeed contain either diagrams or technical drawings of various locomotives together with their technical data. 

I have found much to the contrary. Though, the Model Railroader & Mainline Modeler Cyclopedias do list the locos in a logical order, provide several good photos and drawings, the info from the Train Shed Cyclopedias come directly from Simmons Boardman Cyclopedias. 

One might not find all locos in the Simmons Boardman books, year of printing being one reason if too early an edition is used, but, they do have very detailed drawings that include parts and accessories that are very valuable if one wants to learn how steam locomotives work.

Speaking of which, if one wants to learn how a steam locomotive works there is no better series of books than the ones put out by Internatioal Correspondence Schools, many of which can be viewed at this web site:  http://www.icsarchive.org/icsarchive-org/bb/
The drawings and explanations are second to none!

[Overmod]

gmpullman

Google Books is yet another source. LOTS of material to search through:

https://books.google.com/books/about/Locomotive_Cyclopedia_of_American_Practi.html?id=oMY1AQAAMAAJ

Just as a note: in some regions clicking on the 'Read Ebook' button will open up a window in which you can 'download PDF' (it's a small blue link near the bottom and you will have to slide your cursor to it carefully).  It makes far more sense to have your own PDF copy than to try reading it within a typical browser window.

It hasn't been my experience that the Simmons-Boardman Cycs are very useful in providing 'diagrams' of specific steam locomotives -- they are more intended to show off different supplier wares for components and auxiliaries.  I think there has been a confusion with the Model Railroader Cyclopedias (or Train Shed Cyclopedias) which indeed contain either diagrams or technical drawings of various locomotives together with their technical data.  I have occasionally wondered why the 'usual suspect' locomotive data sites like steamlocomotive.com don't provide more diagrams or multiple-view drawings/blueprints of some of the locomotives in addition to photographs; this would make the OP's stated task much, much easier...

[gmpullman]

Mjorstad

I’ve been in search of some steam locomotive diagrams.  My interest is in the MoPac and Rock Island in particular, though I’m always open to any railroad.

Hi,

I have often accidentally stumbled upon sites where Locomotive Cyclopedias have been available as scanned copies. Here is a 1916 volume, for instance:

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uiug.30112062306169;view=1up;seq=1

Here's another, 1916, 1004 pages:

https://archive.org/details/locomotivedictio00amer

Many of these can be downloaded in several formats, including .pdf, which can, in turn, be printed.

Google Books is yet another source. LOTS of material to search through:

https://books.google.com/books/about/Locomotive_Cyclopedia_of_American_Practi.html?id=oMY1AQAAMAAJ

I hope that helps,

Regards, Ed

[Flintlock76]

You might just find locomotive Cyclopedias on eBay, they're out there somewhere, but take a deep breath before you start looking, it's my understanding when you find one they're not cheap.

I was at a train show several years ago and found a steam locomotive builders Cyclopedia from 1946 for sale, and it had everything  in there, but it wasn't priced.  I asked the seller how much he wanted and with a straight face he answered  "$150."  Ouch!  

Thirty years ago I'd have said  "WHAT?  Are you on drugs?"  But being older and wiser now I just smiled and said "No thanks,"  and just walked away. 

So, just be prepared.  

[Mjorstad]

timz

I've got several Train Shed Cycs -- I'll see what they have. Also 1941 and 1947 Cycs, but they might not be that scannable.

I see the MP three-cyl 2-8-2 and an MP 0-8-0, and RI 4-8-4s with 69-inch drivers and 74-inch. Forgot to mention: these drawings don't include the tender.

 

Oh sweet.  Did you happen to find anything on 2-8-2s and/or 4-6-2s for either road as well?

Also, where can I get my hands on one of theee Cyclopedias? eBay I’m guessing?

[timz]

I've got several Train Shed Cycs -- I'll see what they have. Also 1941 and 1947 Cycs, but they might not be that scannable.

I see the MP three-cyl 2-8-2 and an MP 0-8-0, and RI 4-8-4s with 69-inch drivers and 74-inch. Forgot to mention: these drawings don't include the tender.

[Mjorstad]

timz

By "diagrams", do you mean drawings a few inches long? Or drawings 9 inches long like in Rwy Age or the Cyclopedias? Or much larger drawings?

If drawings 3-4 inches long are good enough, the book on RI locomotives might have them. I'll check to see if Collias' book has them for MoPac.

If 9-inch are good enough, we can check the Train Shed and other Cycs to see what selection they have, if you say which classes you want.

 

 

9-inch diagrams should do the trick, though to be honest any size I can read and interpret will do.  I know for a fact Collias’ MoPac book doesn’t have any diagrams, I have a copy of my own.  Have thought about buying the RI book though.

I appreciate the help!

[timz]

By "diagrams", do you mean drawings a few inches long? Or drawings 9 inches long like in Rwy Age or the Cyclopedias? Or much larger drawings?

If drawings 3-4 inches long are good enough, the book on RI locomotives might have them. Collias' book on MoPac steam doesn't seem to have any.

If 9-inch are good enough, we can check the Train Shed and other Cycs to see what selection they have, if you say which classes you want.

[BigJim]

For truly detailed and specific drawings, probably your best bet is to contact historical societies of the particular roads.
Very good drawings can be found in Locomotive Cyclopedias. Model Railroader put out one, Mailine Modeler put out two, Train Shed Cyclopedias have many, then there is the grandaddy of them all with the Simmons Boardman Locomotive Cyclopdedia.  

[Mjorstad]

Hi all, 

I’ve been in search of some steam locomotive diagrams.  My interest is in the MoPac and Rock Island in particular, though I’m always open to any railroad.  I haven’t been able to find them online (such as at rr-fallenflags) or in their historical societies (the Rock Island’s is dead), nor can I find physical copies for sale on eBay.  

 

Sans travelling across the states-currently reside in KY-where could I find these kinds of documents?  Would love to have them for modeling or just for general info.  Any suggestions or connections are appreciated.  Thank you!