Locomotives of the Western United States

This book features a selection of photos of mainline and branch-line trains with a wide selection of different locomotives and paint schemes across the western states. The first transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869. Until the turn of the 20th century, many more railroads were built by different companies. Passenger trains declined from the 1950s and today only Amtrak offers long-distance passenger service, with railroads concentrating on freight. From the 1970s until the 1990s many railroads merged to give the two main railroads in the west today: Burlington Northern Santa Fe and Union Pacific. There are also many regional and shortline railroads to add diversity. Locomotives in the U.S. today are mainly built by General Electric and Electro Motive Diesel. Modern diesels for long-distance mainline freight trains are up to 4,400 hp with six axles. These long-distance trains can weigh up to 20,000 tons and often have multiple locomotives. There are also many older diesels for local work, some dating from the 1950s.