Trains - USA: books - railways in the Midwest region (3/4)
Illustrated books on railroad companies, rail routes and stations in the Midwest region (3/4).
Illinois Central Railroad 1854-1960
Epitomized in song and story, the Illinois Central was arguably the most interesting and colourful railroad in America. Begun in 1851, the IC was the first land grant railroad in the United States. While other railroads ran east and west, the IC ran north and south, so when the Civil War began the IC was able to move 30% of all war material, supplies and troops to the battlegrounds of the south.
This book of IC locomotives, depots and memorabilia dating from 1875 to 1970 gives readers an intimate look at the railroad that called itself the Mainline of Mid America.
Author:
Kim D. Tschudy
Specs:
128 pages, 21.5 x 26 x 1 cm / 8.5 x 10.25 x 0.39 in, paperback
The Midwestern state of Illinois, known as the Prairie State, is not known for its varied topography, but this mostly flat land was indeed very conducive to the construction of railroads. It is located at a place where east meets west as railroads interchange huge amounts of traffic at Chicago, the railroad capital of the nation. Because it hosts smaller industrial cities and huge agricultural areas in the northern and central parts of the state, combined with coal, petroleum and other natural resources in the south, it's no surprise that today the 'Land of Lincoln' is criss-crossed by 7,151 miles of rail lines. Illinois is also at the centre of the nation's rail network, and an incredible variety of railroad companies can be seen traversing the state.
Through a collection of incredible colour photos, Mike Danneman takes the reader on a tour of the railroads of Illinois - from Chicago to Chester, and from the tunnel at East Dubuque to the high bridge at Metropolis.
Author:
Mike Danneman
Specs:
96 pages, 23.5 x 16.5 x 0.8 cm / 9.25 x 6.5 x 0.31 in, paperback
The largest fleet of named streamliners in the United States, the Burlington Zephyrs turned heads wherever they went. Whether breaking records or starring in feature films such as Silver Streak, these unique trains immediately took the nation by storm. The first diesel-electric powered streamlined trains in America, they featured a 600-horsepower, 8-cylinder, 2-cycle Winton 201A diesel engine, and were capable of breakneck speeds. Each succeeding generation demonstrated the latest technological changes and enhancements.
This book covers everything from the debut of the Burlington Pioneer Zephyr at the 1933 Century of Progress Exposition to the record-breaking run from Denver to Chicago. It also covers the many challenges the Zephyrs faced and the technologies employed to advance this marvel in rail transportation. Hundreds of photos demonstrate the sleek construction of the stainless-steel livery of these silver bullets, as well as the harmonious art-deco interior finish of the trains' passenger compartments.
Author:
Gerry Souter
Specs:
114 pages, 28 x 21.5 x 0.6 cm / 11 x 8.5 x 0.24 in, paperback
