TRAINS Fanatics?

Question

OK. So, I just discovered last weekend AGAIN how enamored I am with trains. I think they're incredibly romantic (powerful, graceful) - especially the steam engines.

Now, being a novice... Any recommendations on how to start discovering the beauties of these powerful yet graceful giants?

Any books? (trains for dummies?) Illustrated or otherwise? Your thoughts?

Answer 1

My uncle is a train obsessor. He has books, pictures, and he rides them a lot too. But the crown jewel is his basement which has a train layout that circles his room. I recommend making your own layout as a hobbie. It's great fun and a good thing to do in your spare time.

Also, subscribe to some magazines-- Model Railroader and Railroad Model Craftsman.

If you give me a message with email, I can give you a few pictures of my uncle's layout.

Answer 2

we don't want to hear about your all black orgies.

Answer 3

Try doing some searches on trains.

Answer 4

Lotsa books check out O. Winston Links photos of N&W steam, look up Union Pacific online and check out their two steam locos.

  Get a subscription to Trains or any of their other mags ( go to their web site even very informative)

  Better yet go up to Freeport Illinois and ride behind my old girl!

  Remember tom wave at us rails we like to wave back.

Answer 5

You're in luck.  The topic of rail roading has had many authors write of the rails, of both past and present eras.  I can recommend some here, which are outstanding in their scope.

Author:  John Signor  "Southern Pacific's Coast Line",  "Donner Pass",  "Rails in the Shadow of Mount Shasta",  and two others, the titles of which I do not know, dealing with SP's Sunset route and the SP in Mexico.  Well written with great illustrations.

Author:  Joe G. Collias,  "The Last of Steam.

Authors:  Lucious Bebe and Charles Clegg:  "The Trains We road",  "The Age of Steam",  "The Central Pacific and Southern Pacific Railroads".

Author:  Guy L. Dunscomb, "A Century of Southern Pacific Steam Locomotives" .

The list is lengthy, but these are some great books to get started with.  Some may be out of publication, but if near a large library, I would think you could find them.

Contact me if you wish, and I'll be happy to make more suggestions.

So, pursue your passion.  BUT, when out and about any rail road property, be aware of your surroundings constantly.  Expect the movement of any equipment on any track, at any time, in either direction , without any warning.  It is a dangerous place and quite unforgiving where injury and death are concerned.

Good luck and "Highball."

Answer 6

I'm not sure about books, but they have an excellent show on history channel every so often on old trains. I like your question as I too have always loved the old trains. Good luck and don't forget your local library.