Book recommendations?

[Paul_D_North_Jr]

First: 

"+1" to Carl's post above - Here are some more specifics, from: 

  http://www.transalert.com/cgi-bin/details.cgi?inv=BKRRNN&cat=18 

The Railroad: What It Is, What It Does - 5th Edition by John H. Armstrong  - $44.95 list price

Publication Info: 406 pages (2008) Simmons-Boardman Books, Inc.; ISBN: 978-0-911382-58-7; Dimensions (in inches): 6x9
Description:    The fifth edition of The Railroad: What It Is, What it Does is even more valuable than before. Inside you'll find a comprehensive look at how today's railroads function-from equipment to procedures and marketing to maintenance. 
Additional Information: This book is ideal for novices and experts alike. The easy-to-read narrative presents a brief history of railroading from the coal-fed "iron horses" that helped build a nation to the latest generation of EPA-compliant locomotives. You'll also find  current information on new technologies such as ECP brakes and computer-assisted transportation systems.
The fifth edition is an indispensable resource for anyone wanting to learn about modern day railroads. The book delves into many facets of the railroad industry including such topics as freight cars, locomotives, track, signal and communication technology, intermodal traffic, operations, labor relations, and design engineering. Softcover.  

Consider also:

All About Railroading - Second Edition by William C. Vantuono - - $33.95 list price [He is or was the engineering-subject author/ editor for trade publication magazine Railway Age] 

http://www.transalert.com/cgi-bin/details.cgi?inv=BKAARR&cat=32 

Publication Info: 112 pages (2006) Simmons-Boardman Books, Inc.; ISBN: 0911382496; Dimensions (in inches): 11 x 8.5
Description: All About Railroading-Second Edition is the book for new hires and young adults who want to learn the basics of today's fascinating, high-tech railway industry.
Additional Information: Newly revised and expanded from the original edition, All About Railroading presents-in 112 beautifully illustrated pages containing nearly 200 color photographs and diagrams-every aspect of the North American railway industry: freight operations, freight locomotives, freight cars, intercity and commuter rail, light rail, rapid transit, engineering, and signaling & communications. Plus, there's a glossary of railroad terms and an information resource directory listing dozens of websites.With thousands of new people expected to join the railway industry over the next few years, this book is designed to provide them with the information they need! Softcover. 

 

On your second question regarding High Speed Rail - I don't know of any specific technical books off-hand.  An aggregation of professional technical papers from AREMA, AAR, ASCE, ASME, IEEE, etc. may be the best substitute.  Or, Amtrak's and CalTrains' HSR websites may be a good starting place:

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1251622052239 

Then the "DOWNLOAD" link at: http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=AM_Content_C&pagename=am/AM_Content_C/Simple_Copy_Popup&cid=1251622052244 

http://www.hsr.ca.gov/Programs/Construction/index.html   

Especially such as the 2019 (?) electrification technical reports:

http://www.caltrain.com/projectsplans/CaltrainModernization/Modernization/PeninsulaCorridorElectrificationProject.html  

Look at websites for some other "progressive" states that are supporting HSR, such as Illinois, North Carolina, Virginia, etc. 

- Paul North. 

[Paul of Covington]

CShaveRR

Sounds like you need to look at the late John Armstrong's The Railroad:  What it is, what it does.  Published by Simmons-Boardman; I think it's about on its fifth edition.  Look at that, then come back and ask about any unanswered questions ...it's that good.

   I second this nomination.   Many questions asked in these forums are covered in this bible.

[CShaveRR]

Sounds like you need to look at the late John Armstrong's The Railroad:  What it is, what it does.  Published by Simmons-Boardman; I think it's about on its fifth edition.  Look at that, then come back and ask about any unanswered questions ...it's that good.

[henry6]

What you want to read depends on where you live, what you are familiar with, what you are not familiar with, what interests you and what doesn't interest you.  Is it a particular railroad or railroads?  Local? Not local?  HIstorical and history?  Contemporary?  Technical? Motive Power?  Passenger? Freight? Other?  Lots to choose from.  So, best and easiest bet is to go to your library and look at what is available, see what piques your interest, what catches your eye or your imagination.  Or methodically read them all.  As for one single, broad based comprehensive book on railroads and trains, it is really tough because, in my opinion,  there hasn't been a sensational book since Oliver Jenson's 1975 American Heritage publishing of  Railroads of America.  So, again, I really think your best bet is to go to your library and feast on what is there and see where it leads...

[CaptainKoloth]

Hello all,

I''m new to the world of trains and I'm looking for two good book recommendations. Specifically, I've tried reading Trains but have a hard time following all the detail; is there a really good introductory book just about how trains work, that has information like, e.g. this is why tracks are constructed the way they are, this is who owns and builds them and how, this is why locomotives are designed as they are and how, how intermodal works, etc. I'm an engineer so technical is good. I'm looking for a good overview, something that isn't an 8 volume encyclopedia but also isn't My First Book of Big Trains or something like that.

 

Also, is there a good book on high speed trains in particular? Something about on the level of the fast trains special issue Trains had about two years ago without being outrageously out of date or primarily a political argument for or against it, but like above, just something overviewing the technology and status of it?

Thanks!