Trains and Railroads Books

My daughter loves trains, so I bought this lovely picture book for her. She has me read it to her all the time! It has lots of interesting stuff about trains and the history of locomotives without being overly wordy. I think she especially likes that the greatgrandmother of the narrator was an engineer in the 30's.

This is a beautiful book. My 3 y.o. train crazy son LOVES it. My 8 y.o. daughter, not such a train lover, really ejoyed it too. She keeps wanting to get in on my son's bed at story time to hear it over and over. I have even learned a few things. Beautiful illustrations. I highly recommend this to anyone who has a train or history lover.

When my son found this book at the local library, I couldn't wait to write a gushing review. I am really delighted with this book. The more we read it together, the more impressed I am with the author and illustrator.

This book is organized so that you go back in time, viewing the trains of earlier and earlier generations. (This is much more interesting than it sounds. Stay with me!) The narrator is a boy who says that when he goes up, he wants to drive a train like his dad. Then we hear about how his dad also wanted to be an engineer because that is what HIS father was, and so forth. We are brought back in time all the way to the earliest American trains (and the boy's great great great great great grandfather--kids love the repetition too). The final scene is a futuristic train that the boy imagines driving when he grows up.

Every other page spread on the book contains short text about a child wanting to drive trains like his father (or mother in one case!) and a gorgeous illustration of a train. If you look carefully, you'll see that every scene is shown from the exact same vantage point, with the same mountains in the background. Not only do the trains change, but so do the stations, the tracks, and the buildings around them. The illustration style is lush, and every one of these images features a different cat somewhere in the scene. My son loves to search for them.

The alternating page spreads contain extended text and additional images about the era of train history depicted on the previous page. I have read many, many books on trains because my son gobbles up anything we can find on them, and yet I learned many new things from this book. For instance, did you know that when multiple engines are used to pull a train, they are called a "consist"? Or that brakemen on old trains had to run along the tops of the cars to set the brakes on each one manually? The level of detail is not a whole lot greater than most other non-fiction train books for kids, but it seems to find the most unique and telling details.

I would recommend this book for any train child ages 3 and up. You won't mind reading this one over and over. For younger children, just read the text on alternating pages and the captions of the pictures on the more detailed sections.

This a great story of the history of trains as seen through the eyes of a family of engineers. Well written and the artwork is fantastic. A recommended read.

My little newphew loves, loves trains. At this time this is his favorite train book. We read only every other page. The other pages are to long, but he loves it. And I like the theme of the story.

A marvelous book, extremely well written with accurate detail and and hundreds of wonderful street scene photos on virtually every page. Book is worth twice the price.

Fascinating book for a boy who lived in St.Paul from 1928 until 1951. Great pictures,maps and text. A real joy.

What a great book!! John Diers and Aaron Isaacs have given transit fans and Twin Cities historians an in depth look into the horsecar, cablecar, and streetcar era in our towns. I knew that there were horsecars in the Twin Cities, but did not know about the cablecars. In 1953 and 1954, my aunt took my on several streetcars routes prior to their abandonment. About 1960, I joined the Minnesota Transportation Museum and helped restore the TCRT 1300--the car that runs in Linden Hills. Both Mr. Diers and Mr. Isaacs are involved with that streetcar museum. My goal this summer is to have both authors autograph my book.

I wish they would have had a short chapter on the Hiawatha Light Rail line to complete rail transit history for the Twin Cities.

As information, Aaron Isaacs late father (George) was very instrumental in getting the Hiawatha Light Rail line for the Minneapolis area.

Ed Burns of Anoka

This is a wonderful book. The pictures are amazing. We actually found a picture of my husband's Grandfather, George, that worked on the Lake Steet line.

Unlike many streetcar histories that assume that the reader already has a familiarity with at least the geography or operation of the traction company being presented, the authors of this book combine a creative layout and numerous maps with a discussion of all aspects of Minneapolis/St. Paul streetcar operations that can be easily grasped by non-Twin Citians. The maps are the best that I have ever seen, especially the individual route maps that show each street along with dates of the start and end of service on each segment. The book has a rich, "coffee-table" appearance that invites picking it up for frequent browsing, and the nicely reproduced black and white photographs and well-written text amply reward the effort.

My son and I enjoy a lot to find out the snails in each pages!

