Type of bind: Hardcover
EAN num: 9781930013148
ISBN number: 1930013140
Label: Signature Press
Manufacturer: Signature Press
Page Count: 364
Printing Date: 2005
Publishing house: Signature Press
Sale Popularity Level: 1771252
Studio: Signature Press
Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
'Among the best-known of California's many short lines was the Yosemite Valley Railroad. Though several publications have explored aspects of this line, a comprehensive and profusely illustrated book has long been needed. Renowned author and modeler Jack Burgess has now filled this void. 'In 1907, the completion of the Yosemite Valley Railroad revolutionized travel to Yosemite: the world-famous park could suddenly be reached in less than a day. Within a few short years, it was even possible for the long-distance traveler to reach the Park without leaving the comfort of a Pullman sleeper. The number of visitors to the Park continued to increase annually in these early years and the railroad advertised heavily to promote tourism even more to the unrivaled Valley. 'The YV ran from Merced to El Portal at the entrance to Yosemite National Park, much of the route following the Merced River. Though passenger traffic to the Park was important, lumber mills and other industries along the line were major sources of business. The passenger and freight operations are all included in this book, along with numerous photos illustrating the on-line industries. 'The fascinating story of this unique railroad is told by Yosemite Valley Railroad expert Jack Burgess and illustrated through more than 400 photos (including 43 colour photos, some of them colour slides taken by Al Rose before abandonment of the YV in 1945), 19 maps, and 26 scale drawings. Complete equipment rosters together with numerous timetables, postcards, tickets, and other memorabilia help provide additional insight into the railroad. The narrative is further highlighted with over two dozen anecdotes from railroaders who worked on the railroad over the years. The result is a highly informational and readable history of this wonderful railroad which, for 40 years, transported wide-eyed tourists to Yosemite.' 372 pages, 8.5' x 11'; 400 photos; 45 maps and drawings, rosters, bibliography, index.
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers -
Yosemite's natural history and wonders had become well known by the mid 1850s, but few tourists wanted to travel to the remote historic valley via horse: enter the train in 1907, which allowed visitors to reach the park in less than a day, fostering an increase in park appreciation which continues to this day. Yosemite Valley Railroad expert Jack Burgess began his study of the railroad in the mid-1960s as he searched for an appropriate prototype for his model railroad layout: his interest in modeling led to much more than a casual probe of the Yosemite Valley Railroad system, as the 400 grey and white vintage photos, maps and illustrations packing detail into TRAINS TO YOSEMITE proves. Rail buffs will find well over 300 pages of detail pack in not just history, but very specific train details, from switching routines and classification lamps to relocated lines and bridges. It is this depth of information which is the mark of the model hobbyist - and which lends so perfectly to a complete, comprehensive coverage of the real thing. Yes, TRAINS TO YOSEMITE is a specialty item for rail transportation or California-specific collections: but such holdings will find it essential.
Rated by buyers -
This is the most comprehensive collection of photos and data on the Yosemite Valley Railroad yet published. The book is not merely a rehash of photos that you have seen over and over, but many entirely new photos...a lifetimes collection. Jack's excellent eye for details and dedication in reaching out to those who worked on the RR, lived in the community, or researched this road, make this book a real treasure.
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