Book excerpt: In the 1940s and 1950s, American railroads made the historic transition from steam to diesel-electric power. At a time when railroads still relied on steam power for most service and diesels remained a novelty, Electro-Motive took the nation by storm with its distinctive-looking four-motor F-unit locomotives that echoed across America. The F unit soon became the standard diesel on many American railroads for over two decades.This book covers the F from its humble beginnings, to a time when virtually every railroad operated F units, and beyond. This book displays the F unit's distinctive livery in just about every setting across the American landscape with over 300 rare photographs. Feel the power of the 567 engine as you learn about their specifications in detail. Read about the challenges faced by this phenomenon in freight and passenger service, how they were overcome, and why the F unit is still regarded as one of the most fascinating locomotives in railroading. The photos in this edition are black & white.