Book Description

Customer Reviews (3)

American Railroads by Stover
This book is perfect for American History buffs. It contains
an exhaustive history of the evolution of railroading in the USA.
Railroads thrived throughout the 1850s in response to the trans-
Pacific trade in gold. In 1860, Chicago was served by 8 railroads.
The Pacific Railway Bill of 1862 heralded the first Pacific line.
A bill was signed on 7-1-1862. A picture of an 1870s railroad
management gathering depicted the executives in 3-piece suits and
beards. A sign posted land for $6 to $12. per acre in Illinois.
The NY-New Haven and Hartford RR line started circa 1844.
The book would be a perfect acquisition for the student in your
house.

ALL ABOARD!!!(But you might get derailed!)
Stover certainly gives us a lot of facts about the American railroad from its early beginnings to its present-day situation and in a very readable style. But the order that he chooses to present them in seems backwards. Examples: He frequently informs us of the changing track mileage of Class I railroads. Great, only what IS a Class I railroad? He finally explains that in the last chapter! He rightly devotes much of the midsection of the book to the Golden Age from the end of the Civil War to the beginning of World War I. But in Chapter 4 he explains the construction of the lines during that period as if people were jolting through it all on Civil War era rolling stock. What about airbrakes? That innovation he explains in Chapter 6. In Chapter 4 he mentions a railroad having 400 miles of electrified track just after the turn of the century. But he doesnft bother explaining ELECTRIFICATION of railroads until Chapter 8. And at the beginning of that chapter that deals with the decline of railroads after World War II, he suddenly jumps us from 1945 to 1965 when 707s were jetting people coast to coast in a few hours and sinking long-distance rail passenger service in their wakes. Hey, what about the immediate postwar years when flimsy props were crashing more people than they were getting to their destinationsG and such modern luxury limiteds sprouting vista-domes as the El Capitan were smoothly and safely whizzing passengers across the continent? Ah, that he explains towards the END of the chapter. These and so many other sidetrackings made me feel Stover was trying to derail me!

Still, if you manage to avoid being derailed by him on the way, by the end of the book Stoverfs explanations do give you a very good overview of the American railroad. But he ONLY explains. Nowhere does he DESCRIBE. So, if you want a fairly comprehensive list of events of this revolutionary innovation in transportation that played such a vital role in shaping modern America, then ALL ABORAD! But if you want to actually FEEL what it was like to ride on one of those bone shakers of the 1840s, to dine in the elegance of a dinning car of the 1890s, to board the first run of the streamlined, diesel-driven Zephyr in 1934, (and which Stover could so easily have given us by adding just a few descriptive paragraphs!j. . .then alas, you WILL get derailed!

Excellent Rail History
Well written, concise and very informative. One of the best general railroad history books I have ever read. Mr. Stover covers the development of railroads in America from the beginning to present with an objective view. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (4)

A Fine Introduction
This is a very fine, concise introduction to the "standard railroad of the world."For a readable, yet remarkably thorough introduction to the Pennsy, this is the book to read.

Colorful Review
Excellent book, great resource for the train lover.Lots and lots of high-quality photos, good text.Highly recommend.

Great book.
I purchased this book as a gift to myself and it is super. Pictures are very nice and the reading is easy to deal with.
Even my 5 year old loves it.
If you are into trains, this book is worth the money.

It opened my awareness to the PRR's greatness.
A small yet thorough book concerning the history fo the PRR from start to finish.Well written and very informative. ... Read more

Book Description
Airlines, trucking, and railroads have gone through deregulation experiences that change the rules of the securities analysis game. This proceedings examines the ''how to's'' of analyzing the transportation industry. In addition to the essential internal and external factors, and topics covered include coping with complex labor issues that affect cost structure and competitiveness, energy factors, and environmental issues. ... Read more

Book Description
More than just a railroad, the Southern Pacific was an empire, anchored in San Francisco but stretching from Portland, Oregon, to several ports on the Gulf of Mexico. For many years it was, in fact, the nations only true "transcontinental" railroad. This illustrated history tells the tale of SPs development from 1861 through its 1996 acquisition by Union Pacific. Through some 150 archival photographs, route maps, period ads, and timetables, readers are treated to the history of steam and diesel power on the "Espee," as well as freight and passenger operations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Lovely pictures, pity about the text
Should you buy this book if you already own the first edition, published in 1999? It depends what your prime interest is. If it's historical, note that altho the text is copyright 2007, it's actually identical to the 1999 edition, so the use of the present tense and references to "today" are misleading. On the other hand, this edition comprises 160 pages, against 128 for its predecessor, while the text is set in a smaller type so must take less space. The extra space is devoted to more photographs, which can be more expansively displayed. And as far as I can tell, without doing an exhaustive comparison, only one is repeated from 1999. So if you want a handsome new picture book,this is for you; otherwise, hang on to your first edition.