My husband and I love to read this book to our 20 month old twins. The lively rhythms are fun to read out loud and the illustrations are both vibrant and complex enough to offer something each read. The kids love to hunt for the snail in every picture and the tea kettle that recurs throughout. Fantastic finale.

My sone LOVES trains. We have checked this one out of the library 3 times in a row (I am not even sure if we are allowed to do that, but we did). He had this book memorized after about 3 days. Here are lots of sounds and he walks around saying "All aboard, who are coming aboard" and "Hurry, hurry, any more tickets". This is a cute book and the illustrations are very pretty.

This is a favourite of my two year old son. We borrowed it several times from the library before purchasing a copy from Amazon. It's a fantastic read aloud book, and the illustrations are wonderful too. The only disappointment is that I didn't realise that it would be "Americanised" - the school children, for example, say "please sir, please maam" instead of "please sir, please miss", and the soldiers are off on "parade", rather than "manoeuvres". Other than that, highly recommended!

And the Train Goes... is a children's picturebook spotlighting the many noises heard on a rumbling train - and the many things that the train's passengers say! Blocky color illustrations complement the singsong text, which features a wide variety of sound effects and especially lends itself to being read aloud to young people. "Here is the school class off on a trip, / and the children yell, / 'Please, sir, please, ma'am... are we there yet? // and the train goes, / Clickerty-click, clickerty-clack..."

if you are serious about lionel trains this is a must have for info

The book covers a wide range of subjects on planning, building and operating a Lionel O-guage layout, but does not go into a lot of detail. Both Post-War and Modern Lionel trains and tracks are covered as is the newer TMCC electronic controls. The photos of existing Lionel O-gauge layouts are excellent, but the book did not describe the type of track nor were track layout diagrams provided, which would have been very informative. Nevertheless, the book is interesting and provides a good overview of what to consider when planning and building a Lionel O-gauge layout.

This book with its excellent pictures and detailed descriptions will satisfy the model train neophyte as well as the old veterans.
It is geared especially to the famous "O" gauge Lionel trains of yesteryear. It can serve as a reference book for those just starting out or rediscovering the joys of model train collecting and operating layouts.

This book lays a great foundation for anyone starting out. Practical ideas and methods are shown for wiring track and accessories. Care and maintenance. High quality book with very thick glossy pages and many many color photos along with some B/W photos. This would be helpful for anyone interested in 3 track O-gauge even if they are planning on using non-Lionel trains and accessories.

A very good book, full of interesting tips and facts. Full of good information on Lionel trains.

I enjoyed the book about Burlington Northern Santa Fe, as it described the company's rich history. This item worked perfectly for completed college course and the associated research paper.

This Book is EXCELLENT. The book starts by going into the histories of Burliington Northern Railroads predececessors and goes through the history of Burlington Northern And Santa Fe Railway from their creation to today. The Book is EXCELLENT AND IS WORTH EVERY DOLLAR.

This is an exceptionally beautifully produced book of high quality, with informative text and splendid photographs. It is a mine of information both for those who are already familiar with this titan among US railroads and for those who are new to it.

I'm from Germany in Europe and it is a big thing, to read about the BNSF - Railway and its heritage. You find fine photographies from insides of the railsystem.

Phil

I've had the misfortune to be an easterner (PA) whose favorite railroads have always been in the West. Burlington Northern was my fave for years, and since the 1995 merger, BNSF RY. Brian Solomon is an excellent author and photographer, and BURLINGTON NORTHERN SANTA FE RAILWAY (2005) provides anything you want to know about this fine line. It's all there, from histories and photos of all the predecessor roads, the complete story of the merger, and interesting data on the current operations written in a style that can be enjoyed thoroughly by seasoned railfans and novices alike.

Those of us who are older often didn't have books like this to learn from. I'm 58 and my father is 88 and we live in an old town with trains. Boy, did we enjoy this book! Coupled with a more pictoral/photographic book on trains, one can really learn a lot! Get it. You won't regret it!

My three year old son is Thomas crazy and I thought this would be a good addition as he grows to broaden his knowledge. He loves it, it has many wonderful pictures and blurbs of information.

My nephew (4 yrs. old) just LOVES this book! We checked it out from the library .... and after returning it decided to order one for him. While it is not something that all children will like, if your child is into learning facts while at the same time LOVES trains, then this is one for him/her. I would highly recommand this book to add to your home library .... or if you are a teacher, for your classroom.

