Synopses & Reviews
"Craig Sanders has done an excellent job of research... his treatment is as comprehensive as anyone could reasonably wish for, and solidly based. In addition, he succeeds in making it all clear as well as any human can. He also manages to inject enough humor and human interest to keep the reader moving." --Herbert H. Harwood, author of The Lake Shore Electric Railway Story and Invisible Giants: The Empires of Cleveland's Van Sweringen Brothers
A complete history of Amtrak operations in the heartland, this volume describes conditions that led to the passage of the Rail Passenger Service Act of 1970, the formation and implementation of Amtrak in 1970-71, and the major factors that have influenced Amtrak operations since its inception. More than 140 photographs and 3 maps bring to life the story as told by Sanders. This book will become indispensable to train enthusiasts through its examination of Americans' long-standing fascination with passenger trains. When it began in 1971, many expected Amtrak to last about three years before going out of existence for lack of business, but the public's continuing support of funding for Amtrak has enabled it and the passenger train to survive despite seemingly insurmountable odds.
Review
"Indiana University Press has made a name for itself producing a series of well--researched, scholarly tomes on various facets of railroad history... their latest release, Amtrak In the Heartland, is no exceptio" --George Fletcher, Passenger Train Journal Indiana University Press
Synopsis
A detailed overview of Amtrak operations in the American heartland traces the sometimes troubled history of the railroad from 1970 to the present day, discussing the factors that have affected the passenger train line since its inception, in a study highlighted by more than 140 black-and-white photographs and maps.
About the Author
Craig Sanders teaches journalism and mass media communications at Cleveland State University. A lifelong railroad enthusiast, Sanders has published articles in Trains magazine, The Observation Car, and the Amtrak Historical Society magazine. His books include Limiteds, Locals, and Expresses in Indiana, 1838-1971 (IUP, 2003). He lives in University Heights, Ohio.
Table of Contents
Preface and Acknowledgments
1. The All-Time Transportation Comeback
2. In the Shadows of Titans
3. A Tale of Two Trains
4. When Tradition and Politics Intervened
5. The Hard Luck Floridian
6. No Mo' Disappearing Railroad Blues
7. The Eagle Has Survived
8. The Epitome of Western Travel
9. The Everywhere West Train
10. Scenery and Social Responsibility
11. The Almost Forgotten Corridor
12. Michigan's Bootstrap Campaign
13. An Uneasy Home in Indiana
14. Agony and Ecstasy in the "Can't Lose" Corridors
15. Prairie State Populists
16. Front Doors and Back Shops
Notes
Index