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Amtrak. Brian Solomon.

This pictorial history is only the second of its kind to trace the 30-plus-year history of Amtrak, beginning with a look at the rise and fall of privately run passenger train service followed by a look at Amtraks infant stage from 1971 through 1976. Also examined is the period from 1976 to 1991, when Amtrak finally established an image, buying new equipment and refurbished old and grew its ridership despite a severely limited budget. Modern and period color photos illustrate such aspects of Amtrak as its motive power, including the high-speed Acela Express; its diverse array of rolling stock and equipment, famous long-distance trains past and present; short-haul corridors.

Against all odds, the passenger train survives in the United States. The formation of Amtrak in 1971 heralded the end of privately operated passenger train service and ushered in an era of intercity train travel financed on a budget that has vacillated between the virtually non-existent and the barely adequate.

- The only extant pictorial history of Americas only passenger rail network

- Amtrak ridership in 2001 topped 24 million, the highest in its history

- Passenger rail travel may be a concept whose time has come in this country, considering the woeful state of the airline industry and the efforts of prominent belt way politicians like Tom Harkin to make Amtrak a viable national passenger railway. Hardback. 160pgs.

Highly respected rail writer and photographer Steve Glischinksi draws on his own knowledge and archive, as well as on the photography of several colleagues, to offer an authoritative, lavishly illustrated account of the histories, motive power, and operations of twelve of the Midwests most vital current carriers, including a system map of every road covered. Hardback. 160pgs

This illustrated look at the history of the Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range Railroad begins with a brief look back at its late-nineteenth-century origins in the Duluth & Iron Range and Duluth, Missabe & Northern railroads. The bulk of the book, however, covers the period from 1937—when those two roads merged under U.S. Steel—to today. Along the way, readers will learn about and witness the roads legendary early steam power, the evolution of its unique mining operations, its switch to diesel power in the 1950s, and its modern fleet and operations.  Hardcover - 8-1/4" x 10-5/8" - 160 pp - 125 color, 75 b/w

The book, a concise business history, is well designed with many graphics including maps, timetables, and period advertising interspersing the text … This is a good read belonging in the library of any Milwaukee aficionado.” The Lexington Quarterly

“Author Murray has assembled a well-balanced and attractive volume of the railroad’s 135 year history. This book was an interesting read and should appeal to anyone with an affection for the Milwaukee Road.” Michigan Railroad Club

“A strong feature is the inclusion of vintage ads that are not typically seen elsewhere.” Railroad History

The true grit and glory days of one of Americas greatest railroads come to dramatic life in this full-scale illustrated history by industry veteran Tom Murray. Words and pictures carry readers across the vast tracts of land and time traversed by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific—better known to history as the Milwaukee Road. Ranging from the railroad’s late-nineteenth-century beginnings to its purchase by onetime rival Soo Line in 1985, the book looks at The Milwaukee Road’s famed streamlined Hiawatha passenger trains, the "Little Joe" electric locomotives, and the sprawling fabrication and repair facilities in its namesake city. Whether surveying the railroad’s routes and the trains that plied them, and the people who worked behind the scenes, or focusing on the line’s motive power, rolling stock, passenger and freight operations, The Milwaukee Road provides a broad-scale, brilliantly detailed portrait of a great railroad, an industry, and a bygone era. Hardback. 160pgs.

Union Pacific is Americas most popular railroad. The first to create a transcontinental railroad link in 1869 in conjunction with the Central Pacific, UP was also the first U.S. railroad to create a modern streamlined passenger train. Sleek, quiet, powerful, and fast, the lightweight streamliner set a new standard for luxury on the rails. This authoritative, illustrated history follows up streamliners from 1934 with the launch of the City of Salina right up to Union Pacific's ceding of passenger service to Amtrak in 1971. Award-winning rail author Joe Welsh examines the fleet of "City" trains that followed the Salina, all connecting Chicago to their namesakes with revolutionary equipment and diesel motive power on breakneck schedules. In addition to detailed looks at the trains, readers are treated to their various forms of motive power and rolling stock, and their unparalleled services. Dozens of black-and-white images and period color photos depict the City of Portland, City of Denver, City of Los Angeles, City of San Francisco, and City of St. Louis along, with period ads and route maps to complete the picture. Images also detail the opulent furnishings and impeccable service that distinguished Americas premier passenger line--from uniforms and dinnerware to the most exotic lounge cars ever built.

