Books - Comments / Reviews by WPLives

Books - Comments / Reviews by WPLives

« Member Page

Page 6 of 27 : Previous : Next :

Member	Item		Review/Comment
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book John R. Signor - Southern Pacific's Western Division (2003)	The Western Division of the Southern Pacific, historically extending from Sacramento to Oakland and San Jose, and with lines to Fresno, the Napa Valley, and over Altamont Pass, was a crucible of California operations. Headquartered at the famous Oakland Pier (or Mole) and dispatching hundreds of passenger and freight trains daily in its heyday, this division was in many way the vortex of SP in the West. With its ferry connection to San Francisco, and train departures to all parts of the SP system, the Oakland Pier was at the center. The history, construction and operation of the division are presented in this broad compilation by Southern Pacific authority John Signor. As with all his SP historical works, the coverage is thorough and detailed, with many specifics drawn from operating personnel. At the same time, the outstanding Signor maps we have come to expect, and voluminous photographic illustration from Southern Pacific files as well as from many amateur photographers, enrich the story. Signor has also created an original oil painting for the dust jacket and frontispiece. Southern Pacific's Western Division Table of Contents: Foreword; Ch. 1: Construction and Early Operation, 1868-1899; Ch. 2: Western Division Operation Prior to the Depression, 1900-1929; Ch. 3: The Western Division During Depression and War, 1930-1945; Ch. 4: The Western Division Expands, 1946-1971; Ch. 5: The Western Division in Decline, 1971-1989; Epilogue: A New Era 1989-; Appendix: Western Division Stations; Bibliography; Index. Signature Press, hardcover with jacket, 414 pages, 8.5×11×1.75 in., color and Black-and-White photographs and illustrations.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Wiliam H. Kaufman - The State Belt (2014)	This book explains the history of the railroad that served San Francisco's waterfront for over a century. The entire area of the waterfront was owned by the State of California, and therefore so was the railroad. It served all the waterfront piers, from Fisherman's Wharf in the north, to China Basin in the south, and had track beyond Fisherman's Wharf, through a tunnel, to Army facilities at Fort Mason and the Presidio. But switching the piers was only part of the State Belt's duties. It also served many dozens of industries and warehouses adjoining the waterfront. Interchange with the rest of the United States took place by car float (with the Santa Fe, Northwestern Pacific and Western Pacific) and on land with the Southern Pacific near China Basin. Until 1946, the Belt used steam switch engines, but then in rapid succession acquired six ALCO S-2 switchers, being among the first American railroads to achieve complete dieselization. A number of major events in San Francisco history, from the Earthquake of 1906, to the Panama Pacific Exposition of 1915, World Wars I and II, and the Great Depression, all affected the State Belt and in a number of cases, gave the Belt a role to play as well. But change was arriving all too rapidly. Many industries moved out of San Francisco, and containerization of seaborne freight traffic increased in the 1960s and 1970s. The need for the services of the State Belt just kept decreasing. In 1969, the City of San Francisco finally acquired title to its Port and to the State Belt; they soon contracted with Kyle Railways in 1973 to operate the railroad. This lasted until 1993. But many remnants of the Belt and its operation remain to be seen in San Francisco. Extensive research was required to locate photographs and history of a railroad that did a lot of its work at night. It is richly documented with 242 photographs, most never before published, with informative maps and an index. This definitely is a book for rail historians and for anyone interested in rail-marine connections and in the operation of freight railroads. Table Contents: Acknowledgements------pp. vi; Prologue: Honest Harry--------pp. 1-6; The Beginnings-----------pp. 7-16; Earthquake and Fire-----pp. 17-24; Recovery, Market Street and the Exposition-----pp. 25-34; Progressives and The Great War------------pp. 35-44; Along the Embarcadero-------------pp. 45-64; Locomotives------------pp. 65-78; The Twenties-----------:-pp. 79-92; Floats, Ferries and Tugs----------pp. 93-98; The Thirties----------pp. 99-114; The Forties------------pp. 115-128; The Fifties: The Quiet Decade----------pp. 129-138; The Sixties: Urban Renewal and Containerization----------pp. 139-150; The Kyle Years----------pp. 151-158; The State Belt Lives---------pp. 159-166; Index----------pp. 167-170. Signature Press, hardcover with jacket, 180 pages, standard portrait book 8 x 10 in., photographs; drawings, roster, bibliography, index.