"Modern manual for drivers of steam road vehicles"

by W. Michael Salmon. 133 pp. 8 1/2 in. 5 1/2 in. (Model Aeronautical Press Ltd., 13/35, Bridge Street, Hemel Hempstead, Herts. 21s.)

There is so much interest in steam traction engines and wagons these days that a simple manual of instructions in driving the different types, and servicing steam vehicles generally, including boiler testing, will not come amiss. Various members of the Road Locomotive Society have contributed to this one, which Michael Salmon has edited, and the information is therefore expert and very much to the point, even to explaining how best to avoid annoyance to faster vehicles when driving a traction engine on main roads.

The chapters cover how to light up and drive a traction engine, including ploughing engines, the subtle differences between these and road-locomotives, and similar tips about overtype and undertype steam wagons and steam-rollers. Experienced steam operators may find the book superficial but for novices it should be invaluable and even those of us who do not own engines will find it enjoyable reading. – W. B.