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Member	Item		Review/Comment
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Donald V. Jewell - Trackside Around San Francisco 1956-1976 With Donald V. Jewell (2014)	A delightful two-decade long look at SP, AT&SF, and WP locomotives and operations in the Bay area. Some rarities!
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Michael C. Healy - BART (2016)	About the Author Nicknamed “Mr. BART” by his colleagues, Michael C. Healy was responsible for BART's media affairs and marketing activities from 1971—about ten months before trains started running—until his retirement in 2004. He wrote for radio and film and was the editor of the Sausalito News before taking a public relations job at the nascent transit agency. He is an alumnus of the University of Southern California. John King is the San Francisco Chronicle's urban design critic. He joined the paper in 1992 and has been in his current post since 2001. His writing on architecture and urban design has been honored by groups including the California Preservation Foundation, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the California chapters of the American Institute of Architects and the American Planning Association. He was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 2002 and 2003.
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Michael C. Healy - BART (2016)	Review *Reviews* “Indispensable.” —Michael Rosen, San Francisco Chronicle “The Metro. The T. The Tube. The world's most famous subway systems are known by simple monikers, and San Francisco's BART belongs in that class. Michael C. Healy delivers a tour-de-force telling of its roots, hard-fought approval, and challenging construction that will delight fans of American urban history.” —Doug Most, author of The Race Underground: Boston, New York, and the Incredible Rivalry That Built America's First Subway “From Emperor Norton's 1872 dream of a transbay tunnel to the BART tube opening one hundred years later, Healy explores the nuanced history of the Bay Area's subway system through the convergent lenses of social, cultural, engineering, and political forces. In this exquisitely researched work, Healy not only brings the dramatic stories of BART's development to light, but shares the fragile web of energies, power, funding, and sheer will that created this monumental system of people-moving.” —Anthea M. Hartig, executive director of the California Historical Society ✔︎ Helpful Review?
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Michael C. Healy - BART (2016)	In the first-ever history book about BART, longtime agency spokesman Michael C. Healy gives an insider's account of the rapid transit system's inception, hard-won approval, construction, and operations, “warts and all.” Written with a master storyteller's homey wit and sharp attention to detail, Healy recreates the politically fraught venture to bring a new kind of public transit to the West Coast. What emerges is a sense of the individuals who made (and make) BART happen. From tales of staying up until 3:00 a.m. with Bill Stokes and Jack Everson to hear the election results for the rapid transit vote or weathering scandals, strikes, and growing pains, this look behind the scenes of an iconic, seemingly monolithic structure reveals people at their most human—and determined to change the status quo.
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Donald Duke - Electric Railways Around San Francisco Bay (Volume Two) (2000)	About the Author The name of the author and compiler of this book is well known in the blue book of railroad historians. Donald Duke established Golden West Books in 1960 to publish his own works, but eventually published the work of other authors as well. To date, his patient research and editing have enriched more than 140 hardbound titles. He was a youth when his family moved to Alhambra, while awaiting construction of their new home in San Marino. The Alhambra home was next to the tracks of Pacific Electric's San Bernardino Line, and there his interest in interurbans was born. The new San Marino home was located two blocks from PE's Monrovia-Glendora Line. Duke attended Colorado College, in the heart of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad's narrow gauge country. He remained in Colorado for two years after his graduation, working as a commercial photographer. He is well known for the razor-sharp photographed produced by his 4Ã—5 Super-D Graflex. Besides publishing his own books, he has written numerous historical articles, frequently focused on railroads. He was literary editor for his Kappa Sigma fraternity for 20 years, and was editor of the Los Angeles Corral of Westerners Branding Iron for two periods of time totaling 15 years. He is a past director of the Southern California chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society and was a founding member of the chapter. He is a member of the Lexington Group of Railroad Historians, and belongs to many railroad historical societies. For Donald Duke, photography, writing, publishing, interurban railroading and western history all go hand in hand as rewarding professional pursuits and personal interests.