Southern Pacific Railroad
I was very happy over the condition of this book. It arrived in great shape and was shipped very fast and packaged very well.

Great photo book, low academic value
Photos were great
History was disappointing, especially the part describing how SP came to be a large empire.Perhaps no one knows, but the author shouldn't have skipped over it by saying it was "too difficult to trace".The book in the same series about the Pennsylvania and the New York Central was much better from a historical standpoint.
I bought this book expecting to understand how SP came to be; admittedly I know a little more about the PRR being based in the East Coast, but this book left me more confused than I started.
Nonetheless, I am glad to see that people are continuing to write about railroads of yesteryear.

Southern Pacific Railroad (Railroad Color History).
A well done historic line in this book, from the very beginning of small and big preceding railroad companies, under direction of the big four and all along the line in history, this Railroad company business was furtherset out and followed by its visionary engineers and leaders. A fallen flagtoday, this book gets my full recommendation as not only the wordings ofthis story of the friendly Espee takes you away to the era of beginning ina competative and wild environment the illustrations are well placed in thebook, supportive to its text. Surprisingly well are the 'handle bars',seperatly described 'hotspots' along the Espee route... Donner Pass,Tehachapi Loop and more. So get the feel for the 'West'. Enjoy.

Could Be Better
I wish it had more Photo's of Older Steam. I liked it over all. I have seen better books though. not a bad Book though if you have the money!

I like the book though over all! ... Read more

Book Description
Research in Transportation Economics is now available online at ScienceDirectfull-text online of volumes 6 onwards.

Elsevier book series on ScienceDirect gives multiple users throughout an institution
simultaneous online access to an important compliment to primary research. Digital
delivery ensures users reliable, 24-hour access to the latest peer-reviewed content. The
Elsevier book series are compiled and written by the most highly regarded authors in their
fields and are selected from across the globe using Elseviers extensive researcher
network.

For more information about the Elsevier Book Series on ScienceDirect Program, please visit:
http://www.info.sciencedirect.com/bookseries/ ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Great LIRR Book!
In keeping with the high standards of the illustrated pictorials from Dover, the LIRR in Early Photographs does not disappoint.

This illustrated history covers 90 years of operations of the railroad, from 1865 to 1955. It's all here - early steam, 20th century steam, electrics, deisels, nautical operations, snowfighting, structures and wrecks. Plus a whole lot more.

Lots of very interesting photos, many of them never seen before depict the colorful history of the LIRR before the MTA took over.

A must have for any rail historian or Long Island Railroad enthusiast. ... Read more

Book Description
For the model train hobbyist, this incredibly detailed book features 81 model track plan options. Each project description includes technical advice and prototype photos that will inspire any model railroad enthusiast. Projects featurelikely obstacles that might be encountered during construction and helpful tips for getting it right the first time. Line art diagrams, layout routes, dimensions, and even photographs of the finished layout are included. The book is organized into six sections - The Best Plans for Your First Layout, Shelf Style Layouts, Bedroom-Size Track Plans, Track Plans for Larger Spaces, Staging Yards and Holdover Tracks, and Modular Model Railroad Plans. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Not necessarily what it seems...
This book does contain a multitude of track plans.The plans overall, however, tend to be sub-par.This is most evident when you compare this book to those written by the Late John Armstrong, or the track plans published in hobby magizines.

The book is helpfull, however, in planning for staging operations and seeing how one can best ultilize avalible space.It is a good book if one is just getting started in the hobby, and needs some ideas to start from.More advanced model railroaders may only get mild amusment from the book.

Disappointing
Many of my issues with this book were covered in another review. Most of the "plans" are really just a couple tracks. The diagrams aren't clear enough for a book on track planning (for a magazine writeup, maybe, for a book of plans for practical use, no). The plans are repetitive and derivative of each other. And, as previously noted, there is very little breadth of offering - over and over you see the same format of layout: for instance if you have any significant-size space but don't want a multi-deck layout, you're out of luck.

It's not 101 layouts, it's 101 variations on 2-4 basic ideas...