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Harre W. Demoro - Sacramento Northern (2009)	The Sacramento Northern Railway was one of America's great electric interurban railways, offering almost any service and experience that the traveler might desire: high-speed trains, dining and parlor cars, and local streetcars. The SN had steep grades, a tunnel, picnic grounds in a redwood grove, long trestles, bridges, a ferryboat that carried an entire train across a freshwater bay, and a spectacular ride over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Passenger trains of the SN were a technological wonder of the day and operated on three voltages, using trolley poles, pantographs and third-rail shoes. Automatic cab signals guided the green interurban trains over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. From its earliest days, the SN also was a major freight carrier, using electric-powered equipment. Late at night, when passenger trains did not operate, electric freight motors hauled the agricultural products of the Sacramento Valley and the output of Bay Area factories. Like most intercity electric railways, the SN was built by local capitalists involved in other enterprises; in this case, men who had sought riches in the reclamation projects and bountiful harvests of the Sacramento Valley, and the development of hydroelectric power. Included here are more than 470 rare photographs, many of them published for the first time, as well as detailed chapters on the history, finance, rolling stock, signals, power systems and terminals. Timetables, financial and traffic data, scale drawings of rolling stock, and tickets are also included and, in one chapter, the reader takes a ride on the Sacramento Northern in the mid-1930s. Maps were drawn especially by Seattle cartographer Wayne Hom, with an endsheet map by John Signor. Altogether, this is a rich and rewarding account of railroad history and operation. 8.5×11, cloth with dust jacket.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book David G. Stanley - The Central California Traction Company (2002)	The Central California Traction Company This 410-page volume is a powerhouse study of the history of a California institution. Our play begins in 1906. This central California city has the distinction of being at the junction of the SP, WP & ATSF railroads while also having freshwater access to the Pacific via the San Joaquin River. The surrounding countryside enjoyed arable land, but its incorporation in 1850 was laid at the feet of gold mining, Stockton being the closest seaport access. The CP had provided connections with the cities of Sacramento & Oakland going back to the 1870s, but the hallmark of a really great city in that place was its own internal system. Just past the dawn of the 20th Century, a man named HH Griffiths offered just that. To better provide service, the new CCT reached northward to Lodi in 1907. By 1910, the line had reached all the way to Sacramento where it had a successful streetcar line. Though the streetcar line didn't fare well, the freight connections up and down the valley between Stockton and Sac proved to be a rich source of capital. Agriculture has always prospered in this fertile land, trade cannot survive without transportation. In fact, CCT survives today, operated by diesel locomotives. The book also plows rich, historical ground, digging up a wealth of interest. Dave Stanley and Jeff Moreau go deep to find the truth as it played out. Moreau is a historian while Stanley is both historian and photographer. They bring in the talents of John Signor, who adds maps and the cover painting. The book is written in 2 parts: "The Electric Way" and "The End of Electrification." Chapters 1 through 9 make up the 1st part and draw their share of the photos in the book. The maps and drawings also make a contribution to Part 1. One drawing shows very clearly how the line used a 1200-volt inverted third rail. Obviously it was cheaper to construct than overhead wire and was safer than bare third rails. In 1928, after several years of legal wrangling, CCT ended up becoming a subsidiary of the 3 large railroad converging in Stockton. One-third ownership of CCT went to each of SP, ATSF and WP. While CCT would manage day-to-day business, ATSF would provide mechanical and engineering help, SP would tend to legal matters and WP would provide accounting and secretarial help. For a while in the early years of the CCT, there was talk about building a line south from Stockton to Modesto. Since CCT lacked the financial resources to make that connection, TS eventually made it happen. WP purchased controlling interest, building a financial bridge between TS and CCT. The book does a great job of