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Stephen M. Hayes - Key System Articulated Cars (2016)	Key System Articulated Cars by Stephen M Hayes Copyright 2016 Spiral Bound 229 pages TABLE OF CONTENTS: The Key Route Evolution-----3 Key Articulated Unit #650 at the Pier Terminal, 1932-----5 Key Type 650, 1937-----6-7 Photograph of wreck-----8 Development of the Articulated Cars--9 Bibliography-----12 Prior to the Bay Bridge Operations----13 Last Day Before Bay Bridge Operations Commenced, January 14, 1939-----15 Inside the Train Shed at the Key Pier, 1938-----16 Key Pier Terminal, 1938-----17 Key Pier Terminal, January 1939-----18 A Line Map of 105th Avenue & East 14th Street-----22 Fairfax Station on old SP Bancroft Line-----28 B Line from Popular Street East on 22nd to Grand Avenue to Underhills--46 Key Unit 181 climbs hill east of Grand Lake-----48 C Line route shown on Key System Map-----60 E Line ran out 55th Street to Claremont Ave. Map-----80 F Line Map-----94 G Line off Sacramento St to Westbrae via Key Route Blvd. Map-----122 H Line was the Berkeley-Sacramento St Line-----124 The K Line-----151 Shipyard Railway-Emeryville to Richmond. Map-----153 The Key System Shipyard Railway--154 Golden Gate International Exposition Trains-----172. A complete pictorial history of the little-known but fascinating Key System, a series of passenger lines serving Oakland, nearby cities, and across the bay into San Francisco. Starting prior to the opening of the Bay Bridge, and covering the entire period through closure in the 1950s, this volume contains many never-before-published photographs, packed with items of interest. All lines forming the Key System are covered, with route maps and details of operations, plus the Shipyard Railway, the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition trains, maintenance cars, and other topics. Also contains a full reprint of 40-page bulletin published by the General Railway Signal Company in 1939: Railway Signaling on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Paul Bignardi - A Fleet History Of The San Francisco Municipal Railway (2019)	A Fleet History of the San Francisco Municipal Railway is a book that lists every transit vehicle that has been used in regular Muni service since 1912. The format includes a listing of key data for each vehicle, such as size, passenger capacity, manufacturer /cost and years of service, a short summary of the service history of the vehicle, and a photo (if available). All four modes are covered: rail (streetcar and LRV), bus, trolley bus and cable car, with one section covering each mode. Two additional sections include information on all Muni operations facilities, and a figures and graphics section. The figures and graphics section includes information on the four modes of transit, plus information on historical data in the areas of ridership, fares, farebox recovery, logo and agency structure and leadership. A short summary history section precedes the fleet history sections, and a photo credits table is included along with the blbilograpy. The completed document represents the first compilation of many of these pieces of information in almost 40 years. With over 200 pages and over 400 photographs, it is an excellent reference and history book both for experts and for people with a casus interest in the history of San Francisco Municipal Railway.
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Grant Ute - San Francisco's Municipal Railway Muni (2011)	Celebrating Muni's centennial, coauthors Grant Ute, Philip Hoffman, Cameron Beach, Bob Townley, and Walter Vielbaum have scoured private collections as well as the archives of the Municipal Railway, Bay Area Electric Railroad Association, Market Street Railway, and San Francisco's Public Library for the best images to bring you the fascinating history of the grand civic experiment that is San Francisco's Municipal Railway. Hop aboard and trace Muni's construction, expansion, operations, competitors, labor issues, and finances through two world wars to chronicle the growth of the "people's railroad" into America's seventh-largest public transit system.
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Charles Smallwood - The Cable Car Book (1983)	Book tells the history of the cable car in the San Francisco Bay area. From the beginnings of the concept by Andrew Hallidie through the cable car companies and their various lines, the history has many illustrations. Appendices.
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Dick Stephenson - The Surfliners 50 Years Of The San Diegan (1988)	Many cities can boast a railroad heritage, but few can claim a present-day railroad revival. San Diego is thus exceptional. This volume assays differing chapters of this renewal. Dick Stephenson has been photographing the Santa Fe Railway Company’s “Surf Line” between Los Angeles and San Diego for some time and focuses on the last fifty years during which streamlined “San Diegan” passenger trains have linked the two cities in under three hours’ time. As a work of history, the book is deficient; the author seems to assume a readership of railfans who are already familiar with the railroad and the line. For example, the 19th century origins of rail service to San Diego are sketched so thinly as to be incomprehensible. Timetables list trains as traveling either eastbound or westbound, although their actual compass bearings are north and south; not until well into the narrative is this mystery clarified. The historic wreck of Santa Fe RDCs (self-propelled rail diesel cars) is mentioned but never described. Several uncommon abbreviations are not spelled out nor technical innovations explained. A list of privately owned passenger cars which have operated on the line has no significance when only their numbers are given and past or present owners remain unnamed. On the positive side, The Surfliners is well illustrated, over half the text and pictures covering the period since 1971 when Amtrak took over passenger operations. Ridership and train frequency have grown tremendously since then, Stephenson notes, making the Surf Line a phenomenal success in contemporary American railroading.