Format: Hardbound, Pages: 160, Length: 8.5 x 11.

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. From austere western roots, the "Espee" grew into a far-flung railroad of some 17,000 route miles. In fact, for many years, it was 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, as well as freight and passenger operations.
In addition to images of the Southern Pacifics flashy red and orange Daylight streamliners, the book features photography from the railroads fabled Coast Line, Shasta Route, Golden State Route, and the granddaddy of em all, the Overland Route. Format: Hardbound, Pages: 160, Length: 8.55 w x 10.76 h.

In 1923 the Baltimore & Ohios Capitol Limited started its travels between Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. Two years later the B&O's National Limited linked the nations capital to St. Louis. Almost at once the two lines became household names, famous for the outstanding service and cuisine offered in their Pullman sleepers and renowned dining cars.

This authoritative, illustrated history takes readers back to the B&Os glory years, with a wealth of images, route information, details of the trains passenger motive power, and the inside story on the frugal railroads means of streamlining its equipment with innovative and aesthetically striking results.

Against a backdrop of dozens of black-and-white archival images and period colour photos depicting uniforms, dinnerware, stations, period ads and route maps, and interior views of passenger cars, award-winning rail author Joe Welsh discusses how B&O passenger operations led to the demise of at least one of its rival Pennsylvania Railroads passenger trains; and how, ultimately, market forces did in the B&Os passenger trains as well.

Here is the whole story, with the National Limited's failure under Amtraks auspices--and the 1981 rebirth of the Capitol Limited as one of Amtrak's most popular trains, keeping a legend alive. Format: Hardbound, Pages: 160, Length: 8.25 w x 10.63 h.

Few railroads are as deeply associated with the regions they serve as the Southern Railway. This illustrated account of the venerable Southern is both the story of the railroads 88-year tenure as the transportation force in the region and a fascinating chapter of Southern history. The Southern Railway--the first major U. S. railroad to completely convert to diesel--eventually incorporated some 150 individual predecessor railroads into its system. Author Tom Murray explores this complex prehistory before examining the Southerns nearly nine decades of freight and passenger service, right up to its 1982 merger with Norfolk & Western to form Norfolk Southern. Financier J. P. Morgan makes an appearance in the story, which takes in points of interest such as the 21.5-mile trestle across Louisianas Lake Pontchartrain and legendary passenger trains like the Crescent and the Southerner. Wonderful archival photos capture the railways motive power and rolling stock against the regions cityscapes and scenic countryside. The book also includes system maps, period ads, and timetables. Format: Hardbound, Pages: 160, Length: 8.25 w x 10.63 h.

Describing Penn Centrals operational history and the factors that led to its formation and downfall, author and former PC employee Peter Lynch offers a collection of the best Penn Central color imagery from the archives of photographers Thomas McNamara, J. W. Swanberg, David P. Oroszi, and others. Hardback. 160pgs.

From the quaint wooden trestle to the graceful arched viaduct, the railroad bridge is a quintessential aspect of North American scenery--and an essential part of the railroading landscape. What railroading image is as classic as a freight or passenger train crossing a wood, stone, or steel structure spanning a river or canyon?
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 such as Hell Gate in Queens, New York, and the Hill Bridge in Minneapolis, and lesser known but no less interesting railroad bridges.
Accompanying Solomons account are historic black-and-white photos and modern color images depicting railroads large and small hauling traffic over bridges across the continent. Also includes five specially commissioned diagrams. Format: Hardbound. Pages: 160. Length: 8.25 w x 10.63 H.

For decades the New York Central reigned as one of Americas most important railroads. Beginning with the 1853 consolidation of a group of fledgling railways that formed a route from Buffalo to Albany, the New York Central grew into a powerhouse transportation company with more than 10,000 route miles. 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 a selection of archival photographs, commissioned route maps, period ads, and timetables detailing all of New York Centrals operations--steam and diesel, freight and passenger--not to mention 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.Format: Hardbound, Pages: 160, Length: 8.55w x 10.755h.

This comprehensive, illustrated guide is the definitive reference to major North American railyards - more than 70 in all. Over the past 13 years the author has visited each yard gathering brief histories, operating data, information on unique characteristics, and photographs. Hardback. 240pgs.

