The first edition of this book appeared as a 272 page work three decades ago, its main aim being to provide a potted examination of the multiplicity of steam, diesel and electric locomotives that have graced this country from 1854. Since this first humble appearance, the book has grown in content, photography and style, and examining in some detail the massive technological changes that have swept onto the Australian locomotive scene. With an up-to-date map of the nation's rail system and photographs provided by some of the nation's more dedicated photographers, this book continues to provide a concise profile of the country's diversified motive power in what is the largest railway book yet produced in this country.