The subtitle states that it is an introduction, but it's quickly apparent upon picking this book up - 416 illustrated pages in A4 portrait format - that it's a pretty solid work and must have involved a lot of research for the author.
Like all narrow gauge railways, those built in 750 mm and 760 mm (roughly 2' 6" which is exactly 762 mm for the nitpickers) track width were intended to save construction costs by allowing tight curves and often it was a compromise of capacity with the ability to build it within a tight budget. For freight there was also the nuisance of transhipping at break of gauge junctions.
NZ saw some railways built in this gauge, but they were all for industrial purposes and a relatively limited lifespan; none were built as common carrier lines as in Victoria, Australia. The US saw a few railways in this gauge, mostly for transporting sugar cane in Hawaii. The NZ railways aren't covered as they weren't for public use, but those in Victoria and Hawaii are, as are lines in many other countries, and the book has much hitherto unknown information, including on railways in the former USSR, China and Japan.
Like all Stenvalls books the cover looks like a school textbook, but there is no complaining about the presentation and layout of the material which includes lots of b/w and color photos, maps and, naturally, details of the locomotives used. English text, hardcover with jacket. Available in the transpress nz shop.
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