Chapelon

The name Andre Chapelon will be known to everyone with an interest in the development of the steam locomotive. Put simply, he was a genius, head and shoulders above all others in the field of steam locomotive design. In his native France, Chapelon transformed the steam locomotives of various French railways from often mediocre machines into high performers surpassing the capabilities of similar machines in other European countries at the time. He was responsible for both rebuilds as well as new designs.His work was inevitably disrupted by the Second World War, but his importance was reasserted in 1946 with his superb 4-8-4 242 A 1 capable of producing a continuous output of 5,500hp, a remarkable achievement.Colonel Roger’s book was originally published by Ian Allan in 1972 but has been out of print and difficult to obtain for years. It remains the best and most detailed biography of the man and his work. It is both a readable and accessible guide to the life and achievements of a man whom few would disagree was the foremost steam locomotive engineer the world has ever seen.It is good to see this work of reference readily available again. * Continental Modeller *
Few engineers had more influence on developing the steam locomotive’s potential than Andre Chapelon. Colonel Rogers’ eminently readable biography was published in 1972, and has now reached the status of a collector’s piece, with a hair-raising price to match, so this reprint must be welcomed. So far as can be found, the original text has been exactly reproduced. It describes all of Chapelon’s work: the application of his principles, which were in several cases applied to previously unsatisfactory locomotives, the results, and unfulfilled projects. The author’s interest in Chapelon’s work and principles, especially an enthusiasm for compounding, is clear. Whether compounding in conjunction with up-to-date principles would have been acceptable and satisfactory in British conditions will never be known. The same applies to the whole principle of steam power. However, the performance of such designs as 160A1 and 242A1 is beyond doubt, and there is a good case for the title ‘the greatest steam locomotive of all time’ to be applied to the latter.The publishers should be thanked for reprinting this book, which is one of outstanding interest. It should be on all bookshelves, not only those of students of French railways. Your reviewer is fortunate to own a copy of the original edition; otherwise an immediate order of his own copy would have been made. In addition to its other merits, it is very good value. – CRB * The Railway Observer *