discussing the convoluted relations between all of the railroads. For example, ATSF and WP thought it would be good to build a four-block-long siding to serve a canning company in Lodi. but SP already served this company and didn't want any competition. What resulted was a shoving match. Anecdotes abound but general history came to call, too. The Depression put an end to the unprofitable interurban. Buses already operated on the roads in the area, and so the railroad got rid of this economic activity. After World War II, the book leads us into Part 2: The End of Electrification. This took the form of 44-ton GE switchers. Two days before Christmas 1946, the first GE went into service. Freight motors began to come off line and more diesels were ordered. Three of the GE 70-tonners arrived in 1947, proving to be very satisfactory. However, after 10 years of service, the Cooper-Bessemer diesel engines developed serious problems, including crankshaft failures, leading the road to purchase an Alco S-1, and it was a better, reliable puller. The book does an excellent job of relating the equipment in use from the beginning of the railroad right to today. We see the replacement of the GEs with used Alcos, including an Alco RS-1. Eventually the road succumbed to the call of the Geep, purchasing first a GP7. In time they'd add another, plus a GP18, leading to the purchase of a pair of SW1500s in 1999. Some of the final pages of the main section show photos of restored freight motor #7, a pair of Tidewater 44-tonners that once belonged to CCT, and the leased GP7 #44 that started on the Santa Fe where it had a nose and cab roof job. UP, now the owner of both SP and WP, and BNSF still wrangle. In addition to the story and photos, modelers will enjoy the track plans plus the Equipment Roster and Drawings Appendix.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Donald Duke - Steam Locomotives A Pictorial Anthology Of Western Railroading (1955)	Excellent overview showing representative steam locomotives on the Southern Pacific (and the Central Pacific) from the General Stanford to the Daylight. The evolution of the engines allows the author to also provide a short but comprehensive history of the railroad. Illustrated throughout with black and white photos, schematic diagrams, and maps. With Central Pacific steam locomotive roster. Decorative end papers show system map in 1893. 88 pages.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Robert J. Church - The 4300 4-8-2's (1996)	Review Selected Comments on the First Edition of The 4300 4-8-2's "A superb book about an outstanding Southern Pacific locomotive type. The text is well written, filled with authoritative research, and supplemented with an excellent selection of photos and drawings." -- Guy Dunscomb, railroad historian and author "An excellent and informative work. Indispensable for any steam enthusiast." -- William Kratville, locomotive historian and author "Well researched and very well organized. All of us can be nothing but pleased with the material. We recommend it for railfans and modelers alike." -- Robert Hundman, in Mainline Modeler magazine ✔︎ Helpful Review?
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Robert J. Church - The 4300 4-8-2's (1996)	Newly revised from the first edition, The 4300 4-8-2's has 24 new pages, 40 new photographs (9 in color), an expanded chapter on tenders, an index and references, and numerous additions and enhancements throughout, making it even more authoritative and complete than the original version. Out of print for nearly 15 years, the first edition of this book has been difficult to find from used book dealers, and has commanded premium prices in recent years.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Robert A. Pecotich - Southern Pacific's Sacramento Shops (2010)	"The largest and oldest of Southern Pacific's General Shops, Sacramento built or rebuilt hundreds of steam and diesel locomotives, and thousands of freight and passenger cars, along with extensive work on passenger and official cars, in its history from 1868 to 1990. This was one of the largest and most productive railroad shops in North America. In the 19th century, many new locomotives for Central Pacific and Southern Pacific were produced at the Shops, along with much rolling stock. From 1890 until the 1920s, SP turned primarily to commercial builders for rolling stock and locomotives, but an outgrowth of assembling a few locomotives during the USRA period was a new spurt of locomotive building, until 1937. After the end of steam, the Shops were reconfigured for diesel locomotive repair, and in 1969 an immense rebuilding program commenced which was to renew during the 1970s and 1980s more than 500 diesels for further service. Closure of the Shops came in 1990. Author Bob Pecotich has extensively researched the