".The US no longer operates many long-distance passenger services, but railroads remain integral for freight trains.Plus, the path of the railways still plays a part in the way we get across America -- even if we don't go by train. "I also do railway photography much closer to home all over the UK, especially in northern England and Scotland, as well as in Canada," he says.But it's photographing America's railroads that's become his passion -- and has allowed him to see a side to the country he wouldn't have seen otherwise. "Today many long-distance roads and interstates follow the original route of the railway," explains Lewis. The name of the boy in the white sailors hat is Dennis Carpenter. GALLERY: See Lewis' photos of US trains "A family holiday to Colorado in 2000 was the first time I visited the USA and saw my first American train in Denver," Lewis tells CNN Travel. Amazingly, it's also one of the world's great travel bargains as a 3,000 mile 4-day trip on Amtrak can cost as little as $232 (£185, €206) at www.amtrak.com.There are daily departures and half a … The hump track can be seen to the left of the engine. This Union Pacific train was photographed by Lewis at Sullivan's Curve, Cajon Pass, California.America's railways -- including the route passing through Skykomish, Washington, pictured -- remain crucial to the country's transport network.The Western railroads weave through spectacular scenery, such as Snow River, Alaska.Lewis plans his images carefully to ensure maximum sunlight, as in this photo at Larkspur, Colorado.Lewis tries to get the whole train in the image whenever possible, as in this photo of a Union Pacific train in Oregon.A Union Pacific train passes Utah's dramatic red rock formations.Against the backdrop of bright blue sky and the red rocks of the Colorado River canyon, a mustard-yellow train steams through the rugged landscape, the words "Union Pacific" emblazoned on its side.Little has changed in this striking scene since the late 19th century, when the.British photographer Jonathan Lewis has journeyed across America's most beautiful -- and most isolated -- terrains, photographing timeless trains in spectacular landscapes across the country's West.Lewis' pictures have a vintage postcard look -- but the photos in the book were all taken within the past 10 years. Oct 10, 2015 - A Photographic Gathering Remembering Travel by Train.

"It is sometimes necessary to walk up to a couple of miles and climb a hill to reach the required location," says Lewis.Lewis' interest in trains is not specific to the US. Click to see the journey in pictures Coast to coast by train across the USA: This is the view from the dining-car as the most scenic train of all, the California Zephyr, rolls through a Colorado canyon.You'd be crazy to fly! Oct 5, 2014 - Grand Trunk Western Railroad transfer cabooses. It is a great party train, also useful as a conference venue and for corporate incentive / staff outings / training events. Dec 23, 2013 - Pennsylvania pulling a passenger train in the winter.

",Notably, railways in America are still run by private companies: "They have remained private companies throughout," says Lewis.
"Once a railway reached an area it was able to develop its industry -- as it had an efficient means of moving its goods," says Lewis, who is fascinated by the link between America's history and its railway network. Free for commercial use No attribution required Copyright-free

This is a great old art deco blue MP Missouri Pacific Line train transportation poster. He made many trips to Middletown in the late 1920s and early 1930s.

"A family holiday to Colorado in 2000 was the first time I visited the USA and saw my first American train in Denver," Lewis tells CNN Travel.These eye-catching images are the subject of Lewis' new book, ".The first US transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869, changing the path of America's history.