Synopses & Reviews
This stunning work showcases sixteen of the most-remembered rail companies of yesteryear. This collection of classic American railroads includes the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe, The Milwaukee Road, New York Central, Pennsylvania, Union Pacific, Denver and Rio Grande, Great Northern and a variety of others. Exceptional archival color photography highlights the glory years of Americas classic railroads.
Review
Fort Collins Coloradoan, June 17, 2007
“Schafer has managed to both inform and delight even the most knowledgeable railroad buff.”
Synopsis
Tribute to golden age of railroads highlights 15 railways and their equipment.
Synopsis
Classic American Railroads is a beautiful tribute to the golden age of railroading in America. Focusing on the years between WWII and the decline of rail travel in the 1970s, 16 of the most-remembered railroads and their finest equipment are featured in 200 original color and black and white photos.
About the Author
Mike Schafer hails from Rockford, Illinois, where he recalls his earliest train-watching experiences on the Illinois Central, Milwaukee Road, Burlington Route, and Chicago and North Western. He vividly can recall his first train rides, circa 1952, on IC\u2019s Hawkeye and Land O\u2019 Corn between Rockford and Chicago. Eventually he would declare the latter — America\u2019s railroad hub — his \u201chonorary hometown. Mike and his little dog Archie reside in a house (which includes a 1,600-square-foot model railroad) next to BNSF\u2019s busy Twin Cities mainline in a small town outside Chicago where he also serves as village trustee and occasionally mayor pro tem.