Book Nuts

[Murphy Siding]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jockellis

G'day, Y'all,
Turning around from the railroad section (385 in the Dewey Decimal System) I noticed a section on automobiles and roads. Looking through it, I found the most important railroad book I've ever read, "Getting There" . It was written in 1994 and details the way the states and the federal government pushed roads to the detriment of the railroads and General Motors and Firestone conspiring to eliminate the trolleys. Whether you love the Erie or BNSF, you need to read this book. Unfortunately, I don't remember the author but he did a great job.
Jock Ellis
Cumming, GA US of A

I've read that book too. It does give you a pretty good perspective on the fall of railroads in our country.

[jockellis]

G'day, Y'all,
Turning around from the railroad section (385 in the Dewey Decimal System) I noticed a section on automobiles and roads. Looking through it, I found the most important railroad book I've ever read, "Getting There" . It was written in 1994 and details the way the states and the federal government pushed roads to the detriment of the railroads and General Motors and Firestone conspiring to eliminate the trolleys. Whether you love the Erie or BNSF, you need to read this book. Unfortunately, I don't remember the author but he did a great job.
Jock Ellis
Cumming, GA US of A

[MP173]

I was at a used book store in Chicago yesterday and after I checked out, I saw a book on top of a shelf...out of reach for most folks. Being that I am 6'7" I stretched and retrieved it.

It was entitled Chicago's Railroad Stations, or something similar to that. I leafed thru it and proceeded to purchase it...til I opened it and discovered it was $250!

I very carefully replaced it and said a quick prayer of thanks I hadnt dropped it or somehow damaged it.

The clerk laughed when I commented about the price and said it is very rare.

Anyone heard of it?

Lots of photos of you guessed it, rail stations in the Chicagoland area, including a few in Wisconsin and Indiana.

ed

[Murphy Siding]

[(-D] Thanks. I enjoyed that.[:)]

[ironhorseman]

Personally I never really cared for book nuts. My 3 favorite types of nuts are walnuts, chestnuts, and forgetmenuts.

Most of the train books in my small collection are coffee table picture books. The remaining balance is general reference/history/encyclopedia type books, and again, most of my collection has been gifts from well-meaning relatives.

These books have come in handy whenever I play one of my p.c. train games such as train simulator or railroad tycoon. I’m somewhat a stickler for authenticity and historical accuracy. A riveter you might ask? Just half a rivet, for I don’t throw the tantrums other riveters have been notorious for. As Paul Harvey might say, I’m just looking for the rest of the story. After all, one doesn’t do research solely on one source.

But for all these new books (those printed in the last 10-15 years) I find something more intriguing in those older, dustier volumes one might find at the library or in older bookstores, antique shops, flea markets and yard sales (though yard sales are becoming a stretch anymore as everyone is selling their old clothes there and saving their “good stuff” for eBay).

One of my favorite old books in my collection came from a library sale. Railroads: The Great American Adventure by Charlton Ogburn. It’s a National Geographic Society edition, 1977. It has history from the beginnings to what was modern at that time. It makes for good reading. My favorite book at the library that I’ve not found anywhere else, not even for sale on the internet, is A Treasury of Railroad Folklore edited by B. A. Botkin and Alvin F. Harlow, 1956. This has become my favorite subject on railroading. It has stories, tall tales, humor, songs, legends, and history. What’s fascinating is that this think little book, 500 pages, was compiled from mostly interviews and oral histories as well as written documents. And even more so incredible is that this is a whole series of books American, New England, Southern, and Western folklores.

Other books I’ve found have been The Pikes Peak Cog Road, The Missabe Road, Snowplow: Clearing Mountain Railroads, and numerous other histories of railroad companies all published 25-50+ years ago. You can’t find books like these in a modern bookstore anymore. It’s all glitz and glamour anymore, what little train books I am able to find. No, my whole intent and purpose of going into a bookstore is solely to make an author poor. Thanks to Groucho (there I go again referencing Marx again [;)] ) I’ve learned how to casually sneak into a bookstore and skim through a new book and quietly slip out without having to make a purchase.