Very good
An excellent book about designing a small to medium layout. Many track planning books assume that we all have huge basements and rarely focus on smaller spaces, like a spare bedroom.
At first glance, a number of the plans seem similar. When you study them closer it becomes clear how a plan can be transformed by adding an around-the-wall shelf or changing a part of it. I think this sort of evolutionary designing gives a lot more insight into the design process.
The shelf layouts are nice and show how you can build a layout in a very compact space. They look more like British designs, which usually have a visible station and some staging sidings.
The room-size layouts pack a lot into a modest room. By adding a second deck the operations are substantially increased albeit at the cost of more complex construction. There is a relation between the space and the amount of model railroad that we want to fit in. If you want to squeeze in more mainline run in a small space, sooner or later you have to consider multidecking. It's up to the reader to decide if the extra effort is worth the trouble.
This brings me to the observation that most plans in this book feature point-to-point type operation. The emphasis is on smaller lines like shortlines, logging railroads or secondary lines of larger railroads. A logical choice as this sort of railroad is far better suited for a small room than trying to model the Union Pacfic mainline in HO in a 9x9 room. If this isn't your cup of tea then this book is probably not for you.

Disapointed
Very disapointing to say the least.THE BIG BOOK OF MODEL RAILROAD TRACK PLANS boasts "99 complete plans", I beg to differ. I accept the fact that many people do not have the room for large class-1 type railroad layouts, but many of the "shelf" plans are little more than a place to display your scenery talents and some rolling stock, nothing that could accurately be described as operational.

Moving on to the larger layout plans, it doesn't get any better.They all seem to be based on just a few basic designs with only minor changes like an additional siding or where the railroad is based in the world.You're left with the feeling of "if you've seen one, you've seen them all." Another point to consider is, not everyone wants to build a multi-level or spiral layout to gain operational ability.I also don't think that most people want a design that requires a turntable or wye at each end.If they do, then there's plenty to be happy about.Most of the plans seem suited to small steam powered logging railroads or for someone with a huge imagination to fill in the blanks.

It isn't my desire to bash anybody, but at least in my case, it didn't even offer a fresh idea.Mr. Schleicher's book, "Building your next model railroad" offers many good tips and ideas on the actual building of a layout, but this book is a real let down.My advice is to look elsewhere. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An amazing book
This is a wonderful piece of scholarship, truly a labor of love. It's an authoritative description of railroad uniform buttons, button construction, the metal-era history of button making, and the histories of the railroads that commissioned these buttons for their workers. Among those who collect uniform buttons, this is consdered to be THE reference book, at least for North American railroads.

Amazon does not carry this book, just because of some labeling issues. It is still available from its self-publisher, though. If Amazon can't get it for you, it's possible to contact the author directly. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Customer Reviews (3)

This IS a history, not a compendium of nostalgia!
John Stover forgoes the nostalgia of Baltimore & Ohio Railroad folklore and tells the B&O story in straight black and white.Primarily an economic historian, he tells how the B&O was able to makeit through thick and thin with the trends of this country's economic growthand downswings.He however, does not ignore the various programsundertaken by the company throughout its history to improve its lines,equipment, and service, and in this light, he documents very well, both theJohn W. Garrett and Daniel Willard presidential tenures.

If Mr. Stoverundertakes a revision of his book, I would like to see him provide morecoverage of the years after the B&O was acquired by the Chesapeake& Ohio Railroad, eventually to become the CSX Corporation.Also, hisdocumentation of economic data in the text would be more meaningful if hewere to take advantage of one of the many graphics and spreadsheet programsnow available on home computers and illustrate this data in a series ofcharts either within the body of the book itself, or in an appendix.

Thorough coverage of the railroad's development up to today
This book is the best I have seen on this, the first common carrier railroad in America. John Stover has done a thorough job of covering the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad,its history, operations,and the people behindit. I recommend this book to anyone interested in this railroad veryhighly.

