Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 Mallet Locomotives

C&O Railway Series #15, 2-6-6-2 Mallet Locomotives Karen Parker provides an insightful examination of the C&O’s 2-6-6-2 Mallet steam locomotives, often likened to draft horses for their strength and endurance. Accompanied by striking black-and-white photographs, the text illustrates how these locomotives successfully navigated steep gradients, solidifying their historical significance—most notably, the final revenue run of a C&O steam locomotive was executed by a 2-6-6-2. The book features detailed locomotive diagram cutaways that clarify the distinctions between various classes, alongside tables that present builder information, division assignments, and annual changes. While these technical details serve as valuable resources for modelers and historians, the true highlight lies in the meticulously crafted captions accompanying numerous high-quality images printed on sturdy paper. These captions enrich the narrative by providing essential context regarding the who, what, where, when, how, and why of the historical facts. Steam enthusiasts will find this book indispensable for research, particularly before visiting the only operational 2-6-6-2, the former C&O No. 1309, located in Cumberland, Maryland. Softbound, 96 pages