The John Bull: A British Locomotive Comes to America

by David Weitzman and Dashka Slater

The story of a steam-powered wonder The "John Bull -- now on permanent display at the Smithsonian Institution -- was imported from England in 1831, and its cutting-edge design had a huge impact on American locomotive history. Used to help build and then run the first successful New Jersey railroad, the" John Bull transported passengers and freight between New York City and Philadelphia more quickly and efficiently than ever before. And within a few years, more than a dozen locomotives were constructed following the "John Bull's design, helping to spawn a vigorous and vital new American industry. With detailed text and exacting pen-and-ink artwork -- including here's-how-it-works diagrams -- David Weitzman re-creates the" John Bull's colorful history for young train buffs.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0374380376
• ISBN13: 9780374380373
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
• Length: 1 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 10.1" x 10.5"
• Age Range: 6 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 1 and higher

Customer Reviews

REMARKABLY DETAILED

The remarkably detailed, stunning black and white drawings by author/illustrator David Weitzman are worth a great deal more than the price of this book. Front endpapers and back endpapers offer a comprehensive picture of this early locomotive with accompanying numbers identifying each feature. There's the wood filled fire box, the crank, and even the driving axle. All with an interest in trains will consider this slim volume a treasure. As some know, John Bull was built in England and transported by steamship to America in 1831. Such a powerhouse had never been seen before, and it was used not only to help build but to run the first New Jersey railroad. This met with such success that America soon manufactured many more similar locomotives. After a lengthy tour of service the locomotive was retired to the Smithsonian Institution where it was admired by thousands. Even more amazing is that some 150 years after it first arrived on our shores the John Bull was still able to run as smoothly as ever. "The John Bull" is fitting tribute to a vital portion of our transportation industry. - Gail Cooke