Fascinating history of the efforts of North American railroads to fight snow and avalanches. Covers not only the development of plows but also snow sheds. Starting with the notes and photos of David Joslyn, the author undertook independent research that discusses the operation, drawbacks and advantages of the Bucker, Rotary and Jull snowplows. With schematic diagrams, builder designs, and technical data as well as rosters and maps. Illustrated throughout with black and white photos and vintage drawings. 119 pages with index.

Snowplow: Clearing Mountain Rails

Gerald M. Best

Howell-North Books

The Ulster and Delaware...Railroad Through the Catskills presents the complete story of all the railroads of the Catskill region and describes the great hotels the railroads served. In pictures and text it tells about the railroads' construction, early operation, the famous passenger trains, and the steam locomotives. Included are descriptions of the Catskills, the sights along the line, special trains, the rolling stock, freight service, and the workings of the unique Otis Elevating Railway. The author relates many unusual personal experiences and happenings about the Cornells, the Coykendalls, the railroads and the hotels. This is an intensely human story of struggle and triumph in the New York tradition.

The Ulster And Delaware: Railroad Through The Catskills

Engineering & Transportation

Transportation

Golden West Books

Heimburger House announces another new book offering, the Nevada County Narrow Gauge by Gerald M. Best, a 214-page hardbound history of this well-known narrow gauge line in California.With 284 photographs, maps, diagrams and rosters, Nevada County Narrow Gauge recounts the story of this short line railroad that served California’s northern mines, mostly quartz gold mines. The line opened for business on May 24, 1876 when the first regular train ran between the two end points.High trestles, tunnels, steep grades and sharp curves, picturesque stations and yards are what this shortline was all about. The railroad ran between Colfax, through Grass Valley and up to Nevada City, California, north and east of Sacramento.The railroad, besides carrying large quantities of lumber, farm produce and feeds, Bartlett pears and peaches, grapes, walnuts, apples and citrus fruits, carried gold shipments for the San Francisco Mint—and never was this part of the business marred by a holdup or even an attempted one, though the total amount of gold shipped was $250 million.With the war in Europe, and permits to mine gold cancelled, the NCNG became more valuable as scrap. The gross revenue for 1941 was down $50,000 in two years to $118,000, and a Federal order to shut the mines in October of 1942 was the final blow. On July 10, 1942, the railroad ran its last revenue train. Some of the equipment went to the White Pass & Yukon, while some went to Hawaii for use by the U.S. Navy at Pearl Harbor.The Nevada County Narrow Gauge was a pioneer, there being only four other common carrier railroads of 3-foot gauge completed in California before May of 1876. It had been built without subsidy and outlasted many of its contemporaries except the Carson & Colorado.Over its 66-year life span, the rail line gave employment to hundreds of people, and made it possible for the mines to operate without interruption, and earning $7.2 million in revenues along the way. It’s gone—but not forgotten! The book features a beautiful color painting of NCNG locomotive #5 on the dustjacket, painted by noted artist John Hugh Coker. The book was first printed many years ago.

Nevada County Narrow Gauge

History

Americas

Heimburger House Publishing Co.

The Pacific Coast Company was a fascinating rail-marine operation which served the West Coast from San Diego to Alaska. Its rail components were both narrow gauge and, later, standard gauge railroads, and from its inception in the 19th century, it was an important factor in the growth of California and the West. In addition to railroads in San Luis Obispo and San Diego, a third line was at Seattle. The story is well written and extensively researched, a readable and informative tour through some intriguing Western history.

The Pacific Coast Company

Signature Press

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Gerald M. Best. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Gerald M. Best

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Gerald M. Best. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Snowplow: Clearing Mountain Rails

The Ulster And Delaware: Railroad Through The Catskills

Nevada County Narrow Gauge

The Pacific Coast Company