Shops and many of its products, particularly locomotives and official cars, as well as the story of the many thousands of craftsmen who worked there through the decades. The result of thorough study, this is a complete, detailed and well-illustrated history, with many previously unpublished images of work in the Shops and of the many locomotives and rolling stock which the Shops produced, repaired, or rebuilt. Coverage in this book ranges from the earliest days, before the driving of the Gold Spike at Promontory, through most of SP's history, to the final closure. Containing 496 pages, the book contains over 600 photos, along with 21 drawings and maps, and has both a bibliography and an index. The dust jacket image is a 1930s image of the Erecting Hall at the Shops." 496 pages; 8.5"×11"; Hardcover; 604 photos; 21 maps and drawings; Bibliography; Index.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Alfred E. Perlman - Western Pacific Railroad (1975)	Title----------------------Western Pacific Railroad "The Feather River Route" Author-------------------Perlman, Alfred E Format/Binding-----Paperback First Edition-----------First Printing Binding------------------Paperback Publisher---------------Newcomen Society in North America
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Frederic B. Whitman - Western Pacific (1950)	"Address delivered at a National Newcomen luncheon, held at New York on October 27, 1950." Format------------Paperback Publisher--------Literary Licensing, LLC Country-----------United States Published-------1950 Pages-------------38 ISBN---------------9781258622572
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Ted Benson - 72-82: Western Pacific's Final Decade (2014)	"Western Pacific was a railroad in transition on January 1, 1972. The resolute David in a marketplace dominated by Southern Pacific's Goliath, long perceived as the scrappy good guy who always tried harder, WP almost succumbed to its positive image. "Brought down by the financial burden of the California Zephyr and changing traffic patterns in the post-Vietnam 1970s, the freight-only WP faced a life-or-death battle in an evolving economy." Along the way, the Feather River Route reclaimed the national spotlight by hiring one of the country's most-talked about railroad executives, Alfred E. Perlman. Surviving to merge with Union Pacific in 1982, WP's final hours were, in many ways, its finest. "72-82, Western Pacific's Final Decade", is a look at the last independent years of an uncommon carrier. A four-way collaboration between photographers Ted Benson, Dick Dorn, Dale Sanders and Dave Stanley, the book documents a significant chapter in the history of this regional railroad.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Mark Noble - Articulated Locomotives Of The Western Pacific (1962)	Originally published in Baldwin Locomotive magazine, this article highlights the development of Baldwin's 2-8-8-2 articulated locomotives for use on the then new extension line from Keddie, CA to Bieber, CA and on the main line through the Feather River Canyon, the last steam locomotives that WP ever ordered. Also discusses the Mallet 2-6-6-2 locomotives that were also used. Detailed information and statistics on both are included. Illustrated with black and white photos. With roster of WP's steam locomotives and gradient profile of the main WP line. 20 pages.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Guy L. Dunscomb - Locomotives Of The Western Pacific (1954)	Submitted for your perusal "Locomotives of the Western Pacific - A Photo Story of Steam." A forgotten gem dedicated to the late great Western Pacific Railroad. This volume covers every major class of WP steam engines. Has an interesting set up. Has thirty or so full page (9"×6") images with no captions to crowd out the portrait. Kind of like looking at a family album. The section that precedes it is sort of like an appendix. It lists the engine number and a background history. So just enjoy the image, remember the engine number and look up its trivia or special details. The rest of the book takes the classic route and shows a variety of locos in various duties in different parts of the system. It obviously tries to cover everything. Produced in the early 1950's, it gives a period perspective of the last of steam on the WP. Curiously, the author/photographer takes no bows as he shows no by-line or photo credits. However, buried on page 34, you'll find out who to thank. Who is it? Guess, or buy it to find out! The cover is problematic. It has some stains and wear. You'll forget all about it when you see the marvelous images inside. The interior pages are in fine shape. You can't get these images online. Yes, the auction price is a little high. But it's tough to raise money with donated books when there are usually twenty copies of the same thing up for bid at the same time. This time, we're all by ourselves. Stick around. We might have to reduce the price later. WP fans, this is a must-have.