A good introduction
John Stover is a well-known and respected railroad historian, and his book on the B&O has been around for awhile.Readers looking for "the romance of the rails," nostalgic memories of the "CapitolLimited," etc. will not find it here.Rather, they'll find a goodintroduction to the history, life and times of the Baltimore & Ohio. This one belongs on the shelf of all with an interest in eastern railroads. ... Read more

Book Description
In 1827, a group of Baltimore capitalists feared their city would be left out of the lucrative East Coast-to-Midwest trade that other eastern cities were developing; thus, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was chartered. Political pressure kept the B&O out of Pennsylvania at first, and so track crews

headed for what is now West Virginia, building mountainous routes with torturous grades to Wheeling and Parkersburg. Eventually the B&O financed and acquired a spiderweb of branch lines that covered much of the northern and central parts of the Mountain State. This book takes a close look at the line’s locomotives, passenger and freight trains,

structures, and, most importantly, its people who endeared their company to generations of travelers, shippers, and small Appalachian communities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Greatest Ever
Whether you are a slight fan or an avid fan of trains and railroads, you don't want to miss this book! It is very well written and the pictures are great! Bob Withers is one of the best writers ever.
S. Smith, Ravenswood, WV ... Read more

Book Description
Follow-up to the topselling Classic American Railroads explores the fascinating histories of the Northern Pacific, Wabash, Nickel Plate, New Haven, Erie, and 12 other railways. Amazingly preserved period photography. ... Read more

Book Description
There's a new engine in town and his name is Diesel 10. He's a renegade diesel who's out to make steam engines history! Find out how Thomas and the other engines work together to save Mr. Conductor and Muffle Mountain in this beautifully illustrated storybook. And look out for Lady, the newest engine who helps everyone with the Magic Railroad! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

My Son Loves It
It's no secret among (most) parents of Thomas enthusiasts that Britt Allcroft is a horrible writer. For those unfamiliar, Britt Allcroft is a British lady who has written stories, capitalzing on the Thomas the Tank Engine series written by Rev. W. Awdry. She has made a bundle, judging by all the Thomas train sets, DVD's, books, and other paraphanalia.

Thomas and the Tank Engine is a very lame movie featuring the very poor writing of Britt Allcroft. Alec Baldwin is great as Mr. Conductor, and Diesel 10 has hilarious lines (his part *must* have been written by someone else!) The rest of the acting is utterly horrible and embarrassing to watch. (If I'm not mistaken, Allcroft directed...so maybe that had something to do with it.) In addition to poor writing, the Allcroft Thomas stories often feature trains harrassing and bullying one another with dubious "lessons" sometimes intertwined. (Whether Awdry wrote the trains like this or it's Allcroft's invention, I do not know.)

Anyway, the Thomas and the Magic Railroad is based on Allcroft's film. If you're not familiar with the story, it won't make much sense to you. (Not that little ones will care). Heck, even the movie didn't make much sense! However, my son LOVES this book. He spotted this one and another Thomas book the other day while in a "Stuff Mart". My son actually wanted these two books instead of a PS2 game! Hey, I'll always be glad when my son chooses books over video games!

As books go, this is a very nice hardback with 14 semi-glossy pages. Junior, Lily, Mutt and Burnett Stone--they're here. However, the characters do not resemble the actors from the movie. (Stacy and Patch don't make an appearance). The illustrations are bright and colorful, and the print is quite large.

My son requests this book be read to him *every* night...so he loves it. So while adults may not enjoy it--finding it silly or downright idiotic--little fans of Thomas the Tank Engine (and the movie) will likely love this book.

What a mess
This book is just plain awful. My kids seem to like it, but personally I try to avoid reading it to them, the story is just too incoherent. Basically, it's a short summary of the movie (which is almost as bad). Also, for some unknown reason the "creators" of the book (and movie) introduces characters and situations that just don't match the Thomas universe that I'm familiar with (the whole concept of the "villain" Diesel 10 as well as Mr. Conductor and thegold dust thing just doesn't work for me). On the other hand, Lady is a wonderful character which is way underdeveloped.

If my son didn't really like it, I'd give it 0 stars
I have to agree with the previous reviewer who said this book is disjointed.I cringe everytime I read it to my son (2 yrs).He likes it so we read it most nights before bed.

We've never seen the movie (where presumably the gaps, which account for ~50% of the book, are filled in).But, having read the book, I never want to see the movie.

Buy this book only if you want to suffer through countless nights reading about how Mr. Conductor gets thrown from Diesel 10's claw to the base of a windmill where there just happens to be a clue to the source of the gold dust.And that's about as much context as the book itself gives you.

Great Coloring Book: For Girls and Boys
My son and daughter went to see the movie.This coloring book gave them a chance to remember and retell the movies' events.They were so excitedabout the book, I had to order another one!

