American Car & Foundry Company [Hardcover]

Edward S. Kaminski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1998

This sweeping view of the work and products of American Car & Foundry celebrates the companys Centennial in 1999. Author Kaminski covers corporate history and product development, but emphasizes the immense variety and extent of railcar production over the past century. More than 1200 photographs, most from the files of the builder and few ever published, make this a superb tour of car designs, railroad and private owners, and production of freight, passenger, and other car types.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Students of railroad history, particularly those interested in freight cars, will want to purchase this book. Packed with photos and descriptions, this painstakingly compiled work traces the long, distinguished history of the company now known as ACF Industries. Kaminski weaves a fascinating tale of U.S. railcar development as practiced by one of the industry's premier builders. The book is a fitting tribute to ACF as the company marks its centennial. -- Railway Age, May 1999

This is a remarkable book which is sure to be of interest to both modelers and railfans. It could be described as a "super" Car Builders Cyclopedia, devoted to the work of one car builder. Unlike Cyclopedias, it provides a photographic history of freight cars for the entire twentieth century in a single volume. -- H. Roger Grant, in The Lexington Quarterly, March, 2000

Unquestionably, this is a handsome publication... anyone interested in American railroad car builders will want to acquire this centennial study. -- Larry Kline, Railroad Model Craftsman magazine, December 1999

Product Details

• Hardcover: 376 pages
• Publisher: Signature Press; 1st edition (July 1, 1998)
• ISBN-10: 0963379100
• ISBN-13: 978-0963379108
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,141,611 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must-Own for Rail Car and Railroad Enthusiasts, June 15, 2000

By 

Scott McCalla (Rutland, VT United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: American Car & Foundry Company (Hardcover)

If you are a rail car or railroad enthusiast, this book needs to be in your collection. Ed Kaminski has put together a fantastic book about the American Car and Foundry(ACF)Company. This book is a great information source. But believe me, the extensive compilation of photography is what will keep your nose in it for hours, and keep you coming back for more.

This book has it all! Early cars at the turn of the century, the first "tank car", up through present day railcars, you will see it and learn about the company that has very deep roots in the growth of America via the railroad.

It makes a great gift for your favorite railroad buff, and kids will really enjoy the colorful cars and the interesting facts about them.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has any interest whatsoever in rail cars or the railroad industry. Ed has done a fantastic job of bringing it to you.

5.0 out of 5 stars A freight car enthusiast's kind of book, March 7, 2011

By 

At Home Dad (NJ) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: American Car & Foundry Company (Hardcover)

If you're into rolling stock, then you will greatly enjoy this book. A pictorial history of ACF and a reference for modelers.

Out of print since 1999. Keep watching this title in a shopping list. Managed to find a basically mint copy for a very good price from a used bookseller. (Far less than $100.)