Of course these browsers are probably a little bolder today than in his day, for what I’ve observed in these coffee clubs masquerading as bookstores is people walking in, grabbing the newest release, pulling up a chair, and maybe a cappuccino, and sit for hours reading and wearing out the pages and spine, staining it with coffee and returning it to the display and then leaving. I guess these browsers don’t have to use the guerilla tactics the way they once did decades ago because the stores are now encouraging this type of activity. And not only do they let the public read all the books for free they set up music stations so when your eyes get tired you can go listen to 5-10 of the latest CDs, also without paying a single cent. The only thing that’s lacking in a modern bookstore are free arcade games and free movie screens. And if they want to go that far they might as well put in some cots and pass out free soup and bread in the evening and free pancakes in the morning. Of course you’ll still have to pay $7 for a coffee.

Wow, talk about getting off track. I bet Groucho is spinning in his grave if such a thing were possible. I know I’d be spinning in my grave if I had a copy of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. [;)] “OooooKAY, Mr. Moscowitz!”

That concludes today’s editorial. Following the editorial there will be a cartoon and a preview for next week’s coming attraction…

So many books, so little time.

[Murphy Siding]

QUOTE: Originally posted by MP173

I am reading Erie Lackawanna...The Death of an American Railroad.

Also, I just ordered a 1942 Official Guide.

Just called the carpenter to get an estimate to knock out a wall and add a library.

ed

It must just be my tendency to analyze things that made this book appeal to me. Same with The Blue Streak Merchandise.

All my customers are carpenters. I'll send one over.[:)]

[MP173]

I am reading Erie Lackawanna...The Death of an American Railroad.

Also, I just ordered a 1942 Official Guide.

Just called the carpenter to get an estimate to knock out a wall and add a library.

ed

[Murphy Siding]

I just got a copy of a REALLY good book: Union Pacific Salt Lake Route by Mark W. Hemphill![:)]

[MP173]

sorry to steal your thunder Murph!

I really feel that Frailey's book sets the standard for what an economic look at a railroad should be...and done as a look at one individual train. When I read a book about railroading, I dont want to get caught up in how many little railroads there were that were consolidated by in the 1800's. Doesnt do anything for me.

CRIP was a mess. Back in the 1960's UP wanted to buy it. I believe, but could be wrong that they were willing to sell off the Golden State route to SP. UP wanted Chicago access.

Well, it took ICC 10 years (TEN YEARS!) to decide the case. By that time, UP said "no thanks" we are happy with CNW and the Rock died a slow and painful death.

In the end, UP ended up ironically with the Golden State route but not the Chicago route.

I think at some point UP will purchase the Iowa Interstate and will use it for overflow. That would make sense as the number of trains increases over the next couple of decades.

ed

[Murphy Siding]

QUOTE: Originally posted by MP173

I was going to write a review on Blue Streak Merchandise today, but didnt get to it.

In my opinion, that is a very interesting book. It covers the history of not only the BSM, but the changing of the complexion of freight trains. Originally a train for LCL freight forwarders between ESt Louis and Texas, the train pushed westward and rode the California gold rush of the 20th century. The train became the HOT method of transporting auto parts to the west coast.

SP became obsessed with this train, with other trains and schedules being pushed aside just to make time for the BSM. Frailey discusses the shift in routing from the Cotton Belt to the MoPac/Rock Island routing to Tucumcari (Golden State Route). One can easily follow the transition of freight from boxcars to trailers to stacks by reading this book.

The photography is good, particularly the older prints from the 40's and 50's.

An excellent book on the history of freight railroading told by perhaps our best rail reporter of this era, as seen thru one freight train.

ed

You just did write a review, and a fine one at that! Reading the book made me wonder why SP didn't try to merge with CRIP?

