There are alot of books out their on trains and was wondering if anyone can give me a good start on some good books. Mainly steam trains focusing on logging and minning. (Backwoods style) I prefere eastern but any will do. Thanks
Shawn
Most train books are expensive. Why, I don’t know. Even some used ones are more than new ones. My favorites in my library are logging and backwoods.
I use my books as references for my buildings, etc.
I can recommend some Eastern logging books, if you want me to research a little.
jb
The Model Railroader’s Guide to Logging Railroads
just got from Amazon, nice and would prob be a good reference for your line and it’s less than $13!
http://www.tlcrailroadbooks.com/cgi-bin/tlcstore.pl?user_action=detail&catalogno=116T
http://www.tlcrailroadbooks.com/cgi-bin/tlcstore.pl?user_action=detail&catalogno=x904
If you can find it…
The Logging Railroad Era of Lumbering in Pennsylvania by Walter Casler, Benjamin F. G. Kline Jr. and Thomas T. Taber III
About 14 volumes including the index, all soft bound (there was a limited number hardbound into 3 volumes).
The series covers about every logging RR operation in Pennsylvania written in a most scholarly manner by three of the finest rail historians. Includes maps, roster info and many photos of the mills and equipment.
My “guesstimate” as to price would be between $300 and $400 for the set in good condition. Of course you might find a good deal somewhere, never know until you try.
If the possible price doesn’t scare you, two possible sources…
Ron’s Books 914-967-7541 11am to 10pm EST
Caboose Hobbies 303-777-6766
There are number of good books on both the East Broad Top and the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroads, both narrow gauge. Both invovled mining and logging. A search on Amazon will give you lots of choices.
If you can afford it:
“Steam and Thunder in the Timber”, Micheal koch
http://www.powells.com/biblio/2-9781122804097-0
Perhaps one of the best single sources for logging in the USA
“Logging Railroads in Skagit County”
http://www.amazon.com/Logging-Railroads-Skagit-County-Comprehensive/dp/0915370069
this is a excellent source for some amazing west coast logging
“Gilpin Gold Tramway”
http://www.amazon.com/Gilpin-Gold-Tram-Colorados-Narrow-Gauge/dp/0911581251
A great book for mining RRs
Uintah Railway, the Gilsonite Route" Henry Bender
http://www.amazon.com/Uintah-Railway-Gilsonite-Henry-Bender/dp/0911581367
not your typical mining RR but some amazing stuff lies within
Wow i guess there are not many things cheep when it comes to RR. So far you guys gave me a good start. I checked my local library and they have nothing. So far im thinking about the logging in the blue ridge/smokies and west VA logging rr. Vic steam and thunder book loks like it would be the best but price wise thats more than i can convince the wife. So far out of the two i mentioned which seem to be the better. Im really looking for more in the way of pictures with some history, unless there is others that might fit my description better. So far you guys got me a good start.
Gotta keep yer eyes open, I got mine off Ebay for like $75 or so, there are lower cost samples out there, just have to be patient. I’m still looking for a deal on “Silver San Juan” by Mal Ferril 
out of these three books what would you prefere or what is the better for a first book. Logging in the blue ridge/smokies, west Va logging co. or logging in skagit county?
Here is a place you can start. It will only cost you band width -
Great site Ric.
Thanks for the link.
Ralph
Shawn said:SkagitSkagitSkagitSkagitSkagitSkagitSkagitSkagit SkagitSkagitSkagitSkagitSkagitSkagitSkagitSkagit SkagitSkagitSkagitSkagitSkagitSkagitSkagitSkagit SkagitSkagitSkagitSkagitSkagitSkagitSkagitSkagit
out of these three books what would you prefere or what is the better for a first book. Logging in the blue ridge/smokies, west Va logging co. or logging in skagit county?
The one that comes to mind is
"Blue Ridge Stemwinder: An Illustrated History of the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad and the Linville River Railway (Hardcover)by John Waite (Author), Chris Ford (Author), Kenneth Riddle (Foreword) "
Dennis Thompson who wrote Skagit, is in our club.
I only see him 2 or 3 times a year, though, because he lives 80 miles away from us.
However, having said that, Shawn, if you can wait for a while, I will get a copy signed for you and send it to you.
Meanwhile, look for the other books.
My local TS has the Blue Ridge book for $35.00 if you want me to pick it up.
jb
John Bouck said:John: thanks. I just found a good deal on the blue ridge book and ordered that. If you can get a signed copy of the Skagit I will wait. Just let let me know how you want to work it out. Thanks
Dennis Thompson who wrote Skagit, is in our club. I only see him 2 or 3 times a year, though, because he lives 80 miles away from us. However, having said that, Shawn, if you can wait for a while, I will get a copy signed for you and send it to you. Meanwhile, look for the other books. My local TS has the Blue Ridge book for $35.00 if you want me to pick it up. jb
Can I mail my copy???
Victor Smith said:You can mail it to me LOL
Can I mail my copy???
Victor Smith said:I saw that one for sale at a train show for a hunnert bucks and thought it was a steal.................still got it and a first edition..............I was one happy camper.
Gotta keep yer eyes open, I got mine off Ebay for like $75 or so, there are lower cost samples out there, just have to be patient. I'm still looking for a deal on "Silver San Juan" by Mal Ferril ;)
I paid $40.00 for my Silver San Juan.
On Ebay.
But it didn’t have a dust cover, and I didn’t care.