CHASING STEAM IN MEXICO

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Frank Barry 368 pages hardcover

In 1959 Frank Barry moved to Mexico to work for the American Friends Service Committee. Fresh out of college, he arrived with a rucksack, a Rolleicord camera, a tripod, and a quest: to visit and photograph every line of the National Railways of Mexico (NdeM) that still ran steam. He spent every weekend and vacation traveling mostly on foot, climbing trees and cliffs to get the right shot, sometimes riding on top of boxcars, or in the engine cab—taking photos and collecting stories. By the end of two years, he had traveled in 26 of Mexico’s 31 states and territories to cover nearly every steam-operated route on the NdeM.

Years later, revisiting his photos for an exhibit at the Johnson Museum of Art, he saw things he hadn’t noticed before: women wearing rebozos with children on their backs; a campesino with his burro alongside the tracks; a little boy riding an engine being turned by hand like a merry-go-round.

He realized that something had happened while his photos were sitting quietly in their boxes: They had become historic. Besides photographing the machines he loved, he had unknowingly captured a way of life that has perhaps otherwise been forgotten.

Each of the first 11 chapters of "Chasing Steam" consists of a collection of stories that took place on a division or subdivision of the NdeM; chapter 12 does the same for the United Railways of Yucatan; and chapter 13 covers the small railroads: short lines and industrials. Each chapter begins with a map, so the reader can follow along with the author on each of his rides.

Equally as compelling as the 326 photographs in this 368-page coffee-table book are the tales that go along with them. By turns suspenseful, funny, distressing, informative, remarkable, and heartwarming, his stories chronicle a time when the railroads were a central part of daily life for many people. Included at the end of most chapters are historical notes and a gallery of exceptional images that weren't part of Frank's storytelling. A story of adventure travel long before it became a trend, this is the kind of book that will captivate any true railfan—and might even convert the nonbeliever.

Chasing Steam in Mexico

Excellent; unique coverage.. Hardcover, printed on heavyweight glossy paper. Pnotos (b&w) - perthaps 60% of content - are crisp and clear, often large-sized. Many maps. The text (narrative) is outstanding, describing extensive travels in great detail; test tracks the accompanying photos. He was intrepid, fluent in Spanish, and got incredible access in a country not dominated by formal procedures, lawyers and insurance companies. Talked his way into loco cabs and other facilities throughout the country. Too late now, but I wish he had more Philip Hastings in his photos: I am interested in all aspects of railroading, not just locos,

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Reviewed by: Bill Tuohy from Berkeley CA. on 6/25/2026

CHASING STEAM IN MEXICO

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Years later, revisiting his photos for an exhibit at the Johnson Museum of Art, he saw things he hadn’t noticed before: women wearing rebozos with children on their backs; a campesino with his burro alongside the tracks; a little boy riding an engine being turned by hand like a merry-go-round.

He realized that something had happened while his photos were sitting quietly in their boxes: They had become historic. Besides photographing the machines he loved, he had unknowingly captured a way of life that has perhaps otherwise been forgotten.

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