This richly illustrated history chronicles one of the most revolutionary developments in freight railroading during the twentieth century: intermodal shipping, or the use of containers to move cargo between trains, trucks, and ocean going vessels. It was a development that transformed the movement of freight around the world, with an almost incalculable impact on American industry. Intermodal railroading in North America begins tentatively, with attempts at piggybacking in the 1930s, before moving on to more serious developments in the period from World War II through the 1960s, notably by Canadian Pacific and the New Haven and Southern Pacific railroads. After looking at early intermodal technology and traffic, particularly the formation of pioneering equipment manufacturer and provider TTX, author Brian Solomon turns to the contemporary period. His account of mighty changes in North American shipping ranges from the implications of deregulation and various railroad mergers, to the emergence of partnerships between railroads and trucking and shipping firms. In addition to railroads like Conrail, BNSF, and CSX, this comprehensive history features trucking, freight delivery, and forwarding firms such as J. B. Hunt, Sea-Land, Maersk, and K-Line. It also considers the importance of specialized modern rolling stock, motive power, loading equipment, and intermodal hubs including South Kearney, Seattle, Long Beach, Oakland, and Houston.Format: Hardbound, Pages: 192, Length: 8.25w x 10.625h.

From the first steam-powered locomotives of the early nineteenth century to the high-speed commuter trains of today. This book celebrates the glory and grandeur of that Legacy with a lavish tour of the history of the American railroad and the culture surrounding it. Generously illustrated with vintage photographs, modern images, maps, timetables, tickets, brochures, and all manner of memorabilia, this volume offers a fascinating look at the rail industrys beginnings and development, as well as its place in American history. Hardback.

Here is the detailed and fascinating history of how two legendary railroads — the Santa Fe and the Burlington Northern (which itself was comprised four major railroads) — merged in 1995 to create what remains one of Americas rail icons, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF). Great Value. Hardback. 288pgs.

This book introduces readers to General Electrics Evolution Series, the companys latest achievement in a long and distinguished history of locomotive design. Todays most up-to-date railfans will want to read about the development, testing, production, and use of the locomotive that, in its first year of production, has already been ordered by every Class 1 railroad in North America. Hardback. 144 pgs.

This illustrated history tells the story of how, starting in the early 1970s, VIA Rail became a separate Crown corporation, once and for all relieving the old Canadian National and Canadian Pacific railways of their beleaguered passenger operations. It is a story rich in history--and marked with failures and misfortunes right up to our day, when a need for convenient, fuel-efficient mass transportation holds out hope for a renaissance. Hardback. 160pgs.

This illustrated history of the LIRR begins with a brief look at its origins with the Brooklyn & Jamaica Railroad in 1832, and at the lines early attempts to reach Boston via Long Island and ferry service to Connecticut. Author Stan Fischler tells the fascinating story of Pennsylvania Railroads purchase of the LIRR in 1900, the construction of Penn Station and tunnels into Manhattan, and the building of LIRRs diesel and electric rolling stock and passenger cars. Hardback. 160 pgs.

The story of the Chessie System, unique in railroad history, unfolds in all its grit and glory in this book about a rail operation that combined the best of tradition and innovation to a remarkable. Hardback.160pgs.

This sprawling photographic history rambles though two centuries of passenger trains, presenting a wealth of archival imagery and modern and period colour photographs that depicts everything from East Coast steam operations in the 1830s to modern Amtrak and high-speed inter-city services. The variety featured ranges from the swank Santa Fe Super Chief that connected Chicago and Los Angeles to the no-frills, single-car Zephyrette that ran daily between Oakland and Salt Lake City. From the New York Centrals famous 20th Century Limited to the Eastern Illinois Railroad s obscure Meadowlark, the plethora of railroads and regions featured is staggering. Hardback. 168 pgs.

In these pages Solomon describes in details the development of the locomotive, from the early steam designs to the latest in modern high-speed trains. Hardback. 162pgs. Brilliant Value.

This lavishly illustrated volume captures all the excitement of the railroad industry in America. Softback. 224pgs

Ride the rails through the development and history of Americas diesel-electric locomotives. Hardback. 168pgs.

For nearly two centuries, through vast upheavals and enormous change, railroads have remained crucial to North American transportation. Softback. 192pgs

Baltimore & Ohio Railroads takes you on a colourful journey through the hard-working history of the B&O Railroad, famous for its great passenger trains, including the Capital Limited and the National Limited, innovative technology, and aesthetic equipment. Paperback. 128pgs.

