Center Bookstore Archives - Southern Pacific Railroad History Center

The Hook & the Eye – History of the Iowa Central Railway – Don L. Hofsommer (2005) (E-2)

Rick Barton — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:32:37 +0000

From the Dust Cover: Fearing the rapacious power of Chicago’s railroad system in the mid-1900s, Iowa Central Railway supporters fought for a north-south route across the state that would link Minneapolis and St. Paul with St. Louis. Such a route would put the needs of Iowa’s citizens first and provide transportation for the state’s agricultural and industrial trade.

Analyzing the origins, growth, and eventual dismantling of the Iowa Central Railway, which traversed the state from Ackley to Zearing and Mason City to Marshalltown, Don Hofsommer examines how this unremarkable, “plain vanilla” railway was an example of the life cycle of the American railroad industry. The Hook & Eye demonstrates its symbiotic relationship with its customers. Born in ambition but never rising far above its obscure origins, the Iowa Central eventually fell to outside competition from railroads based in greater metropolitan areas and was made part of the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway in 1912.

Drawing the story from station records, annual reports, newspaper articles, and interviews with former employees, The Hook & Eye brings both the industry and human sides of railroading into sharp and memorable view.

Don L. Hofsommer is a native Iowan and professor of history at St. Cloud State University.

The book is in Excellent Condition. No marks or tears and virtually no shelf wear.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Univ Of Minnesota Press; First Edition (August 25, 2005)
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 192 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0816644977
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0816644971

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Transportation After Deregulation Volume 6 Transportation After Deregulation – B. Starr McMullen (E-1)

Rick Barton — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 01:11:20 +0000

Several of the papers in this volume are concerned with assessing both the timing and the impacts of deregulation and regulatory reform in the US transportation sector. Of increasing interest is the importance of productivity growth and the role played by new technologies in a more competitive market environment. Four of the papers in this volume deal directly with these issues in the context of motor carriers and railroads, two sectors which have been operating under substantially reduced regulatory constraints for the past twenty years in the US. Although the financial condition of US railroads has improved since 1980, there is still some concern regarding their long run viability as private enterprises. Accordingly, one of the papers considers the potential for further reductions in railroad costs through transcontinental mergers, a controversial issue due to the small number of railroads that remain in the industry.

The book is in Good condition. There are no marks, writings or tears, the binding is strong.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ JAI Press; 1st edition (September 26, 2001)
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 160 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0762307803
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0762307807

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From Mine to Market – History of Coal Transportation on the Norfolk & Western – Joseph Lambie (E-2)

Rick Barton — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 00:57:21 +0000

Detailed history of the Norfolk and Western: its emergence from bankruptcy in 1883, growth under Frederick J. Kimball as it opened the Pocahontas coal fields, development into a major regional coal mover with major facilities in Norfolk, and the growth of shipments to the Great Lakes, all while wrestling with government regulation and competition from alternative energy sources. A splendid, scholarly examination of a major US railroad. With black and white photo section and maps. 380 pages with index.

The book is in Good condition. There are no marks, writings or tears, the binding is strong. The dust cover has some minor tears along the top and side, plus minor shelf wear.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0007EEEVK
Publisher ‏ : ‎ New York University Press (January 1, 1954)
380 pages

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Metropolitan Corridor: Railroads and the American Scene – John Stilgoe (1985) (E)

Rick Barton — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 22:48:38 +0000

Pathbreaking examination of the impact of railroads on American culture and the built environment. Prof. Stilgoe focuses on how the railroads created metropolitan corridors that not only shaped the landscape but also American attitudes towards industrial might, exploration of the countryside and Nature, and the possibility of an ordered and beautiful future. Illustrated throughout with black and white photos as well as drawings. With extensive notes. 397 pages with index.

This book is in Good condition. The dust cover has some minor wearing and one small puncture in the upper left (see photograph) that does not extend into the book itself. The binding is strong and intact. There is a sticker on the inside of the front cover “From the Library of Charles William Briggs, Jr.” There are no other writings or marks in the book.

Publisher: Yale University Press (September 10, 1985)

Harback: 397 pages

ISBN-10: 0300030428

ISBN-13: 978-0300030426

East Bin 2

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Steam, Steel & Limiteds: A Saga of the Great Varnish Era – Kratville (1962) (E)

Rick Barton — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 22:43:11 +0000

Lively yet thorough history of the development and use of the all-steel passenger car in America, a field that was dominated by the Pullman-Standard and American Car and Foundry. Examines the years between the World Wars when steel cars replaced wooden ones, named Specials and Limiteds dominated the passenger traffic, and both the interiors and exteriors were fashioned by industry leaders. The author shows most of the famously named trains, inside and out, with additional information on their routes and equipment. Black and white photos on almost every page show the evolution of the cars, supplemented with schematic diagrams. Relive the glory day of passenger service as the pages turn — all aboard! 415 pages.

This book is in Good condition. However, the dust cover shows significant shelf wear and some tearing (see photograph) that does not extend into the book itself. The binding is strong and intact. There is a sticker on the inside of the front cover “From the Library of Charles William Briggs, Jr.” There are no other writings or marks in the book.

