A few words about the format of...

America's Classic Railroad Places

A Geographical Dictionary of North American
Railroad Locations

Compiled by
Ernest H. Robl

Please note...

• This book consists entirely of reference text. It is not a picture book.
• It does, however, contain references to many illustrated magazine articles, particularly to articles which also contain maps of the sites or routes listed.
• The book format is 5.5x8.5 inches (14x22 cm).
• It is supplied as a shrink-wrapped package of loose-leaf pages (printed double-sided) with holes for small three-hole ringbinders of the so-called "note" format. A binder is not included in the base price.
• This format was selected for the following reasons:
  • To provide good portability
  • To keep production costs reasonable
  • So that users can
    • add their own loose-leaf pages with notes and additional information
    • add their own alphabetical divider tabs for quickly locating listings (without including the cost of such dividers in the base price)
• Blank pages and divider tabs compatible with this format are available in most office supply stores, particularly in sections featuring daily and weekly planners.
• This book contains
  • A table of contents
  • A preface explaining the technology used to produce the work
  • An introduction (10 pages) describing
    • how data for the listings was collected and how the book came about
    • how to do additional research, particularly for visiting some of the listed locations
    • safety precautions applicable to visiting railroad locations
  • A main section with the alphabetical listings (many with internal references to related listings)
  • An appendix with additional resources, including magazines and book publishers
  • An index to quickly locate the alphabetical listings
  • Brief biographical information about the compiler.

Important:

This book stresses that railroads are private property and cautions against trespassing. Most of the sites and routes described in the book can be safely viewed from public property. Where public access is not possible, the listings mention this.

The book also stresses that many of the sites described are in remote mountain or desert terrain with temperature and other weather extremes, where travel may not be advisable during certain times of the year, and which may require special preparations and equipment at all times.

To view two sample listings ...

Please click here.

Review copies are available to reviewers for magazines and newspapers. Please request review copies on your publication's letterhead.

Return to introductory page on
America's Classic Railroad Places.

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