[MP173]

Murph:

Went on another spree today! First, I received another Official Guide in the mail (1959). Then, I decided to buy a 1940's so I happened to find a price list from a company called Railpub (phone [phone]). His price list is 78 pages, single spaced! Big.

He has several Guides for sale:
$10 for late 60's
$15 for early 60's (both fair prices)
$35 for 50's (I bought 2 thru EBAY for $10 each)
$50 for 40's

Maybe I got lucky on the two from the 50's...$10 seemed really cheap. The one that arrived today was nearly mint condition. The earlier one was stiff, musty, almost like it had been in water....but still a deal.

I would suggest you take a look on EBAY, there are usually 10 -20 for sale. With the one from the 40's, I think I will sit back and digest things for awhile, and then start looking for one in the 30's. I had stated earlier, my goal is to get at least one per decade.

I stopped by the liabrary and was lucky to find Erie Lackawana, The Death ... was at one of the county branches and will be in tomorrow.

I was going to write a review on Blue Streak Merchandise today, but didnt get to it.

In my opinion, that is a very interesting book. It covers the history of not only the BSM, but the changing of the complexion of freight trains. Originally a train for LCL freight forwarders between ESt Louis and Texas, the train pushed westward and rode the California gold rush of the 20th century. The train became the HOT method of transporting auto parts to the west coast.

SP became obsessed with this train, with other trains and schedules being pushed aside just to make time for the BSM. Frailey discusses the shift in routing from the Cotton Belt to the MoPac/Rock Island routing to Tucumcari (Golden State Route). One can easily follow the transition of freight from boxcars to trailers to stacks by reading this book.

The photography is good, particularly the older prints from the 40's and 50's.

An excellent book on the history of freight railroading told by perhaps our best rail reporter of this era, as seen thru one freight train.

ed

[Murphy Siding]

Amateur Book Review #30

Blue Streak Merchandise / Six decades of the Great American Freight Train
by Fred W. Frailey
ISBN # 0-89024-130-9 168 pages

On the advice of several people (thanks[:)]), I got ahold of this book from the library, via Angelo State University Library, San Angelo Texas! On the surface, this is a book about a freight train, on the Cotton Belt / Southern Pacific, between the Midwest and the Pacific Coast. From the beginning, up until the 1991 publishing date, the BSM is covered in detail, with tons of B&W, and color pictures. More in depth, though, is the "feel" of how the railroads involved operated, in order to keep the BSM at the top of it's game. At times, it seemed like the BSM was treated as being more important than the rest of the railroad. I found this to be an interesting, and quite enjoyable book to read!
You'll like this book, if you're into: Railroad history, freight trains, Cotton Belt, or Southern Pacific history.

Remember, I'm a lumber salesman, not a writer.

[Murphy Siding]

QUOTE: Originally posted by MP173

In order to try and keep up with everyone, I have recently ordered four books:

Two Official Guides from the 50's. Both were cheap...$10 plus shipping. That brings me up to about 26 or so. For $10, these things are a steal.

I also received a catalog and ordered Jim Boyd's Monday Morning Rail (about the IC). This was only $20 it had been $50. Also purchased the O Winston Link The Last Steam Railroad in America which was about $20.

Not bad, two books for $40 plus a couple bucks shipping.

Reviews to follow...in fact, once I get Boyd's book on the IC, I might do an expanded review on four IC books I have...Limiteds Along the Lakeshore, Illinois Central: Main Line of Mid-America, and Illinois Central in Color.

ed

Interesting! Where did you get the Official Guides from?

Thanks

[MP173]

In order to try and keep up with everyone, I have recently ordered four books:

Two Official Guides from the 50's. Both were cheap...$10 plus shipping. That brings me up to about 26 or so. For $10, these things are a steal.