All the new photographs in this beautiful book meticulously recreate that original style, capturing the bygone age of steam rail against the settings of its heyday, including period architecture and other details.
Hardback. 192pgs.

Leading railroad author and photographer Brian Solomon provides an authoritative, comprehensive account of EMD's history, from its genesis in 1922 as the independent Electro-Motive Corporation, to GM's acquisition of the company in 1930, and on through the age of today's "superpower" locomotives. Hardback. 176pgs

Exceptional photography captures modern diesel locomotives hard at work moving trains on tracks everywhere from California to Boston. Softback 96pgs.

Grab your ticket & hop aboard! A whirlwind journey through the history & future of the fastest passenger trains in the world. Paperback. 96pgs

Marvellous photography from top shooters and Canadian archives, along with period timetables and print ads, illustrate CNs extraordinary geographic reach, diverse operations, and social and economic roles, both as a government entity for 70-plus years and more recently as a privatised industry exemplar. Hardcover. 160pgs.

This authoritative, illustrated history tells the story of one of the country's premier passenger trains, Pennsylvania Railroads Broadway Limited, an institution in New York-to-Chicago rail travel from 1902 to 1955. Text and pictures introduce readers to the posh cars and powerful engines, the luxuries and amenities on board, the stations, terminals, and timetables-everything that made the train the pride of the Pennsylvania. Hardback. 160pgs.

Formed in 1980 as a holding company for the Chessie and Seaboard Systems and several other eastern railroads, CSX in 1986 merged these several companies into CSX Transportation, staking its claim as one of the nations dominant merger roads. This illustrated history provides a background of CSXs 25 years on the American railroad scene, describing how the company came to swallow several legendary regional lines and merger roads. Hardback. 144pgs.

 Well into the 1950s, the Southern Pacific operated an extensive fleet of colourful (a colour scheme nicknamed "daylight") and highly-regarded passenger trains that became the preferred mode of travel for the West Coasts nouveau riche film stars and businesspeople. Hardback. 160pgs

In this marvellously illustrated history, the author provides readers with an engaging look at the railroad who's own history, is in many ways, the history of Canada itself. Hardback.160pgs.

An evocatively illustrated history of The Milwaukee Roads Hiawathas, passenger trains renowned for their unparalleled speeds between Chicago and the Twin Cities, and admired for their styling and appointments. 160pgs

This splendid illustrated history of the Santa Fe Railroad’s flagship passenger trains carries readers back to an era of luxury travel on America’s rails — when movie stars and moguls booked their places on the Chief for the 40-hour trip from Chicago to Los Angeles — faster even than Amtrak’s Southwest Chief today. Hardback. 160pgs

This full-colour gallery features and describes a trainload of "rolling stock" - boxcars, flatcars, hoppers, gondolas, tank cars, auto-rack transports and others - representing a variety of railways in action around the US. Paperback. 96 pgs.

This Book covers the evolution of depots, examines their architectural style and suggests how they can be preserved and restored today. Wood or Stone, grand or humble, railroad depots and roundhouses have served travellers well over the years. Their story is presented here along with 200 colourful illustrations that bring the past to life. Hardback. 192 pgs. 

A nostalgic look at the cultural history of the train depot and roundhouse from big city stations to small town shacks across America. This colourful history examines depots and roundhouses from the pioneering years of the railroad through surviving relics and restored depots still in use today. Paperback. 192pgs. 

Nothing captures the tradition & romance of the railroads quite like the caboose. The red caboose bobbing along behind a long trains is a classic image of the American railroad. Hardback.158pgs. 

A coast-to-coast tour of the nations greatest railroad stops! "Classic American Railroad Terminals" delivers some of Americas great terminals, past and present. Hardback. 156pgs.

Dig a token out of your pocket and head for the turnstiles of the worlds great subways in this fabulous and colourful journey! Paperback. 96pgs. 

From dizzying mountain passes to verdant pine valleys and arid desert canyons, the regions spanning the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast have always presented the railroad industry with special difficulties, spurring the development of new equipment to surmount those challenges. Hardback. 168pgs.

The history of electric freight and inter-urban commuter locomotives in the U.S. begins with their development in East Coast urban centers and continues their service in the present day. Paperback. 96pgs.