Publisher: Yale University Press (September 10, 1985)

Harback: 397 pages

ISBN-10: 0300030428

ISBN-13: 978-0300030426

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ASIN: B0007DYSNA

Publisher: Barnhart Press (January 1, 1962)

Hardcover: 415 pages

East Bin 2

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The Unique PRR New York & Long Branch – Don Wood (1985) (E)

Rick Barton — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:52:23 +0000

Well-done history of the New York & Long Branch Railroad. Covers every aspect, from the original struggle to break the Camden & Amboy monopoly through the years of steam and diesels and now the New Jersey Transit’s electrified New Jersey Coast Line. Provides a clear look at the men, like Rufus Blodgett, who built the railroad, the communities it served, the ferry service and the relationship between the CNJ and the Pennsylvania Railroad. Illustrated throughout with black and white photos. With maps, timetables, bibliography. 240 pages.

This book is in Very Good condition. Minimal dust cover wear, the binding is tight and strong. There are no marks or writings in the book.

Publisher: Audio Visual Designs; First Edition (January 1, 1985)

Hardcover: 238 pages

ISBN-10: 0917451104

ISBN-13: 978-0917451102

East Bin 2

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A Locomotive Engineer’s Album: Fifth in the Old Railroad Series – George Abdill (1965) (E)

Rick Barton — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:47:27 +0000

Discover the fascinating world of steam engines in America with this rare and highly sought-after first edition of “A Locomotive Engineer’s Album: The Saga of Steam Engines in America.” Published in 1965, this book takes you on a journey through the history of trains and the people who operated them. From the early days of steam power to the modern diesel-electric locomotives of the mid-20th century, this album showcases the beauty and power of the American railroad. With stunning photographs and detailed descriptions, this book is perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of transportation history.

This book is in Very Good condition. Minimal dust cover wear, the binding is tight and strong. There are no marks or writings in the book.

This is a First Edition book. No ISB numbers listed.

East Bin 2

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Chesapeake & Ohio Streamliners – Second to None Vol. 1 The Cars – James Kemper Millard (1994) (E)

Rick Barton — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 00:46:14 +0000

This book showcases the stunning collection of cars from one of America’s most iconic railroads, the Chesapeake & Ohio. Delve into the history and design of these streamlined beauties and discover the stories behind each car. All streamlined cars are accounted for with great photos, diagrams, and informative text. Book has an exhaustive list of depositions, including the D&RGW cars and the Nickel Plate order (which was not part of the C&O order, but included cars of similar design.). For passenger car fans, this is an excellent resource.

Thios book is in very good condition. The binding is intact. There are no marks or writings.

Publisher: Motorbooks Intl; (January 1, 1994)

Hardcover: 121 pages

ISBN-10: 0939487217

ISBN-13: 978-0939487219

East Bin 2

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American Car & Foundry Company 1899-1999 – Edward Kaminski (1999) (E)

Rick Barton — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 01:16:56 +0000

This sweeping view of the work and products of American Car & Foundry celebrates the company’s Centennial in 1999. Author Kaminski covers corporate history and product development but emphasizes the immense variety and extent of railcar production over the past century. More than 1200 photographs, most from the files of the builder and few ever published, make this a superb tour of car designs, railroad and private owners, and production of freight, passenger, and other car types.

This book is Brand New, still in plastic shrink wrap

Reviews:

Students of railroad history, particularly those interested in freight cars, will want to purchase this book. Packed with photos and descriptions, this painstakingly compiled work traces the long, distinguished history of the company now known as ACF Industries. Kaminski weaves a fascinating tale of U.S. railcar development as practiced by one of the industry’s premier builders. The book is a fitting tribute to ACF as the company marks its centennial. — Railway Age, May 1999

This is a remarkable book which is sure to be of interest to both modelers and railfans. It could be described as a “super” Car Builders Cyclopedia, devoted to the work of one car builder. Unlike Cyclopedias, it provides a photographic history of freight cars for the entire twentieth century in a single volume. — H. Roger Grant, in The Lexington Quarterly, March, 2000

Unquestionably, this is a handsome publication… anyone interested in American railroad car builders will want to acquire this centennial study. — Larry Kline, Railroad Model Craftsman magazine, December 1999

Publisher: ‎ Signature Press, 1999; First Edition (January 1, 1999)

Hardcover: 376 pages

ISBN-10: 0963379100

ISBN-13: 978-0963379108

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Farewell to Steam – David Plowden (1966) W-19

Rick Barton — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 01:55:45 +0000

Black and white photos that capture the energy and melancholy of the end of the Steam Era. Covers passenger steamboats, Great Lakes cargo boats and railroad/car ferries, workboats (tugs, lighters, towboats, dredgers and snagboats), passenger ferries (Hudson River, NY Harbor, St. Lawrence River, and the Mississippi River), and steam locomotives. 154 pages.

The book itself is in Good condition, with no markings or writings on the pages. The spine is intact. The dust cover shows wearing and tears on the front and back cover, both repaired with Scotch tape in the inside (see photos).

Library of Congress #65-18369

East Bin 1

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