This is a non-fiction book all about trains, from the oldest to the newest, with layers of detail. This book is part of the DK Eyewitness Books series. The history, the details, it's everything we come to expect from the DK Eyewitness Books series. If you liked trains, you'll read this at a much deeper level. Each page has a summary paragraph that tells kids what's on the page; older kids and much older kids will read every word of every caption to absorb every detail in this fantastic book. The littlest reader will love seeing all the pictures of the trains and train paraphernalia. There isn't much you won't learn about railroads and the history of trains in this book.

My four-year-old son and I checked this book out from our local library. The colorful pictures held his attention while I read the interesting facts and figures. The book is arranged so that readers of various ages can all enjoy the wonderful world of trains. We've decided to add this book to our family library.

My son Joseph loves all the books in this series. Any boy that loves Thomas the Tank will! They are easy to handle for small boys. The pages are durable.

As every parent of a Thomas Fan knows, these books would better be durable and easy to carry. This book is an excellent combination of both. The four original stories are accompanied by the original illustrations, and put together in a durable hardcover, easy to carry format.

When my 3-yr old takes an interest in something, it usually becomes an all-out obsession: dinosaurs, construction vehicles, space and so it continues with Thomas the Tank Engine. We've read other books and rented videos, but these books (there are four in this series) are his beloved. The stories are simple and plentiful with a bit of a moral to them, without being pretentious or zealous. The writing style is delightful: adult enough not to bore the reader and yet perfectly understandable for the listener (assuming it's a child!). The pictures are clear but not movie or television tie-ins - it makes them more lovable! The books are small and my son loves to stack them and carry them around with him.

If your child loves Thomas and you're tired of media tie-ins, these books are for you!

Henry the Green engine had been having problems for many years. He had given Sir Topham Hatt a great deal of trouble and worry. After being given Welsh Coal, Henry takes the Flying Kipper one evening and has a terrible accident. He then gets a new shape and a larger firebox and is in no need of special coal anymore. Later he teaches Gordon and silly boys a lesson with a Whistle and a Sneeze!

The stories of Henry, the green engine, come to us as a very beautiful book. Known as the Flying Kipper, Henry and his trucks have fun making their rounds. After an accident, Henry gets a new shape. When some troublesome boys decide to throw rocks at engines passing under a bridge, Henry teaches them a lesson. Written by Wilbert Awdry. Illustrated by Clarence Reginald Dalby. Published by Kaye & Ward in Great Britian in 1951.

I would like to encourage the author to write more volumes on the Illinois Central. This book is a great reference for mid 20th century locomotives and rolling stock. If I may be so bold as to suggest, a volume featuring branch line activities and depots would be an excellent follow up to this fine book.

Good section on the history of the Illinois Central Railroad. Steam section was good. Orange and White was the era I grew up watching on the IC. This book is an AWESOME photographic history of a historical Railroad.

First twenty pages are brief history of I. C. railroad. Next 29 pages are mostly pictures w/ brief discriptions of steam locomotives, followed by "around the map" photos, mostly of locomotives. Latter part of book is passenger trains, surburban Chicago "electrics", work & maintenance of way rolling stock, and cabooses (cabeese?).

Having grown up along the ICRR in the 50's through 70's, it brought back many fond memories, thank you so much.

AS AN EMPLOYEE OF THE ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD FOR THE LAST 27 YEARS THIS WAS BY FAR THE MOST INTERESTING BOOK ON THE RAILROAD I HAVE READ. BOTH PHOTOGRAPHY AND CONTENT PUTS THIS BOOK AT THE FRONT OF THE TRAIN.

This is a wonderful book you can read straight through. The life of the author and his relationship to the railroads of the USA is fascinating and the text about the evolution of his art is appealing. The photography is exceptional. This book is a must buy for fanciers of railroads and art. Highly recommended.

Buy this book - you will not be disappointed. It is a work to look at again and again whether you are a railfan, traveler, or an artist. Some of Rose's paintings are romantic evocations of times and places that were found throughout the country not so long ago. Other pictures in the book have an edgier quality to them. In either case he captures the mood, light, and geographical setting of the never-ending drama of the American railroad. Rose was a painter who had a technical grasp of the nuts and bolts aspects of his subjects. He also had good artistic technique - I have found myself coming back to this book repeatedly and asking "how did he do that?" The quality of printing and binding is excellent and the introductory essay helps to place the paintings in the context of Ted Rose's life. I have bought several copies of this work as gifts for people and they have all been pleased with it.

