history Archives - Southern Pacific Railroad History Center

New York Central Early Power Volume II 1831-1916 Alvin Staufer NI

Chip Savoye — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:46:16 +0000

Authoritative story of the New York Central’s rise to power from 1831-1916 covering the formation of the NYC’s predecessor lines including the New York Central & Hudson River, Boston & Albany, Lake Shore & Michigan Southern, Indiana Harbor Belt, Big Four, Michigan Central, Toledo & Ohio Central, and Pittsburgh & Lake Erie. Illustrated throughout with black and white photos. 352 pages. NOTE: The first edition, first printing of this book has a dust jacket showing the east and west bound Twentieth Century Limiteds passing in the night. The second printing is labeled “Volume II” but is identical in content to the first printing (right down to the 1967 date) — so I think Mr. Staufer meant second printing, not second volume.

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Great American Railroads – Swift W14

Chip Savoye — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 23:03:44 +0000

This book provides a glorious illustrated history of American railroads examining the chronology, the companies, the locomotives –steam, electric, and diesel — and preservation. This is a wonderful collection of photographs — from the historic sepia-colored images of the early years of the nineteenth century through contemporary images of historic preserved railroads to the sleek, powerful locomotives of today.

W-14

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Nevada Northern Railway Bassett W-16

Chip Savoye — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:39:24 +0000

The Nevada Northern Railway is the sole survivor from a grand era when railroads served mines throughout the state. Built in 1905-1906 to develop the incredible copper deposits of the Nevada Consolidated Copper Company in White Pine County, it was–and still is–a workaday railroad. Although its primary purpose was to haul ore, it eventually served the community with a daily passenger train between East Ely and Cobre until 1941. Over 4.5 million people rode the trains, and a mountain of copper ore was moved. In 1983, the Nevada Northern Railway ceased operating, and two years later the entire ore line, including the railroad’s yard and shop facilities in East Ely, was donated to the White Pine Historical Railroad Foundation that now operates the railway as a museum. Instead of relics in glass cases or repainted old equipment on static display, the museum preserves a working steam railroad, delighting train enthusiasts year-round with passenger service and special seasonal excursions.

Used Very good condition W16

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Railroads in the Woods – Labber and Goe W-16

Chip Savoye — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 01:27:40 +0000

Detailed history of how the narrow gauge logging railroads were designed and built up impossible inclines into impenetrable forests to haul out the timber. Packed with black and white photos of the bridges and trestles, the geared locomotives (Heisler, Shay, Willamette, Baldwin, and Climax), and the dauntless men. 258 pages with index.

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Nevada’s Virginia and Truckee Railroad W-16

Chip Savoye — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:40:48 +0000

The Virginia & Truckee is the most famous short line railroad in American history. Brainchild of William Sharon and the Bank of California, the V&T hauled the silver and gold ore, the cordwood, and the mining timbers that made the 1870s a financial success. From the state capital at Carson City, V&T rails stretched 66 miles to Virginia City, Reno, and Minden, Nevada. The V&T remained in operation until 1950. The enormously successful railroad paid its early owners handsome dividends. The V&T locomotives and cars have starred in hundreds of Hollywood productions and are now preserved in US museums. Since 1976, fourteen miles of the railroad have been restored to operation. The Virginia & Truckee has become an enduring legend

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Lake Tahoe’s Railroads – Drew W16

Chip Savoye — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:31:33 +0000

Lake Tahoe is the majestic mountain lake that spans the boundary line of California and Nevada. The lake’s clarity and scenic beauty are legendary. In the 1870s, the Nevada Comstock Lode created an insatiable appetite for Lake Tahoe’s virgin pine forests. The timbers would shore up underground mining and build communities approaching 40,000 inhabitants. Railroads on three shores delivered the logs lakeside, where they were towed by steam-powered tugs to sawmills, to lumber flumes, and again by rail to their final destinations. As the mines and giant lake pines subsided, railroads pushed farther north after 1898 into new timber stands in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee River basins.

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To Donner Pass from the Pacific by Duncan W-16

Chip Savoye — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:15:07 +0000

A map history covering 150 years of Californias Lincoln Highway.

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The Catechism of the Locomotive by Matthias N. Forney

Chip Savoye — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 02:17:26 +0000

Collectors Book!!!

from the introduction: ” this book is intended for a large class of readers… It is evident, therefore, that the only way to adapt the book to all the classes for whom it was intended was to make it so plain that the ‘wayfaring man’ will have no difficulty in comprehending it.” Great Reference book. Many diagrams and pictures.

Based upon George Kosak’s “Katechismus der Lokomotive.”
Original Book. Excellent condition for its age.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0008C485I
Publisher ‏ : ‎ The Railroad Gazette
Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 1, 1897
Edition ‏ : ‎ First Edition
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 609 pages

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Railway Across the Equator the Story of the East African Line. Anin and Willetts W2

Chip Savoye — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:51:10 +0000

Fascinating and colorful history of the construction of the East African Railway, a series of lines that once connected Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania under British rule and which still serve various parts of these countries. The authors provide an objective history of the extraordinary engineering efforts, the economic impact, the African and British personnel involved and the continued utilization and changes through the 1980s. Every aspect of the railway is here — from the man-eating lions that terrorized the workers to the fine china that once decorated the tables. Illustrated throughout with full color as well as vintage black and white photos. With maps. 192 pages.

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Denver and South Park by M.C. Poor W-5

Chip Savoye — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 23:14:47 +0000

The rich history of the Colorado narrow-gauge railroads is well researched in this volume of “Denver South Park & Pacific” by M.C. Poor. This book offers an unparalleled deep dive into the legendary Denver South Park & Pacific Railway, a pivotal force in the development of early Colorado transportation. A must-have for railway enthusiasts, historians, and collectors of Western Americana, this book brings to life the challenges and triumphs of a bygone era.

This comprehensive historical account is packed with fascinating details, including extensive text, period photographs, detailed maps, and original timetables, offering a vivid portrayal of the DSP&P’s operations and impact. From the intricate network of the Colorado Central Railroad to the Denver & Rio Grande, this book covers the vast landscape of Colorado’s railway past. Explore the engineering marvels, the rugged terrain, and the dedicated individuals who built and operated these iconic trains. Discover the stories of the Georgetown, Breckenridge, Leadville, and Fairplay lines, making this an essential resource for anyone interested in Colorado history, rail transport, and classic American railroads.

Very good condition. Dust jacket is slightly fadec

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