Overview
The notion of working on a railroad has always carried its share of romance, taking in everything from the dreams of small boys to legends like John Henry and Casey Jones. The reality is far more complicated and often, as this book amply demonstrates, more interesting. This richly illustrated volume takes us behind the scenes to show what goes into keeping a railroad running in our era of computer-aided 6,000-horsepower diesel locomotion. Author and photographer Brian Solomon explains who does what and how, from dispatching and signaling to maintaining locomotives and driving trains.Everything it takes to keep a railroad running smoothly and safely—the daily decisions, the procedures that must be followed, the lowdown on track maintenance—comes clearly into view as Solomon gives readers both a seat in the locomotive and the dispatcher’s view. Into this larger account he weaves anecdotes from railroad workers as well as the historical evolution of railway vocations, with descriptions of how each job has changed over time as well as marvelous archival imagery that illustrates these developments.
Synopsis
This richly illustrated volume takes us behind the scenes to show what goes into keeping a railroad running in our era of computer-aided 6,000-horsepower diesel locomotion. Brian Solomon explains who does what and how, from dispatching and signaling, to maintaining trackage and locomotives, to driving trains. Everything it takes to keep a railroad running smoothly and safely comes clearly into view as Solomon gives readers a seat in the locomotive, the dispatcher’s view, and a look at all the railroad workers in between, as well as the history of how each job has evolved over time.
Editorials
From the Publisher
Railfan & Railroad, October 2006
“Solomon’s writing is lively and interesting, and he often quotes the working railroaders he interviewed for the book. It’s an interesting book to look at, as well as to read. It does a very good job of outlining the job responsibilities of the many railroad employees we so often see at work. Anybody who’s considering a railroad job should read it.”
S Gaugian, January/February 2007
“This volume is a great addition to any railfan’s library.”
National Railway Bulletin, Winter 2006
“In this latest volume from Voyageur Press, Brian Solomon concentrates on the employees whose efforts and labor make the railroad a living entity. With a combination of text and photographs, he explores the world of the railroad worker, and the duties and difficulties he has faced, from the past to the present.”
O Scale Trains, December 2006
“Highly recommended to anyone interested in keeping the love of railroading and model railroads alive.”
The Lexington Quarterly, March 2007
“Working on the Railroad is a thorough explanation of all the jobs that comprise railroad operations and how those jobs have evolved over time. Solomon takes pains to explain the very complex tasks of railroading in terms a layman can understand, and he also glosses important rail terminology. This book would be a wonderful introduction to the world of railroading for young adults, railroad buffs, interested readers, and it would also appeal to the railroad worker, particularly those workers who need to explain their world to spouses and relatives.”