I also received a catalog and ordered Jim Boyd's Monday Morning Rail (about the IC). This was only $20 it had been $50. Also purchased the O Winston Link The Last Steam Railroad in America which was about $20.

Not bad, two books for $40 plus a couple bucks shipping.

Reviews to follow...in fact, once I get Boyd's book on the IC, I might do an expanded review on four IC books I have...Limiteds Along the Lakeshore, Illinois Central: Main Line of Mid-America, and Illinois Central in Color.

ed

[Murphy Siding]

Amateur Book Review # 29

Confessions of a Train Watcher / Four decades of railroad writing by David P. Morgan
by David P. Morgan
ISBN # 0-89024-306-9 160 pages

Did you ever read an issue of Trains Magazine and wish you had a whole book of good articles to read? This is it! Ranging in date from 1957 to 1989, these articles cover a little bit of everything that the average railfan (train watcher) would find interesting. I simply love the way DPM writes. He's even able to write interesting articles about some things I don't particularly find that interesting. Of note is the fact that there 50-60 B&W photos spread throughout the pages,presumably from the original articles(?). With a writing style that makes you imagine what's going on, this book wouldn't be any less interesting without the photos. The foreward in the book makes it sound as if these articles were culled from the 100's that were considered . I would hope that there would be some similar books to follow. You'll like this book, if you're into: Trains Magazine,railroad history,or general railroad reading.

Remember, I'm a lumber salesman, not a writer

Edited to correct 4th grade spelling errors-duh![D)]

[Murphy Siding]

QUOTE: Originally posted by MP173

I would have to think that Morgan's Mohawk is the best railroad book written. Previously I had mentioned Fred Frailey's Blue Streak Merchandise, but...The Mohawk that Refused defines what the written word and photo journalism should stand for.

The title short story stills sends shivers up my spine when reading it.

Currently I am reading Confessions of a Train Watcher, Four Decades of railroad writing by David P. Morgan. It is a collection of articles he penned for Trains. I believe his last article written for Trains was my favorite, Early on one frosty mornin'.

In it Morgan recounts his encounter with NYC 5403, a 4-6-4 Hudson west of Mattoon, Illinois in 1954 as steam was becoming more and more rare. The cover of the book depicts Morgan inspecting the rarity, as painted by Ted Rose.

Thirty four years later Morgan returns to Mattoon and finds the NYC line removed..."the Illinois prairie was erasing the Big Four just as surely as the North Atlantic had smoothed over the wake of the Mauretania and Rex and Ile de France. Transportation may be built for the ages, but more than most agencies and works of man, it had best be enjoyed at the moment, never assumed, ever considered an expendable experience. Look away, look away."

Within 2 years at age 62, Morgan would die. In re-reading that article, one understands that he is not only coming to grips with the passing of his photographer friend Hastings, the loss of the NYC main, and how time is so precious and fleeting. He wraps things up quite nicely with that last paragraph.

Substitute "Human existance" for "Transportation" in that paragraph and one comes up with a pretty good philosophy for living.

Enjoy the moment.

ed

I have to add the library lady to my Christmas card list.[:)] I just got copies of Blue Streak Merchandise and Confessions of a Trainwatcher on inter-library loan. One book came from San Jose CA[:0]. These library types take their jobs seriously. After reading about a dozen pages of Confessions of a Trainwatcher, I decided I had better start looking for a copy of my own.[:D]

[Murphy Siding]

Amateur Book Review # 28

Night Trains / The Pullman System in the Golden Years of American Rail Travel
by Peter T. Maiken 415 pages (whew!)
ISBN # 0-8018-4503-3

Here is an in-depth look at Pullman operations in their heyday. 300+ B&W pictures, and 50+ maps pretty well cover Pullman service throughout the US. Train names,routes,equipment,maps and history are shared in an interesting and laid-back style. You'll like this book if you're into:Pullmans(obviously), passenger trains,and railroad history.

Remember: I'm a lumber salesman, not a writer.

