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Reena Deutsch
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San Diego and Arizona Railway: The Impossible Railroad (Images of Rail) Paperback – January 10, 2011

by Reena Deutsch (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 39 ratings
See all formats and editions
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Surveyors called the San Diego and Arizona Railway (SD&A) "The Impossible Railroad" because of its jagged, mountainous, and brutal desert route. The financier and driving force behind building this binational 148-mile rail connection to the east from San Diego, California, was businessman John D. Spreckels. Because of his perseverance, the jinxed 1907-1919 construction overcame a series of disasters, including the Mexican Revolution, a prolonged lawsuit, floods, World War I, labor shortages, a tunnel cave-in, and a lethal pandemic. Once up and running, the line was intermittently in and out of service and later sold and renamed the San Diego and Arizona Eastern Railway. While "The Impossible Railroad" still faces constant challenges and partial closures, freight and trolley service currently operate on its right-of-way, and tourist excursions are offered at its Campo, California, depot.
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  1. Print length
    128 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Arcadia Publishing
  4. Publication date
    January 10, 2011
  5. Dimensions
    6.5 x 0.31 x 9.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    9780738581484
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0738581484
  8. See all details
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The Amazon Book Review
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Author Reena Deutsch, Ph.D., became interested in the railroad after hiking in the desert and finding railroad tracks in the middle of nowhere. Curiosity led her to research the "The Impossible Railroad." Intrigued by its colorful history, she published several articles and presented numerous lectures and slide shows on the SD&A. Through her connections with regional museums, historical societies, and private collectors, a pictorial feast of more than 200 vintage photographs has been produced.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0738581488
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Arcadia Publishing (January 10, 2011)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 128 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780738581484
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0738581484
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 0.31 x 9.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 39 ratings

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Reena Deutsch

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
39 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the pictures great and old. They say the book is well-researched, informative, and easy to read.

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Picture qualityResearch quality
3 customers mention "Picture quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the pictures in the book great.

"Easy reading. Accurate. Informative. Great pictures. Well researched." Read more

"This is a fascinating book with outstanding old pictures which brings history alive. It is an impossible railroad and it is on my bucket list." Read more

"The book is well-researched and clearly written. Great photos...." Read more

3 customers mention "Research quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-researched, clear, and informative. They also say it's fascinating with outstanding old pictures.

"Easy reading. Accurate. Informative. Great pictures. Well researched." Read more

"This is a fascinating book with outstanding old pictures which brings history alive. It is an impossible railroad and it is on my bucket list." Read more

"The book is well-researched and clearly written. Great photos...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Norman J. Silver
5.0 out of 5 stars Like new.
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2023
Verified Purchase
I was a SD&AE employee from 1955-1968.
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Norman B. Tweed Jr.
5.0 out of 5 stars San Diego and Arizona Railway was a massive project for its time
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2020
Verified Purchase
Construction of the San Diego and Arizona Railway was extremely difficult with pioneer engineering throughout its length. Once it was halfway complete, tunnels collapsed in landslides, money became a problem and the original visionary died. The perseverance of the company in the face of all of these problems made this a miraculous completion. In fact unstable mountains and right of way made operation a continuous nightmare. Perseverance by the original builders and the Southern Pacific that took over operation is to be applauded!
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PIERRE S.
5.0 out of 5 stars TALK ABOUT AN IMPOSSIBLE RAILWAY!
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2013
Verified Purchase
I had gone desert camping in Carriso Gorge some time ago and walked through one of the tunnels that led over the infamous Goat Canyon Trestle, a masterpiece of workmanship. At night, I could hear the squeaking of brakes and engines and these noises echoed off the canyon walls to my delight. Parts of the track had nothing to hang on to, hence there are many mini-trestles skirting along the Gorge. The railroad cut through solid rock, twisted its way into Mexico, and worked its way north to San Diego. As if solid rock wasn't enough, there was disease, floods, and Revolution in Mexico that had to be contended with -- pretty major compared to what railroads in the Unites States had to go through. For further reading to supplement the above, see " San Diego and Arizona: The Impossible Railroad ," by Robert M. Hanft. Enjoy the tour!
One person found this helpful
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CAM
5.0 out of 5 stars A great short line railroad
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2021
Verified Purchase
I haven't read it completely as yet, but it is something that interests me.
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars The impossible railroad
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2016
Loved the old pictures
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FRED BUNJES
5.0 out of 5 stars PHOTOS
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2021
Verified Purchase
AS ALWAYS...GREAT PHOTOS IN 'IMAGE OF AMERICA BOOKS'.
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DG
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable reading
Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2020
Verified Purchase
Easy reading. Accurate. Informative. Great pictures. Well researched.
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VCLee
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating story with the greatest old pictures which add so much. Brings to life a part of railroad history which is so unique.
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2018
Verified Purchase
This is a fascinating book with outstanding old pictures which brings history alive. It is an impossible railroad and it is on my bucket list.
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Top reviews from other countries

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John Ryder
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book
Reviewed in Germany on September 2, 2017
Verified Purchase
One of the two available books on this rather little known railroad (The other one being "The Impossible Railroad", still available second hand).
In my opinion both books are needed to get an idea about this railroad.
This one here comes from the well known series of paper backs. The photos are black and white and cover all important aspects. The captions are informative. The price for this book is a bargain. I truly recommend it if you are interested in this railroad, but also if you are interested in abandoned lines with spectacular trestles and tunnels.
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