Customer Reviews

The Western Maryland Railway: Fireballs and Black Diamonds

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
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This is a well written history of the Western Maryland Railway, covering the time from birth to being absorbed by the Chessie System. Background history during major decisions of the railroad is excellent, giving insight to the evolution of the company.

Illustrations and maps are plentiful, augmenting the text.

This is, in my opinion, the best book on the WM that I have read; it has earned a place in my personal collection. I constantly refer to it in my research, and often reread it for pleasure.

This is the FIRST Western Maryland Railway book to own...it is a great introduction to the WM and really continues to provide the definitive story of the Western Maryland. I own the first edition (now out of print) and the newer edition which was updated in the 1990's. Despite having B&W photos (remember it is an older book), this remains my favorite work on the WM. You can read it many times over and never tire of it. Also a companion book, I recommend purchasing "Western Maryland Railway in the Diesel Era." Diesel Era has more detailed discussion of WM operations and features the highest quality photographs of WM that I know of. Between the two, you'll become an expert on the Western Maryland---a true legend of the American railroading industry.

Well written; the book includes many, many different and beautiful WM photos. A good reference as well as a joy to just read and enjoy the pictures. Even the beautiful dust cover pic (a WM steam train passing Confluence station on a lonely winter day against dark blue skies) makes you feel the rumble of the train against the winter silence. Includes additional material beyond 1st edition, this edition covering the WM saga up to 1992. I recommend this book as part of a West Virginia Railroading / Western Maryland Railway reference library. ISBN 0-9620844-4-1 (previously ISBN 0-8310-7139-7)