Disjointed jumble of plot points
This book is a telegraphic, disjointed list of things that happen in the movie.There is no real narrative to speak of.I got the book for my3-year-old before we saw the movie, and until then, it made no sense.Now,it is useful as a way of warding off having to go see that dreadfully actedmovie again.As much as my son loves (and I appreciate) Thomas the TankEngine, this book does a disservice to the characters and themes of theoriginal series.The other two movie-based softcover books (one aboutDiesel 10 and one about Lady) are somewhat better -- they don't have thelessons of the original series, but at least they make some sense on theirown. ... Read more

Book Description
This photographic history pays tribute to the railroad bridge as both an icon of Americana and a marvel of engineering. Author Brian Solomon discusses the major types of construction: viaducts (both stone arches and steel construction), cantilever, suspension, and truss bridges, and explains why certain types of construction suit different situations. He describes the origins and construction of iconic structures and lesser known but no less interesting railroad bridges. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A wealth of information and a book that can be confidently recommended
Superbly illustrated throughout with color photography, "North American Railroad Bridges" by railroad historian Brian Solomon focuses upon railroad bridges and trestles that have been a feature (and often a quite dramatic feature) of the American landscape for the past century. Each particular bridge, whether traversing rivers or roadways, creeks or canyons, were individually engineered for a particular terrain and were of varied construction methodologies including trussells, trestles, viaducts (both stone and steel), suspension, and even with movable spans. The informed and informative text is highlighted with landmark patent drawings, period postcards, as well as modern photography by some of today's best rail photographers. The result is a wealth of information and a book that can be confidently recommended for community libraries in general, and railroad buffs in particular! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

LOVE IT!!
I teach 4-5 year olds and this is their favorite book!They pretty much know all the words to the book and love telling it with me.Highly recommended!!I also own the Ant in the Parking Lot book and prefer this one to it.I feel the rhyming flows better in this one.

Great book for kids and adults alike!
Purchased this book to read to my son's preschool class.The teachers enjoyed it as much as the children!Engaging and fun with great illustrations.This is one of our favorites!

Great Fun!
This book combines my son's favorite things:ants and trains.It was also a wonderful book for me to read out loud to him.It's my favorite children's book so far. And he loves it!!

Utterly charming
Our four-year old loves this book (as do I). The pace is quick, the pictures lively, and the rhymes quirky and intelligent. You will enjoy reading this together.

Great Read Aloud
This is one of my faves for preschool storytime reading.

The rhymes are natural, the plot is gripping and the pictures are large and humorous.

If you read to groups of preschoolers - or are doing a unit on insects at your primary school - don't miss this one. ... Read more

Product Description
Study of a single phase of the administrative activities of the U.S. Interstate Commerce Commission--the regulation of railroad abandonments under authority delegated to it by the Transportation Act of 1920. ... Read more

Book Description
This illustrated history of the railroad that grew to power under the Vanderbilt dynasty covers every aspect of the New York Central through its 1968 merger with longtime rival Pennsylvania Railroad and the eventual merger of Penn Centrals successor, Conrail, into Norfolk Southern and CSX. Along the way, readers are treated to archival photographs, commissioned route maps, period ads, and timetables detailing all of New York Centrals operations--steam and diesel, freight and passenger--as well as associated icons like Grand Central Terminal, the legendary Henry Dreyfuss shrouded Hudson steam locomotives, the Water Level Route, and the 20th Century Limited passenger trains. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Disappointing Text But Good Pictures
Don't publishers employ editors or proof readers any more?This book is full of simple spelling errors and poor grammar, the kinds of errors that a proof reader would find very quickly.Many of the errors are missing or duplicated articles.Others are cases of a plural noun being used with a singular verb or vice versa.Another class of error, common to many books that include photographs, is captions that don't match the photograph in some important detail.

Still, the many photographs in the book are of very good to excellent quality.Most of them are pictures that I have not seen in any other publications.It's unfortunate that the quality of the text and some erroneous captions make the whole thing suspect.

INFORMATIVE & EASY READING !
Wish I had this book several years ago to help me plan the prototype layout and what engines to acquire. Highly recommend this book for NYC fans.

