Tom Kimmel has spent half a lifetime thinking about steam, and more importantly, talking to people who knew something about steam. His strength is in doing research and accumulating information. This series of books will include stories, research projects, book reviews, and re-prints of accumulated reports. The purpose of these books is to explain an arcane subject because there is a use for and a need for modern steam power. The author has observed a great deal of wasted time and money in various steam projects because historical knowledge was lacking. He wishes to offer examples of good steam design. Along the way personal opinions may be expressed as to the rationality of some of the steam designs that have been made. He hopes that the reader will not be too sensitive.