I'm not typically a fan of watercolor paintings, but I have to admit that Ted Rose is a master at his craft. His depictions of railroad scenes capture the very mood of this vanishing scene in American life. "In The Traces" presents 61 of Ted Rose's watercolors with commentary by the artist. Some of the paintings, like "Springtime in New Jersey," are absolutely stunning in their presentation of mood and setting. Print quality, paper and binding are first rate. If you've never experienced Mr. Rose's work, and are a fan of railroad art, this book will be a joy to own. Highly recommended!

A terrific selection of paintings by marvelous railroad artist. Many of Rose's paintings are not on public view, having been done for private commission. So far he markets no prints or lithographs, so either you buy an original or you buy this book. Typical fine job of printing and binding. High value book, likely to be worth lots more when out of print.

My son is an avid train fan. Ted Rose is an exceptional watercolor artist and in this volume has compiled an excellent collection of watercolors depicting trains from the history of railroading. He has coupled these wonderful watercolors with an anthology of trains over a period of 50 years based on his own personal experiences. The blending of the stories with his paintings makes you feel like you can step into the picture and relive the moment. You may be familiar with his art through a recent issue of postage stamps depicting five locomotives from different era. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone that likes railroads and also has an appreciation for fine art. This will be a timeless volume that you and future generations will enjoy.

I read the book Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express.

This book is exciting and filled with suspense. The story begins on a girl's family farm that is flooding, near a train trestle that has been destroyed. The girl, Kate Shelley, tries to save two rail workers who have fallen into the river. She realizes that the midnight train with 200 people on board will be coming and that it will fall off the bridge too unless it is warned.

I learned some interesting facts. Kate used a lantern to light her way in the storm. When she finally reached the station, a telegraph was used to warn the train. The storm was so bad Kate's lantern blew out and 40 miles of telegraph lines went out.

I would recommend this book for three reasons. This is a true story about a courageous girl who lived in the 1800's. The story is exciting and filled with danger. It shows that one person can make a difference.

Kate Shelly and the Midnight Express is an amazing book.

I read Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express for my April book report. I enjoyed this book because it was so exciting and filled with suspense. The story begins on a girl's family farm that is flooding, near a train trestle that has been destroyed. The girl, Kate Shelley, tries to stop a train from falling off the wrecked trestle. This is a true story about a courageous girl who lived in the 1800's. This story is filled with suspense and danger. This is an amazing book.

The pictures went along very well with the story. That was a good idea to make the book because it is good to write stories about the past, living in the country and saving people. The book was very good, a little hard, but it was a good story. I understood it very well. My teacher was talking about it. She said it was before WW1.

This book is a "must have" for your child's collection! Not only is this heroic account a wonderful piece of history, but it is also a very good lesson on the power of prayer. I read it to my 1st-3rd grade Bible class along with scriptures on prayer. My students' attention didn't waver for a moment while I read this book to them.

In the story, Kate's mother at first begs her not to attempt to rescue those in a train wreck. Rather than disobey her mother, 15-year-old Kate reasons with her and obtains her permission to go. Her widowed mother promises that their family will be praying for her. Kate then risks her life to save many others. When a tree in the flood waters is just about to collide with the bridge Kate is on, she prays and it is suddenly pulled under the water. Do you suppose Kate succeeds in her mission to save over 200 people? Read this book. You won't be sorry!

This is a wonderful story about a real-life girl whose personal heroism stopped a train from wrecking on a collapsed bridge. This story was profiled on PBS's "Reading Rainbow" program, hosted by Levar Burton. Actor Brian Dennehy narrated the version on PBS. Kate Shelley was a young girl who lived in a small Iowa farmhouse. Near the house, a railroad line crossed a stream called Honey Creek. One night, there was a terrible storm. Kate and her family heard an engine moving on the line to check the bridge -- but then the bridge collapsed, the engine went down, and the Midnight Express was coming! Kate had to make it to the nearest station, but that was across another bridge.... You will have to read the book to find out the rest for yourself. You and your children will love this book!!