Me and my Son love it.
The book is well done, and the photos are super.
My five year old can't put the book down. It really shows the NYC in a way that was never seen before, unless you worked for the railroad. If you love trains, you must add this book to your collection.

great short history of the new york central system
This is a great short history of the New York Central System. Chapters 1 to 4 deal with the makeup of the system and history. Chapter 5 deals with Grand Central Terminal and New York electrification. Chapter 6 is the steamlocomotive fleet. Chapter 7 is the diesel locomotives. Chapter 8 is theelectric locomotives. Chapters 9 & 10 are about the freight andpassenger service. The pictures used in the book are great. The amount ofinformation is remarkable. If I were to purchase only one book on the NewYork Central System, this would be the book. ... Read more

Book Description
Respected rail writer and photographer Steve Glischinksi offers an authoritative, illustrated account of the histories, motive power, and operations of twelve of the Midwests most vital current carriers, along with a system map of every road covered. Featured railroads include the Chicago Central Pacific; Dakota, Minnesota Eastern; Escanaba Lake Superior; Iowa Interstate Railroad; Iowa, Chicago Eastern; Indiana Rail Road; Kyle Railroad; Red River Valley Western; Twin Cities Western; Toledo, Peoria Western; Wisconsin Central; and Wisconsin Southern. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Regional Railroads of the Midwest by Steve Glischinski
"Regional Railroads of the Midwest" is a very intriguing title. The volume covers twelve, as the title says, regional railroads in the Midwest. Alphabetically they are: Chicago, Central & Pacific; Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern; Escanaba & Lake Superior; Indiana Rail Road; Iowa, Chicago & Eastern; Iowa Interstate; Kyle Railroad; Red River Valley & Western; Twin Cities & Western; Wisconsin Central; and Wisconsin & Southern. Each railroad is covered in about a dozen pages with current and historical photos, a color map, and text outlining the road's history and operations. This book is very welcomed in that it puts in hardcover print a number of railroads that had not previously been covered other than by a Trains or Railfan & Railroad article. Kudos for that. On the downside, there are also railroads represented that are already overexposed in the railfan press, namely the Indiana Rail Road and Wisconsin Central. In their absence it would be nice to see more under-represented railroads presented. This is one of the better produced titles from MBI in recent years. The number of historical photos presented is low and the subjects seem relevant; the use of steam excursion photos was also, thankfully, kept to a minimum. What photos are presented are reproduced very well, better than many other books from the same publisher. Overall, this is a very good release for the modern Midwest railfan.

Well researched, with photography to match
This book provides a concise history of selected "regional" railroads from Indiana through North Dakota ("regional" railroads are too big to be called "short lines", but vary greatly in size). The author provides the start-up story of each railroad in adequate detail that includes a brief history of the lines acquired, their purchase cost and existing traffic. He then provides a brief narrative of how that railroad increased its traffic base, made additional line acquisitions (or abandoned others), and discusses its motive power (locomotives). Nice maps are provided (with one exception) and the reader has a great reference volume that combines good photography with informative text. Given the great maps, it was surprising to find no map for the Red River Valley & Western, a road with a somewhat confusing line acquisition history that was hard to follow without a map. Sometimes the history of line acquisitions appeared sketchy, and little information is given on actual train movements - no doubt due to space constraints (the debatable inclusion of the rather large, and now gone, Wisconsin Central no doubt squeezed the space available). And although each road's locomotives were discussed, summary rosters would have increased this book's utility. But, this is a great book and a great value!

A mine of information
Having criticised a recent volume in the series, it's only fair that I should compliment Glischinski and the publisher on this offering. It contains a mass of fascinating information that will probably be new even to many Americans, let alone those of us who live thousands of miles away. As well as the details of the individual railroads, it encapsulates an important trend in the development of the industry. Production values are as good as we have come to expect, though it would have been useful if the individual company maps had been accompanied by a broader map putting the systems into a geographical context.

An enthusiastically recommended core addition
The railroad was key to the development of the American Midwest as a means of East and West Coast communications and transport, as well as the settlement midwestern communities and the exploitation of the agriculture, mineral, and timber industries of the midwestern states. The latest addition to the outstanding 'MBI Railroad Color History' series, "Regional Railroads Of The Midwest" by railroading enthusiast Steve Glischinski is a superbly organized, illustrated, and presented historical overview of the twelve principle railroad systems , companies, and trains that are especially associated with the midwest including: Chicago Central & Pacific; Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern; Escanaba & Lake Superior; Indiana Rail Road; Kyle Railroad; Iowa, Chicago & Eastern; Iowa Interstate Railroad; Red River Valley & Western; Toledo, Peoria & Western; Twin Cities & Western; Wisconsin Central; and Wisconsin & Southern. Combining a knowledgeable text based on his own archives and studies, with Glischinski has very nicely integrated photographs in his accounts of each railroad's history, motive power, and operation. Enhanced with the inclusion of system maps, a bibliography, and an index, "Regional Railroads Of The Midwest" is an enthusiastically recommended core addition to personal, community, and academic library Railroading History reference collections. ... Read more