[Murphy Siding]

I just picked up a copy of "Night Trains / The Pullman System in the Golden Years of American Rail Travel" [:D]

[Murphy Siding]

Amateur Book Review # 27
The Art of the Streamliner
by Bob Johnston and Joe Welsh, with Mike Schafer
ISBN # 1-58663-146-2 144 pages

I've never ridden a real passenger train.[:(]. A dozen or so rides on tourist trains doesn't count.It appears that I missed a lot. This book is all about the art,work and pride that went into luring passengers back onto the trains after WW II. The railroads went to great lengths to spiffy up their trains and their advertizing. This book has over 175 pictures and drawings, most in color. All the heavy hitters of the streamliner era are covered, as well as some regional and smaller ones. You will like this book if you are into: passenger trains, railroad history, nostalgia, art or interior decorating(of trains).

Remember, I'm a lumber salesman, not a writer.

[Murphy Siding]

Amateur Book Review # 26

Erie Lackawanna / Death of an American Railroad 1938-1992
by H. Roger Grant
ISBN# 0-8047-2357-5 284 pages.

Yet another detailed history book, this one about a famous eastern road. Here is consistent,in depth history writing from H Roger Grant. This is the fourth of his books I've read, and the second in a week. All four have been very good reads. Included is the typical 2 dozen B&W photos and maps. You'll like this book, if you're into: railroad history, eastern roads,mergers, or Conrail.

Remember, I'm a lumber salesman, not a writer.

[Murphy Siding]

Amateur Book Review # 25

The Corn Belt Route
by H. Roger Grant
ISBN # 0-8758-095-5 231 pages

This is a detailed history book about the Chicago Great Western, from inception to merger into CNW. When you write a whole book about a little railroad, you can get very detailed. Included are about 2 dozen B&W photos and maps. You'll like this book, if you're into: railroad history, midwest rail lines, and merger history.

Remember, I'm a lumber salesman, not a writer.

[MP173]

That is a bargain...I purchased mine years ago when it came out. Great book.

I will try and post some more book reviews. I am enjoying this topic....keep them coming.

ed

[Murphy Siding]

Amateur Book Review #24
America's Colorful Railroads
by Don Ball, Jr, 210 pages
ISBN # 0-89169-517-6

This a book by a railfan, first and foremost. A mixture of text and 281 color pictures, this book covers the author's interest in locomotives of the 40's and 50's. Most of the writing is first hand experience and recolection of the times. You'll like this book, if you're into: locomotives/both late steam and first generation diesel, railroad history,fallen flags,photography, or just plain into trains.

Remember, I'm a lumber salesman, not a writer.


Forgot to mention that I got this for $7 at a used book store, in mint condition![:)]

[Murphy Siding]

Amateur Book Review #22 & #23

The Contemporary Diesel Spotter's Guide / a comprehensive reference manual to locomotives since 1972.
by Louis A. Marre & Jerry A. Pinkepank
ISBN # 0-89024-088-4 336 pages ( 1/2 size book)

A follow up book to the one listed above. Same format, but no rosters. Includes "rebuilding,upgrading, and leasing programs". Includes a chapter called " The jobs locomotives do" which goes in depth about horse power, tractive effort, etc. The book has about 300 black and white pictures. With a 1989 publish date, it reads like a railroads of years gone by book-I like that.[:)]




#23
Field Guide to modern Diesel Locomotives
by Greg McDonnell
ISBN# 0-89024-607-6 208 pages ( 1/2 size pages)

The third book, of sorts, in the set, this one goes in depth about GE,EMD, and Motive Power locomotives, and some history of the companies. Bonus!-247 COLOR pictures.

Remember, I'm a lumber salesman, not a writer.

