Used Books Archives - Southern Pacific Railroad History Center

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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MOTIVE POWER of the UNION PACIFIC by William Kratville and Harold E Ranks 1st ED W-2

Chip Savoye — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:59:59 +0000

The product is a first edition book titled “MOTIVE POWER of the UNION PACIFIC” by William Kratville and Harold E Ranks. This book is focused on the topic of motivation, likely providing insights and inspiration on how to maintain and enhance motivation in various aspects of life or within the context of the Union Pacific railway. With its special attribute of being a 1st edition, readers can expect a unique and possibly valuable perspective on the subject matter.

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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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Recent Locomotives (1886) Enlarged Addition by Newton Gregg W-2

Chip Savoye — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:38:39 +0000

Used. Very good condition

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Denver and South Park by M.C. Poor

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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American Narrow Gauge Railroads George Hilton W26

Chip Savoye — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:03:36 +0000

This is the first comprehensive, extensively illustrated account of the growth and decline of American narrow gauge railroading, a singular and still not fully understood episode in the history of American transportation.

“Every so often, a book is published that deserves to be called a landmark. . . . American Narrow Gauge Railroads is probably the first of such caliber for the ‘90s.”—Railfan and Railroad

Hardcover Stanford University Press 1990

W26

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Nicholas Morant’s Canadian Pacific

Chip Savoye — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 20:16:21 +0000

Dramatic photographs taken by company photographer Nicholas Morant. Views of the Canadian Rockies that are Magnificent. Taken from 1929 to 1981 steam and early diesel. Great condition

W15A

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Backwoods Railroads of the West Richard Steinheimer W15 A

Chip Savoye — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 19:56:44 +0000

Beautifully done oversized volume showcasing Richard Steinheimer’s brilliant black and white photos of Western railroads. None of the 204 photos had been published before and their craftsmanship is complemented by sheet-fed rotogravure printing. The photos capture the whole canvas of western railroading: lumber and mining railways, short lines, branches, and — of course– the narrow gauge. There are steeple-cab motors breasting a 4 percent grade, Shay gears leaving their inimitable trail of lube oil down Sierra slopes, and bulky Baldwin hoods toting iron ore out of the Eagle Mountains. Join Steinheimer at trackside to enjoy the light rails, small locomotives and big scenery. 178 pages with index.

good condition

W15

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Southern Pacific Bay Area Steam Harre W. Demoro

Chip Savoye — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 19:23:37 +0000

A noted rail historian, Mr Demoro has collected rare vintage photos of Southern Pacific’s steam locomotives covering all eras, from t wood-burning engines to the giant cab forwards and colorful Daylight engines. Included are many never before published photos not only of the Daylight but also the Pacific Limited, Santa Cruz locals, San Francisco Peninsular commuter trains and the steam powered suburban trains in the Oakland and Berkeley area. There are also sections on the Northwestern Pacific , and photos of the steam ferries and electric suburban trains and terminals that connected to the SP, so that the reader sees a balanced portrait of the area in steam’s heyday, including the West Oakland roundhouse, Bayshore Yard, and the Oakland Pier train shed. 143 pages.

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Southern Pacific Daylight Locomotives Robert J. Church

Chip Savoye — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:31:47 +0000

The book describes all of the 74 SP 4-8-4s, and the 11 Cotton Belt transfers, through informative text and extensive photographic coverage. The development, construction at the locomotive works, differences between the eight classes, including roster information, diagrams, and drawings of each class, subsequent development and tests, maintenance procedures, and the system-wide use of these powerful high-speed locomotives are described in 21 fact-filled chapters.

Researched through interviews with SP officials, examination of surviving Southern Pacific records and other sources, and with images from many amateur photographers and collectors, this is a well-documented and outstanding book. Its 731 photos, most never before published, together with 39 drawings, detailed rosters, painting and lettering information, and full bibliography, make it unusually complete and authoritative. Steam locomotive enthusiasts, and particularly fans of the Southern Pacific, are sure to enjoy this book

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