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Robert C. DelGrosso - Railfan's Guide To Stampede And Steven's Passes (1997)	This online guide is my effort to share the knowledge I've acquired from over 35 years of railfanning in the Stevens Pass area. This guide will provide you the info needed to stake out prime train viewing locations. Inspiration for this effort comes from many sources including Hugh Ramsey, who in 1975 introduced me to the area, and from Robert C. Del Grosso whose two books (both out of print)"A Railfan's Guide to Stevens Pass" and "Railfan's Guide to Stampede and Stevens Passes" were a source of valuable information and enjoyment. I have tried to provide as accurate info as I can. Please send me any corrections. Be careful. Highway 2 is a notoriously dangerous road with lots of hills, curves and limited sight distances. Use your head when near railroad property and rights-of-way. Railroad security personnel are not very tolerant of property destruction and unsafe acts. Security cameras have been installed at some locations. If you are stopped by BNSF special agents, here is what to do. Observe highways speed limits as driving safely will still allow you to follow trains between locations without endangering others. Be patient, This is mountain railroading. The trains are big, slow and may be few and far between with rare exceptions. Weekends seem best for daylight action as weekdays are often dedicated to MOW activities. The use of a scanner will enhance your experience but radio communication in the mountains is "spotty" at best. When you do spot a train you will usually be rewarded with lots of head end power straining up the grade with mid-train and pusher helpers. Take the time to observe and absorb the beauty of your surroundings. Take a friend or a significant other as you will have plenty of time to talk and possibly solve world hunger. Most importantly, have FUN!. The worst day train chasing is better than any day at work.
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Jeff Wilson - Great Northern Railway In The Pacific Northwest (2000)	In landscape configuration (11"×8.5"), this volume presents some 100 fine b&w photos of Great Northern's most photogenic territory. Wilson covers the cusp between steam and diesel. Annotation by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR.
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Byron D. Olsen - Great Northern Railway, 1945-1970 (Volume 1) (2008)	About the Author Byron Olsen worked as an attorney for Great Northern from 1967 until the merger with Burlington Northern in 1970. Many of the photos in this book were being discarded, when they were discovered, and saved, by Byron. Mr. Olsen has published numerous books for Enthusiast Books.
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Byron D. Olsen - Great Northern Railway, 1945-1970 (Volume 1) (2008)	From postwar years to the 1970 merger that created Burlington Northern, a collection of superb photographs portraying passenger, freight, trucking, and Glacier Park hotel operations. Featured are the Great Northern shops, yards, port facilities, depots, operation centers, & more from the Midwest to the Northwest.
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Mac McCullough - The Rusty Dusty (2016)	"The Rusty Dusty" summarizes the development of the Great Northern Railway in Washington State, emphasizing the Great Northern's Wenatchee-Oroville Branch, their last significant route there. The line brought modern mechanized transportation to eastern Chelan and Okanogan Counties, shipping ten thousand carloads of fruit to national markets in its best years. The volume also outlines Great Northern President James J. Hill's support of Wenatchee Valley irrigation projects.
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Lorenz P. Schrenk - Northern Pacific Railway Diesel Era 1945-1970 (1995)	The Northern Pacific Railway entered the diesel era with a large fleet of modern steam locomotives, but gradually and then more rapidly, made the transition to diesel-electric motive power. Covering in detail, all of the road's diesels - the first generation switchers, the early road units, and the postwar road-switchers. The more powerful and technologically advanced second-generation units such as U25C, the U28C, the SD-45, and the U33C units are presented." A complementary edition to the successful volume "Northern Pacific Railway: Supersteam Era, 1925-1945" 8-1/2"×11" Hardbound 300 pages 320 illustrations color plates rosters bibliography index
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Robert L. Frey - Northern Pacific Railway Supersteam Era 1925-1945 (1985)	About the Author A native of York, Pennsylvania, Robert L. Frey is currently professor of history and dean of the college at Wilmington College in Virginia. Bob has been interested in railroads since his father took him to the railroad station in York, to watch the western parade of passenger trains during World War II. In addition to his love for full sized railroads, Bob is an avid HO model railroader. Lorenz P. Schrenk, a resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a member of the headquarters staff of Honeywell. He holds a bachelor's degree in history from the George Washington University and an MA and PhD degree in experimental psychology from Ohio State University. A long standing interest in railraod history led Larry to found and edit a newsletter for fans of the famed Colorado Midland Railway for seven years. He then turned his attention to a railroad that once ran closer to home, the Northern Pacific. As a trained researcher, he has especially enjoyed the many contacts with fellow rail enthusiasts.
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Robert L. Frey - Northern Pacific Railway Supersteam Era 1925-1945 (1985)	This book tells the fascinating story of the development of Northern Pacific's most powerful and advanced steam locomotives. Motive power such as the trend-setting 4-8-4's, and the powerful 2-8-8-4 and 4-6-6-4 locomotives. With vast reserves of low-cost coal along its lines, it was only natural the road did not grab onto dieselization immediately. Northern Pacific Diesel Era is a sequal to this volume.
