New York Central Railroad (Railroad Color History) [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Brian Solomon (Author), Karl R. Zimmerman (Author), Mike Schafer (Author)

Book Description

Series: Railroad Color History | Publication Date: January 2002

In the twentieth century, the New York Central Railroad was one of the most powerful lines in the United States. Famous for its many great passenger trains, including the 20th Century Limited streamliner, the New York Central also operated high-volume freight trains and Grand Central Station in Midtown Manhattan. Prolific railway authors and historians Brian Solomon and Mike Schafer team up to present a nostalgic but colorful look the New York Central, with an authoritative text and dozens of color images depicting New York Central memorabilia and promotional materials, as well as amazing look-like-they-were-taken-yesterday period color photographs.

Editorial Reviews

Review

NRHS Railway Bulletin, Fall 2007

Note: NRHS is the National Railway Historical Society

“The author has succeeded in his attempt to present a capsule history.  Devotees of the Central will find little new here, but those many readers who lack detailed knowledge of the road will enjoy the succinct and well written book, which is moderately priced.”

Railroad Model Craftsman, October 2007 and O Scale Trains, October 2007

“New York Central Railroad showcases engines classes, stations, and the changing landscape as supporting players to the rise and fall of the line, reflecting changes taking place in the economy as well as the political scene. The result is an eminently pleasing volume modelers are certain to profit from. Any modeler seeking ‘real world’ photographs of heavily-weathered trains in difficult times will especially enjoy the photographs.”

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Book Description

This illustrated history of the railroad that grew to power under the Vanderbilt dynasty covers every aspect of the New York Central through its 1968 merger with longtime rival Pennsylvania Railroad and the eventual merger of Penn Central’s successor, Conrail, into Norfolk Southern and CSX. Along the way, readers are treated to archival photographs, commissioned route maps, period ads, and timetables detailing all of New York Central’s operations--steam and diesel, freight and passenger--as well as associated icons like Grand Central Terminal, the legendary Henry Dreyfuss shrouded Hudson steam locomotives, the Water Level Route, and the 20th Century Limited passenger trains.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Motorbooks International; illustrated edition edition (January 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760306133
• ISBN-13: 978-0760306130
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 7.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,404,325 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Brian Solomon is one of today's most accomplished railway historians. He has authored more than twenty-five books about railroads and motive power, and his writing and photography have been featured in the world's top railfan publications, including Trains, Railway Age, Passenger Train Journal, and RailNews. He divides his time between Massachusetts and Ireland.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great short history of the new york central system, June 9, 2000

By 

richard cloutier (Lemont, Ill) - See all my reviews

This review is from: New York Central Railroad (Railroad Color History) (Paperback)

This is a great short history of the New York Central System. Chapters 1 to 4 deal with the makeup of the system and history. Chapter 5 deals with Grand Central Terminal and New York electrification. Chapter 6 is the steam locomotive fleet. Chapter 7 is the diesel locomotives. Chapter 8 is the electric locomotives. Chapters 9 & 10 are about the freight and passenger service. The pictures used in the book are great. The amount of information is remarkable. If I were to purchase only one book on the New York Central System, this would be the book.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars INFORMATIVE & EASY READING !, March 3, 2003

By 

MIKE (ROCHESTER, NY United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: New York Central Railroad (Railroad Color History) (Paperback)

Wish I had this book several years ago to help me plan the prototype layout and what engines to acquire. Highly recommend this book for NYC fans.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Me and my Son love it., May 15, 2002

By 

J. Mellon "mopman" (Hammonton, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: New York Central Railroad (Railroad Color History) (Paperback)

The book is well done, and the photos are super.
My five year old can't put the book down. It really shows the NYC in a way that was never seen before, unless you worked for the railroad. If you love trains, you must add this book to your collection.