Customer Reviews

North American Railyards

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is a nice photo collection of railyards with lots of statistics and directions on getting to the yards. Unfortunately, there is no theory of operation about how the yards actually operate. Terms like 'pullout', 'drawbacks', 'trim', 'Dowty retarders', 'transfer yard' are introduced but never explained. The maps are nice -- even fascinating -- but cry out for explanation and elaboration.

Very nice book, lots of info and pictures on the bigger yards. Would like to have seen some smaller yards. Overall VERY GOOD book.

Many terms used throughout the book were not explained. Some examples; retarder, hump or bump yard, clasification yard, etc. Sure, some assumptions can be made as to the meaning of these terms, but it would have added to my enjoyment if these and some other terms had been defined and explained. Maybe for the experienced reader this wasn't necessary but as a novice I would have greatly appreciated this addition.

This book is a must have for any serious railfan, foamer, FRN, gunzel or train buff. While labeled "comprehensive," it lacks information on several local yards that I've observed (including Alliance, TX, which is the main BNSF facility in DFW), but for the yards that are included it's a treasure trove of information. It's so helpful, in fact, that it could almost be considered a field guide. Many yards include track diagrams, which I find particularly interesting, in addition to excellent photos and driving directions.

I only have two problems with the book. First, it isn't exactly comprehensive. Second, many of the suggested photo locations aren't located in publicly accessible areas - a lot has changed for train watchers since 9/11, and most class I's aren't as accommodating as they once were.

Overall this is an excellent resource, although it could certainly be improved with a second edition.

This book is excellent if you want information about railyards. I must for any railroad based person.

North Am,erican Railyards starts out withg great promise but fails to deliver. If all you want is one, maybe two photos of railyards this is your book. For those interested in railroad history and operation pass this up. The book is typical of what is being published (in China by the way) today. All photos and a lack of copy to support the subject. I wish I had read a review before I made the purchase. It was a waste of money.

If you are seeking a quick reference of major modern freight yards in America, you'll be pleased with this one. This book does satisfy the reader in that concept. However, it lacks much of the facts, data, history, and insights necessary to be anything more.

The book tittle and it's immense 240 page count does lead to the assumption of a full body account of U.S. freight yards. However, this is not the case. The book is not a guide by any means and if this is what your expecting, you will be disappointed.

The book is broken down into chapters by modern railroads. The chapter tittles are BNSF, UP, Canadian Roads, Ex-Conrail, CSX, NS, and Other Railroads. Each chapter gives many examples of that subject's freight yards in current operation (the book was published in 2003).

Some examples of railyards include multiple color photos with operational insights, access directions for visiting, and maybe a few interesting facts. Only a few chosen yards provide much if any history at all.

Some yards mentioned here give only the yard name, city, and state located followed by a couple of paragraphs of sketchy details. Nothing more.

As far as maps go, many yards cited have no map at all. Those few that do have maps are of the yard in general and is composed mainly of thin lines on white background with very few details. Most maps do however show access roads for locating and viewing the yard but provide little more.

Keep in mind the author does not intend for this book to be a complete listing of all railyards in the U.S., just the ones he could find references for.

I do aplaud the author for his attempt to provide a much needed reference for one of the most important and interesting aspects of railroading. It's a book worth having in your collection.

It is my hope the book will inspire someone in the near future to publish a complete collection of American railyards with full historical facts, data, history, and insights.

A well researched and organized volume. Great to see some of the legendary locations of the steel highways.

A railroader and non-railroader would have to have this book.