As a conclusion to his popular series of industrial railways in the regions around the UK, as well two volumes examining steam locomotives at work in industry around the world, here Gordon Edgar looks at the vanishing steam era worldwide. In the main, this book covers the last quarter of a century, both on main and secondary railway lines and in industry, in countries such as China, Myanmar, Eritrea, and Poland.

With stunning photography and commentary, this book takes you on a tour in search of the last vestiges of everyday working steam locomotives of all gauges, as well as featuring locomotives cast aside and forgotten about. Those few remaining steam operations covered could have an uncertain future, facing today’s commercial and political challenges.