AN HISTORICAL SURVEY OF THE RAILWAY ENGINE IN NEW ZEALAND SINCE 1863.

Since their inception more than 90 years ago, the railways of New Zealand have developed an individuality that appeals to all who profess interest in railroading. Much of this appeal no doubt comes from the fact that the New Zealand Railways are a pleasing blend of British and American railroad practices.

Railwaymen and railway enthusiast all over the world eagerly seek information and illustrated material relating to the railways and railway engines of this country, but in the past their quest for knowledge has been hindered by a lack of literature on the subject.

Now however, a long felt want has been fulfilled. this book, written in a topical style by two railway enthusiasts with lifelong interest in their subject is a valuable contribution to the railway literature on New Zealand. It is an authoritative work which provides a unique record of a most fascinating phase of New Zealand’s development.

Cavalcade of New Zealand Locomotives is handsomely illustrated and describes nearly 120 different types of locomotives which have operated by the New Zealand Government Railways. Beginning with the broad-gauge Pilgrim which puffed sedately from Christchurch to Ferrymead in 1863,it traces the evolution of the steam locomotive to the sleek, thoroughbred Ja’s and Ka’s of today. All the various  types of electric locomotives are covered, and the book ends on a modern note with the businesslike and efficient diesels now in service in large numbers.

Some of the earlier types of steam locomotives have never before been illustrated, and many photographs used are appearing in print for the first time.

Without a doubt, Cavalcade of New Zealand Locomotives is one of the finest and most comprehensive books of its type yet published. It is a must for every lover of locomotives, and a worthwhile addition to the bookshelf in every home.