Staff Picks Genre Study - Model Trains and History of Trains in United States

Friday, January 13, 2023
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Spotlight on the library's collection for Jacksonville Model Train and Railroadiana Show 2023

To go along with the 44th Model Train and Railroadiana Show being held Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center, the following items from Jacksonville Public Library are suggested to both the hardcore enthusiast who enjoys making their own replica trains sets or anyone who appreciates the real and the romanticized role the iron horse plays in the history of this great nation. Beginning with the primitive locomotives of the 1820s that ran along a mere three miles of track to the completion of the transcontinental railroad half a century later with the driving of the golden spike at Promontory Summit. Railroads were a big part of this country becoming a nation from sea to shining sea. Even now, with so many other modes of transportation that did not exist before the twentieth century, trains still account for moving 1.7 billion tons of goods over 140,000 miles of track as well as over 37 million passenger miles.

Modern Toy Trains by Gerry Souter

This brilliant showcase of color looks at the evolution of the toy train industry and its miniature products from 1970 to today. Presented are the O- and G-gauge offerings of Williams, MTH, Weaver, Marx, Railking, Lionel and others. Collectors of these toy trains will delight in the contributions of major industry players as they examine the modern technologies incorporated by the manufacturers and the market trends that dictate their products.

Lionel: America's Favorite Toy Trains by Gerry Souter

In December 1900, a young inventor named Joshua Lionel Cowen devised a battery-powered train intended to help Manhattan toy-shop owners dress up their window displays. When the shops' customers began ordering the trains for themselves, Cowen launched Lionel Manufacturing Company. Beginning with those turn-of-the-century "cigar boxes on wheels," this colorful large-format history follows the world's most famous toy trains as they survive the Great Depression, bask in the height of their popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, weather several changes of ownership in the 1970s and 1980s, and celebrate their 100th anniversary at the end of the 1990s.

Getting Started with Lionel Trains: Your Introduction to  Model Railroading Fun by Allan W. Miller

This information-packed guide helps train lovers of all ages to gain the most enjoyment from their new Lionel registered train set by taking them step-by-step through the process of selecting, setting-up, operating and maintaining their trains and accessories. Easy-to-follow instructions describe how to wire and control a Lionel layout with conventional transformers and with their innovative Train Master Command Control System registered]. The construction of a complete Lionel layout is detailed in text and photographs. Covering everything from their new action accessories to the current version of the renowned ZW transformer, this book explains Lionel railroading in the clear and simple terms needed for a fun-filled entry into the hobby. 

Playing with Trains: The Unexpected World of Model Railroading by Sam Posey

Why do grown men play with trains? Is it a primal attachment to childhood, nostalgia for the lost age of rail travel, or the stuff of flat-out obsession? In this delightful and unprecedented book, Grand Prix legend Sam Posey tracks those who share his “passion beyond scale” and discovers a wonderfully strange and vital culture. Posey’s first layout, wired by his mother in the years just after the Second World War, was, as he writes in his Introduction, “a miniature universe which I could operate on my own. Speed and control: I was fascinated by both, as well as by the way they were inextricably bound together.” Eventually, when Posey’s son was born, he was convinced that building him a basement layout would be the highest expression of fatherhood.

Collector’s Guide to Postwar Lionel Trains, 1945-1969 by David Doyle

Numerically arranged listings allow for rapid reference of prices during auctions. This compact and comprehensive guide provides you with 2,000+ accurate and easily accessible listings, with secondary market values for the legendary Lionel trains cherished by a majority of today's toy train collectors, including Baby Boomer-age collectors reliving the joys of their youth. This handy and numerically organized train book contains 1,000+ color photos of various models, including steam, diesel and electric locomotives, motorized units, flatcars, tank and vat cars, accessories and catalog sets.

Illustrated history of North American railroads: from 1830 to the present day by Arthur Tayler

Follow the history of the rail from the 1830s through the steam, diesel, and electric eras.

The American Railroad by Joe Welsh

A complete and authoritative history of the railroad industry in the United States, illustrated with black and white archival material.

Blood, Iron, and Gold: How the Railroads Transformed the World by Christian Wolmar

The opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway in 1830 marked the beginning of a transport revolution that would forever transform the way we live. 'Blood, Iron, and Gold' takes us on a journey encompassing jungle, mountain, and desert, revealing the huge impact of the railroads as they spread rapidly across entire countries, and linked cities that hitherto had little reach beyond their immediate environs. The rise of the train triggered daring engineering feats, great architectural innovation, and the rapid movement of people and goods across the globe.

The Iron Road: An Illustrated History of the Railroad by Christian Wolmar

From the early steam trains to the high-speed bullet trains of today, 'The Iron Road' tells the hidden stories of railway history - the inspired engineering, blood, sweat and tears that went into the construction of the railways. Uncover the compelling tales of bold vision, invention and error, and social change behind the history of trains and railways, with famous railways such as the Trans-Siberian fully explored.

The American Passenger Train by Mike Schafer

Before the jetliner connected both coasts in a matter of hours, the train embodied the zenith of passenger travel. This sprawling photographic history rambles though two centuries of passenger trains, presenting a wealth of archival imagery and modern and period color photographs that depicts everything from East Coast steam operations in the 1830s to modern Amtrak and high-speed inter-city services. The variety featured ranges from the swank Santa Fe Super Chief that connected Chicago and Los Angeles to the no-frills, single-car Zephyrette that ran daily between Oakland and Salt Lake City. From the New York Central's famous 20th Century Limited to the Eastern Illinois Railroad 's obscure Meadowlark, the plethora of railroads and regions featured is staggering. And because passenger trains were the most important public relations tool of any railroad, special focus is given to the locomotives, customer service and passenger amenities offered by passenger railway operations.

Empire Express: Building the First Transcontinental Railroad by David Haward Bain

A compelling, comprehensive account of one of history's greatest construction projects. On May 10, 1869, when telegraph lines carried the news that the transcontinental railroad was finally complete, cannons in New York City and San Francisco roared, fire alarms went off in major cities across the country, and tens of thousands of people poured into the streets to celebrate.

Electric Locomotives by Brian Solomon

The history of electric freight and inter-urban commuter locomotives in the U.S. begins with their development in East Coast urban centers and continues their service in the present day. Railways that used or continue to use electric motive power in cities, suburbs and even over mountain passes - including the B&O, Pennsylvania, New Haven, New York Central, Norfolk & Western, Illinois Central, Milwaukee Road, and Amtrack - are depicted in period and modern color photography. This book also covers legendary electrics like the S-motors that towed steam powered trains through tunnels and into busy urban stations and several more. The text includes discussion on the roles played by GE and Westinghouse, specialized equipment, and how technology laid the groundwork for the development of diesel-electric locomotives prior to WW II.

Iron Road to the West: American Railroads in the 1850s by John F. Sover

Iron Road to the West: American Railroads in the 1850s by John F. Sover.

 

 

 

 

Toy Trains, a History by Pierce Carlson

Carlson has produced a spectacular visual documentary of toy trains that should appeal to collectors and enthusiasts alike, as well as the kid in us all. This historical journey traces the toy train market from 1840 to 1955. International in scope, it highlights major European manufacturers, such as Bing, Carette, and Marklin, and American companies such as Ives and Lionel. Descriptive captions identify the name, maker, date, and price range of each item. Comments relate stylistic changes and technological advances. Included is a price guide, glossary, and international index to manufacturers.

Standard catalog of Lionel trains 1900-1942 by David Doyle

Standard catalog of Lionel trains 1900-1942 by David Doyle.

 

 

 

 

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