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Guy L. Dunscomb - Western Pacific Steam Locomotives, Passenger Trains, And Cars (1980)	Comprehensive history of the Western Pacific's steam locomotives, passenger trains, passenger equipment, and timetables. The locomotives are shown by class in several configurations and, with the modeler in mind, from head-on and other set-ups (rather than just the standard three-quarters shots.) There are Motive Department folio schematic diagrams for every class and a general roster that includes major specifications. The locomotive section wraps up with a 3 page memoir by a former WP engineer recollecting life on the line. The Passenger Train section lists all WP trains, including first and last runs, followed by a detailed description of each train. The Passenger Equipment chapter includes a roster, schematic diagrams, interior and exterior photos, and a history of each class of cars. With maps, mileage tables, gradient profile, and tunnel lists. Illustrated throughout with black & white photographs, all with detailed captions. With decorative end papers. 376 pages.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Karl R. Zimmermann - CZ: The Story Of The California Zephyr (1996)	Handsomely done history of the beloved and beautiful California Zephyr, the silver streak passenger service run by the Burlington, Rio Grande and Western Pacific. The book describes predecessor trains, the origin of the train, the route along the main line and through the Feather River Canyon, the Zephyrettes, and provides a careful explanation of the slow unraveling of the Western Pacific's support for the train until the final ICC approval of discontinuance. Illustrated throughout with black and white photos. With roster and schematic diagrams of the cars. 104 pages.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Ted Benson - Echoes Down The Canyon (1987)	Crisp and absorbing black and white photos make this a standout pictorial history of the Western Pacific. Combining journalistic insight with the passion of a true railfan, the author documents WP's last 20 years of independence and its subsequent exciting transformation into Union Pacific's Feather River Division. With decorative end papers showing WP system map. 64 pages.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Steve Schmollinger - The Feather River Canyon (1996)	Review California's beautiful Feather River Canyon is home to the Union Pacific's most scenic railroad line. Several photographers provide their excellent views of the canyon's beauty and the train's challenging journey through it, with text providing a history of the line and its origin. The result is a fine reading for any train buff. -- Midwest Book Review -- ✔︎ Helpful Review?
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Steve Schmollinger - The Feather River Canyon (1996)	Description The pretentious heart of stone put us off; then we steepened our inclination against this big (9"×12") railfan book. The judgment that this is among the best collections of color photos with a little text of the decade was hard won. Schmollinger is a fine photographer: composition, exposure, and ingenious night shots are remarkable. Includes a lush endpaper pictorial map by Signor. Annotation by Book News, Inc., Portland, Oregon.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Ken Rattenne - The Feather River Route (1989)	Description Beautiful B&W and color photo coverage of the WP mainline and branches from the west end at SF to the fabulous Keddie Wye in the Feather River Canyon. Shown are late steam era thru the end of operations. All types of locomotives shown.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Ken Rattenne - The Feather River Route (Volume 2) (1991)	Description A book for rail fans. Historians of the trains will appreciate the sketch of Union Pacific's acquisition of WP (and the immediate commencement of vast upgrading) in the mid 80s. The first volume, subtitled A geographical tour: San Francisco to Keddie, was published in 1990. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, OR
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Bob Larson - Life On The Feather River Route (2005)	Review Life's work on the Feather River Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2015 This is pretty much the story of the authors life on the Western Pacific around the middle section of the line. Pictures throughout are in both color and black and white, including some good pictures of steam. There is a great map of the WP in the back of the book. .Rob is also the author of SOO Line Remembered which is another very interesting story. ✔︎ Helpful Review?
