Books on SP's Overland Route

[jguess733]

Well I've recently returned from one deployment, and I'm getting ready to go back out again on another one shortly. I've decided I want to buy a book on the SP's Overland Route to read while I'm out to sea, and I have found two that I am interested in. One is by Four Ways West Publishing called Southern Pacific's Historic Overland Route by Tom Dill. The other is by Signature Press titled Southern Pacific's Salt Lake Division by John R. Signor.

Since both books are expensive I was wondering if any of you have any experience with either of them and can offer me some recommendations.  Thanks for the help.

[twhite]

I don't have Signor's Salt Lake Division book yet, but judging from his other books in my collection(DONNER PASS/TEHACHIPI/RAILS IN THE SHADOW OF MOUNT SHASTA/SOUTHERN PACIFIC'S COAST LINE) you couldn't go wrong.  Signor is a terrific writer/researcher, and the photos in his books are always top-notch.  I would think that his Salt Lake division book would be just as informative and readable.

Tom

[ratled]

Although I haven't read Southern Pacific's Salt Lake Division, John Sginor has never disappointed me on the SP.  Also, there is a DVD on the SP's Overland route available for about half of one of the books.

 ratled

[Beaver14]

jguess733, I own and have consumed both books. The Tom Dill book, while excellent, is a photo book with excellent captions. Tom is very accurate with his work. That said, I would recommend John Signor's book for the purpose you outline. It is a complete history and description of operations on the Salt Lake Division (roughly Reno-Sparks to Ogden). Lots of text, good photos, outstanding maps. This book is a companion to Signor's Donner Pass book. It will give you many hours of reading and studying photos. I'd love to recommend both, but your limits were clearly stated. Beaver Bill

[jguess733]

Thanks for the advice guys. I just ordered it off the net, now I have to hope it gets here in time, otherwise my wife will have to put it in a mail drop, then there's no telling when I'll see it.