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Charles R. Wood - The Northern Pacific (1968)	A good pictorial history and overview of the road which ran from the Pacific Northwest across the northern tier of states to the west end of Lake Superior. "They broke ground at Thompson Junction, Minn., on Feb. 15th, 1870, and from then until the last spike was driven in Seattle, the story of the NP is a 2,000 mile classic of drive, danger and damn-the-highwater." Past century printings of early maps, travel bills and time tables of the building of a railroad. 208 pages with b/w photos
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Ed Austin - The Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway (1996)	Fascinating history of the Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway, the "Northwest's Own Railway." The book traces the development and operation of each subdivision in SP&S's four Divisions (Vancouver, Portland, Oregon Trunk and Oregon Electric). Illustrated throughout with a wonderful mix of color and black and white photos. There are also maps (a few of which fold out) that provide a bird's eye view of each division, topographic route maps showing SP&S trackage, and station layouts at key locations. 376 pages with index.
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Jeff Wilson - F-Units (1999)	A photographic tribute to the breakthrough F unit. Examine the diesel locomotive that essentially ran steam engines out of operation! Between the end of World War II and the 1960s, F units were the primary freight and passenger haulers for railroads all across the country. Rarely seen vintage photos from the David P. Morgan Memorial Library show F units hard at work during this period. Features action shots of original FTs, F3s, F7s, F9s, and more Includes production histories and some prototype illustrations *Extends the Golden Years Series by focusing on a single locomotive
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Jeff Wilson - F-Units (1999)	Examine the diesel locomotive that ran steam engines out of railroading! Vintage photos include action shots of original FTs, F3s, F7s, and F9s. Features production histories and HO scale prototype drawings.
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Paul D. Schneider - GM's Geeps The General Purpose Diesels (2001)	Features action photos of first generation diesel locomotives as they appeared across postwar North America. Reveals the evolution of the Geep through historic action shots, many previously unpublished, and includes production data and technical drawings. By Paul Schneider. 11" ×8-1/2"; 128 pgs.; 120 b&w photos; 5 illustrations; softcover
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Walter Simpson - Turbine Power (2020)	A bold railroading technology and its fate. Are there any other better words to describe it? Turbine Power by Walter Simpson is a new book that covers steam and gas turbine locomotives and trains, how they functioned, and the technology used from the 1939-2003 era that made them go. This is the first book that brings together information about turbine locomotives and trains that collects all of the various projects in one place. From first prototypes to the most recent proposals, everything is presented with vintage images and references that all railroad fans will enjoy.
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book A. C. Kalmbach - The Model Railroader Cyclopedia: Sixth Edition (1949)	Revised and expanded from previous editions to reflect the latest in railroad equipment. Though this book was issued solely to give plans and information about real railroad equipment for use as prototype in building models, the quality of the photographs of prototypes and of the diagrams is such that they are of value to those with an interest in railroad technology and operation. 184 pages; 27 foldout plates.
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Jim Volhard - Maintaining & Repairing Your Scale Model Trains (1999)	Modelers can save money on shop repairs and avoid frustrations by mastering some fundamental repair skills. With step-by-step instructions, photos, and illustrations, this book covers the basic techniques needed to maintain and repair DC-powered model locomotives, rolling stock, and layouts.
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Kent J. Johnson - Garden Railroading (2005)	Model railroaders, gardeners, miniaturists, and even those looking for home improvement ideas will appreciate this guide. Compiled from the pages of Garden Railways magazine, this comprehensive guide addresses the subjects most often raised by beginners and seasoned hobbyists.
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book John Pryke - Steam Locomotives And Project Ideas (2003)	Learn to detail, kitbash, paint, and maintain a steam locomotive of any scale. Includes information about the history of steam locomotive power and components of the prototype, all in an easy-to-understand, illustrated manner. Compiled from the pages of Model Railroader, with additional new material from John Pryke. Perfect-bound softcover; 8-1/4×10-3/4 in.; 80 pages; 100 color photos; 50 b&w photos; 40 illustrations
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Iain Rice - Small, Smart & Practical Track Plans (2000)	Clever solutions give modelers new options for small, flexible layouts. Shows how interchangeable modules, linked dioramas, and even shelving and stacking layout concepts can build a prototype-oriented model railroad into just about any situation. Perfect for modelers wanting a second project layout or a portable railroad that travels well. --Features prototype railroad operations --Includes original, custom-designed HO and N scale layout designs for spaces no larger than 10×12 feet --Each layout design features full-color plans and layout perspectives
WPLives 30th Jul 2021		Book Kent J. Johnson - Trackwork And Lineside Detail For Your Model Railroad (2000)	Turn your attention to the finer details of trackwork and lineside activities. In this book, you'll find tips, techniques, and ideas for working with track and the details immediately alongside it. Features clear photographic instructions, including illustrated references to prototype trackwork and details.

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