Customer Reviews

Missouri Pacific Passenger Trains: The Postwar Years

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Today's travelers stand in long lines at air terminals across the nation. They undergo indignities to be permitted to slowly shuffle aboard the narrow aisles of their flights to be jammed into seats confined like sardines in a can. These suffering passengers most often have no idea how much has been lost from the once elegant, comfortable, even luxurious travel their grandparents and occasionally parents once enjoyed. The author brings back into focus what American's have allowed to slip away...fast, safe, comfortable connections between cities that now are isolated except for an occasional bus or long drive to the nearest passenger airport. "EAGLES", as the signature trains of the MISSSOURI PACIFIC RAILROAD were called, was a last effort by this regional railroad to save rail passenger service for that part of America it served (while connecting with the other railroads and their service). Today the stations, tracks, equipment and even the MISSOURI PACIFIC parent company itself has slipped into the mists of history and fading memories of the dwindling few who once rode these passenger trains. The research and presentation of what once was will leave the reader with a sense of loss but a new awareness of what could once more be. Gone are the overnight sleepers, dome cars, dining cars, coaches, club cars, and chair cars--even the tracks. This books allows Americans to see how it used to be up close and personal. We can thank the author for taking the initiative and time to put this well researched and illustrated volume together for reference for those who want a glimpse into yesterday's premier mode of travel.

Patrick Dorin really loves the railroads and I've never been disappointed by any of his books. This is an overview of MOPAC's vast passenger system, with a special focus on the beautiful Eagle streamliners. Each streamliner is protrayed from concept, delivery and through its lifetime in loving detail. Photos are excellent. High recommend.