The Ma & Pa: A History of the Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad [Paperback]

George W. Hilton (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0801862949 | ISBN-13: 978-0801862946 | Publication Date: December 10, 1999 | Edition: 2nd

Affectionately known as the "Ma & Pa," the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad was one of the country's longest running and best known "archaic" railroads, holding on to steam locomotion and other outmoded technologies well into the twentieth century. Connecting Baltimore and York, the line had everything needed to endear itself to local residents and rail enthusiasts: picturesque equipment, marvelous scenery, antique passenger trains, handsome small-scale locomotives, and enough curves—476—for a railroad many times longer than its 77 miles. All this made the Ma & Pa one of the most popular prototypes for model railroaders, George Hilton notes, and thousands of miniature versions of the line became part of model railroads throughout the world. This new paperback edition of Hilton's classic history includes a new introduction and epilogue in which the author recalls the line's final years of service. He also comments on the continuing interest of modelers, enthusiasts, and all who fondly remember the Ma & Pa.

Editorial Reviews

Review

George Hilton's affectionate yet complete and accurate account of Ma & Pa is at once all that the short line's host of admirers could ask as well as a model of How To Write Railroad History. Hilton can examine a balance sheet without forgetting the flanged drivers that generated its figures; to the past he can be sympathetic without letting the sentiment become sticky. In eight chapters he moves across the years from 3-foot beginnings to the road's World War I peak and beyond the lean times, amputation, and a 1960 I.C.C. refusal of an abandonment petition. His text is supported by a chronology, all-time engine and equipment rosters, employee timecard, maps, even a dispatcher's train sheet... The photo count exceeds 175 and these are supplemented by side and end elevation drawings of several locomotives and doodlebug 62.

(Trains )

Probably no railroad in the east has enjoyed more popularity with the model makers than this one... Once you have started to read this book, you'll have difficulty in letting it alone. The author is to be congratulated for giving us such a valuable and interesting history.

(Railway & Locomotive Historical Society Bulletin )

About the Author

George W. Hilton is a professor emeritus of economics at the University of California, Los Angeles. His many books on railroad and transportation history include American Narrow Gauge Railroads and The Cable Car in America.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press; 2nd edition (December 10, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801862949
• ISBN-13: 978-0801862946
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,071,345 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A piece of my childhood, December 29, 2000

By 

Hugh F. Johnston (Grapevine, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ma & Pa: A History of the Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad (Paperback)

I'm a little prejudiced about the subject since the little railroad ran past my grandparents dining room window. Dr. Hilton does a fine job documenting the road's history and happily provides many photographs any railroad fan will love. Once upon a time little railroads like this were the lifeline of the country, and the Ma & Pa was a jewel. Incidentally, Ma & Pa comes from the lettering the Maryland & Pennsylvania used on its equipment. They used M & Pa so not to be confused with the Missouri Pacific. Some chance! The addition of the other "a" was a natural.

4.0 out of 5 stars The Ma & Pa: A History of the Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad, September 26, 2010

By 

Valrico Mech - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Ma & Pa: A History of the Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad (Paperback)

I found George Hilton's book to be an informative and invaluable referance for anyone interested in railroading or regional history. The Ma & Pa: A History of the Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad guides the reader from the early days of local railroad thinking to the demise of short line passenger service along the eastern Mason-Dixon line. This book is also a nice read for anyone who may simply be interested in learning something about the region. I am happy to add this book to my library.

5.0 out of 5 stars Complete history of the Ma & Pa Railroad....., April 19, 2010

By 

Michael A. Carper (Fallston, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Ma & [and] Pa: A History of the Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book detailing the storied history of this railroad. Living in Maryland, I knew about some of the history and pass by remnants of the old railroad on a daily basis. Wanting to connect the dots of what I knew and what I wanted to know, I selected this book. I was not disappointed.