[Murphy Siding]

ed: sales are so good, I don't even have time to complain about how busy I am.[:)]

Amateur Book Review #21

Diesel Locomotives: The First 50 years / a guide to diesels built before 1972
by Louis A. Marre Kalmbach Books
ISBN# 0-89024-258-5 479 pages (1/2 size book)

If you are a fan of older diesels, this the Holy Grail of books. Here you have the history,specs,dates built,original rosters, roster numbers and about 500 black and white pictures of the first & second generation diesels. Every American diesel builder of any signifigance is in here. You'll like this book, if any of the previous sentences got you the least bit excited.[:)]

Remember, I'm a lumber salesman, not a writer.[:)]

[MP173]

Murph:

I was thinking of that today. I would sure like to see the rejects.

How are sales?

ed

[Murphy Siding]

QUOTE: Originally posted by MP173

Ed's Amateur Book Review #2

Steam Steel & Stars
by O. Winston Link
and Harry N. Abrams
ISBN 0-8109-2587-7

My two favorite photographers, Link and Ansel Adams had similarities. Both obviously were known for their use of black and white film and for rich compositions of subjects. Sometimes I wonder if we have it all wrong. With today's technologies (and high train frequencies) one can easily justify a quickly composed photograph with the focus only on the train...and usually the locomotives.

Link, thankfully, used his skills as an industrial photographer to get it right. His composition was carefully planned and then executed using dozens of flash bulbs and hundreds of feet of wire. His photographs reveal the human and mechanical sides of life. Not only is Norfolk and Western steam featured, but just as importantly the Appalachian culture is exposed in a respectful manner. Observe, if you will, the pride in the faces of the railroaders. Note the attention to detail...be it the young boy sitting on his suitcase as Train 2 arrives at the station, James Harless gathering wood for his hearth in 12 degree temperatures as freight 96 passes, the general store scene in Vesuvius as K2a 127 passes by outside.

Where else can one find the use of a gravity gas pump and the attendent W. A. Miller the main focus as passenger Train 2 passes? My favorite shots are those of Luray Crossing Watchman Archie Stover, pipe in his hand and mouth as his guard shanty feels the power of yet another train passing. As a bonus, the final chapter shows a photo from behind the scene...allowing the reader in on the secret of how the photograph was executed.

Link's work is a regional, no make that a national treasure. Too often we railfans are concerned only with the train...or at least I know I am...and not the background subjects. Link had the ability to bring out all, the train, the environment, and most importantly the people.

My only negetive about this book is the binding. I purchased this at Tamarack in West Virginia on vacation several years ago. The price was right, about $25 (a steal) but it was obviously mass produced for wide distribution. The book is coming apart, no doubt from poor quality, but also I must add from constant use. All in all, a minor point. Pick up the book and get lost in the romance of the era and walk away with an idea of how to make your next photograph just a little better.

Remember, I am just a decal salesman, not a writer.

ed

Think of all the *rejects* that Link or Adams took that didn't meet their standards, and probably hit the trash-probably nicer work than any of us will ever take.

[MP173]

Ed's Amateur Book Review #3

The Official Guid of the Railways,
August, 1955
National Railway Publication Company, New York


To say that things have changed since 1955 would be an understatement. To realize the extent of those changes, a modest investment in an Official Guide of the Railways would be justified. The Guides, as published back in the day, were a collection of railroad, steamship, and airline timetables for United States, "Porto Rico", Canada, Mexico, and Cuba (and Central America).

Packed into the 1504 soft cover, bound, fragile flimsey pages are listings of all railroads. Not only are passenger trains and equipment listed, but nearly all railroads (and all major and regional carriers) have maps and listings of directors, executives, managers, and sales representatives. But wait...there is more! Detailed timetables give not only the passenger schedules, but most listings have ALL POINTS listed, even those in which the passenger trains dont stop. Even "Freight Service Only" routes are included.

Thus, with an Official Guide, one has an enormous wealth of information about not only the passenger trains of an era, but the individual railroads, their routes, logos (black and white) and slogans (Piedmont and Northern Railways' "A Mill to the Mile").