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Adam Clegg - Western Pacific Color Pictorial: Volume One (2001)	Description This first Volume of two pictorials by Four Ways West Publications on the Western Pacific features diesel locomotives that were on the roster between 1939 and the end of the 1960s. Also included are color views of several WP steam locomotives, Rail Diesel Cars and Sacramento Northern Electric Locomotive. The Western Pacific was completely dieselized by 1953, one of the first western roads. Scenes of subsidiaries, Sacramento Northern, Tidewater Southern and Alameda Belt Line are also provided along with the Oro Dam Railroad, although it was not part of the Western Pacific. Includes a steam and diesel locomotive roster, pictures of GM FT demonstrators on the WP and a system map Four Ways West Publications; hardcover; 128 pages; standard portrait book; 8"×10"; all Color photographs.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Adam Clegg - Western Pacific Color Pictorial: Volume Two (2004)	Description This Volume continues where Volume 1 ended. Locomotives added between 1970 and 1980 are covered in this Volume. Also included are F-units in service during the 1970s, pool power with the Great Northern and Burlington Northern, the Bicentennial GP40s, the U30Bs and some shots of 'Crummies'. Four Ways West Publications, hardcover; 128 pages; standard portrait book; 8"×10"; all Color photographs.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Bill Talbitzer - Lost Beneath The Feather (1963)	Description By Bill Talbitzer - Signed & inscribed on backside map front cover "To Willard (scratch-out) Eller with best wishes. W.Talbitzer." 8×11" about 50 pages profusely & historically photo illustrated. Copyright 1963 thus a First Edition; An Empire Publication; Oroville, California.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book David Weitzman - Love Affair With The Iron Horse (1983)	Scope and Contents Series 2. Publications contains publications writen about Boynton. Love Affair with the Iron Horse: Jim Boynton's Life on the Steel Rail edited by Mary Rehwald is an oral history interivew of Jim Boynton. The interview was conducted by David Weitzman in the late Spring of 1983. The Feather River Short Line Railroad: Steam Forever: James Earle Boynton is the Offical Publication of the Feather River Short Line Railroad, dedicated to the life and memory of James Earle Boynton. It includes stories and memories from Ted Benson, Kevin Bunker, Guy L. Dunscomb and Ted Wurm.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Mary Rehwald - Making Tracks Railroading (2004)	Description A 7×7 inch book commemorating the railroads built by the Utah Construction Company 1900-1930. Shows extensive photos and pictures of records and artifacts showing history of the company's growth.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Fred Matthews - Northern California Railroads (1984)	Description Volume 2 in this series showcasing the railroads of San Francisco and the surrounding countryside in northern California in the fifteen years after World War II. While the Southern Pacific obviously plays a major starring role, the book also covers the logging railroads (such as West Side Lumber and Yreka Western), the Northwestern Pacific, the Petaluma & Santa Rosa, and the Bay area ferries. Illustrated throughout with a mix of black and white and color photographs, all informatively captioned. Several maps; bibliography.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Norman W. Holmes - Prune Country Railroading (1985)	Description Fascinating history of the development of Santa Clara County and its prune and grape industry and the standard and narrow gauge railroads that served it: The San Francisco and San Jose Railroad, the Santa Clara & Pajaro Valley Railroad, the Western Pacific, the South Pacific Coast Railroad, the Southern Pacific, and the WP's Feather River Route. Also covered are industrial, military, and amusement railroads. With locomotive rosters; Illustrated with over 400 rare black and white photographs; maps; bibliography. End papers show vintage map of the San Francisco and Santa Fe Railroad; 191 pages.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Robert M. Hanft - Red River (1980)	Description A colorful account of a vast enterprise and its network of railroads. Entertaining text accompanies superb photographs of progress in logging and transportation. 305 pages; photographs; maps; bibliography; rosters; index; Map endpapers.
WPLives 31st Jul 2021		Book Hal Miller - Steam On The Feather River Route (2002)	Collection of Western Pacific Steam Locomotives1930-1950s. Chattanooga, TN; National Model Railroad Association; 2002; First edition; first printing; Oblong; hardcover. Provides a glimpse into the Harold Miller photo and negative collection using images of Western Pacific steam locomotives. Approximately 300 photographs are presented, including images of 197 of the 208 steam engines listed on the WP rosters. 192 pages with rosters. Publisher's review/promotional letter laid in.

Page 6 of 27 : Previous : Next :