Overview
Even casual observers of railroad history are familiar with the legend of Illinois Central engineer Casey Jones’ ride to glory, and have likely heard of that railroad’s most famous passenger train, City of New Orleans. Indeed, Illinois Central was one of America's greatest railways, and in this history, author Tom Murray presents a gorgeously illustrated account of the self-proclaimed "Main Line of Mid-America.” From the IC’s early years, when it garnered support from a young Illinois attorney named Abraham Lincoln, right through to its 1999 acquisition by Canadian National, Murray recounts IC's motive power and rolling stock, the roles of major players in the railroad’s development, its acclaimed passenger and freight operations, and its routes throughout the Midwest and the South. Always an astute historian, Murray draws on archival records and imagery from collections and photographers around the nation.
Editorials
From the Publisher
O Scale Trains Magazine, March 2007
“One of the nicest aspects of this book is the spread of locomotive types covered. Often, coverage within a single chapter will range from brilliantly-colored diesels from the second half of the Twentieth Century, contrasted with black and white steam locomotive portraits taken by James Shaughnessy. The contrasting styles are held together by a good layout that provides the visual consistency--or glue--to create a pleasing story.”