By strategically purchasing Guides from the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's one can note not only the disappearance of the passenger train, but also the evolution of the railroad system into today's mega carriers and shortlines.

No doubt the single most important factor in my becoming a railfan, was a family friend who was employed by the Illinois Central that told me one day "Ed I have something for you, come by the house." It was a 1967 Official Guide, perhaps a year old. It opened my eyes to the world. I still have it, but barely. The cover and many pages are long gone, destroyed by use. Many of the maps have been amended with notes of abandonment or merger, from years gone by.

I own 24 Guides and purchased 2 more last night over EBAY. Today, one can pickup these historical references for $10 - $30, based on the condition and age. It is my goal to accumulate Guides from each decade, but I realize that will be very difficult to do.

My suggestion is to use them...keep the mint condition Guides away, but have working copies for reference and enjoyment.

Remember, I am just a decal salesman and not a writer.

ed

[MP173]

Ed's Amateur Book Review #2

Steam Steel & Stars
by O. Winston Link
and Harry N. Abrams
ISBN 0-8109-2587-7

My two favorite photographers, Link and Ansel Adams had similarities. Both obviously were known for their use of black and white film and for rich compositions of subjects. Sometimes I wonder if we have it all wrong. With today's technologies (and high train frequencies) one can easily justify a quickly composed photograph with the focus only on the train...and usually the locomotives.

Link, thankfully, used his skills as an industrial photographer to get it right. His composition was carefully planned and then executed using dozens of flash bulbs and hundreds of feet of wire. His photographs reveal the human and mechanical sides of life. Not only is Norfolk and Western steam featured, but just as importantly the Appalachian culture is exposed in a respectful manner. Observe, if you will, the pride in the faces of the railroaders. Note the attention to detail...be it the young boy sitting on his suitcase as Train 2 arrives at the station, James Harless gathering wood for his hearth in 12 degree temperatures as freight 96 passes, the general store scene in Vesuvius as K2a 127 passes by outside.

Where else can one find the use of a gravity gas pump and the attendent W. A. Miller the main focus as passenger Train 2 passes? My favorite shots are those of Luray Crossing Watchman Archie Stover, pipe in his hand and mouth as his guard shanty feels the power of yet another train passing. As a bonus, the final chapter shows a photo from behind the scene...allowing the reader in on the secret of how the photograph was executed.

Link's work is a regional, no make that a national treasure. Too often we railfans are concerned only with the train...or at least I know I am...and not the background subjects. Link had the ability to bring out all, the train, the environment, and most importantly the people.

My only negetive about this book is the binding. I purchased this at Tamarack in West Virginia on vacation several years ago. The price was right, about $25 (a steal) but it was obviously mass produced for wide distribution. The book is coming apart, no doubt from poor quality, but also I must add from constant use. All in all, a minor point. Pick up the book and get lost in the romance of the era and walk away with an idea of how to make your next photograph just a little better.

Remember, I am just a decal salesman, not a writer.

ed

[Murphy Siding]

Amateur Book Review # 20

The Encyclopedia of Trains and Locomotives
by C.J. Riley
ISBN# 1-56799-982-4 224 pages.

This book got mis-labeled. I'm sure a lot of people would pass up opening up any book labeled as an encyclopedia. What this book is,more than anything, is 100 little books, each about one railroad subject. Covering everything from Isambard Kingdom Brunel, to F units, there is a little something for everyone. Each subject is adequately covered, without going overboard. This book makes you want to learn more about some of the subjects, like Australian Railroads, for example. Illustrated with over 100 drawings and color and black and white photos, each topic keeps your interest. This is the first book I've had to re-purchase. I wore the first one out! You'll like this book if you're into: general railroad interest, railroad history and personalities,diesel, steam, and electric locomotives, British railways, and railways from around the world.

Remember, I'm a lumber salesman, not a writer.