Among Southern Pacific's most capable steam engines were the 4300-series Mountain types. Crews always described them as "the best general purpose locomotives on the railroad." Most of them were built in SP's own Sacramento Shops. In the days of steam, they were workhorses in fast passenger and freight duties. 
 Here is the complete story of these engines, from their design and development, through construction, maintenance and modification, to their extensive service assignments and performance. A rich collection of technical data, drawings, and photographs complements the detailed and thoroughly researched text. 
 But this is much more than a history of one engine type. Also encompassed by this book are many aspects of SP locomotive philosophy, construction methods, shop practices, and operating patterns, as well as train assignments across the vast SP system. 
 Newly revised from the first edition, with 24 additional pages and 40 new photographs, an index and references, and an expanded chapter on tenders, this is a significantly enlarged book. Its numerous additions and improvements from the original version make this edition even more authoritative and complete.

The 4300 4-8-2's: Southern Pacific's Mt-Class Locomotives

Robert J. Church

Signature Press

Pacific Fruit Express

Anthony W. Thompson

Bruce H. Jones

Cloth with dust jacket, 264 pages, 8.5x11, 418 photos, appendices, bibliography, index. 2011. "This book features fascinating personal stories by Southern Pacific railroaders who worked out of Dunsmuir, California in the heyday of big - time steam railroading. The unique mountain railroad town, established in 1886, was the headquarters for Southern Pacific's Shasta Division and a helper point where locomotives were added to assist trains in the climb out of the canyon of the Sacramento River. "3 sections of the book contain stories that reveal just how it was to work in engine and train crew service. The first is a complete reprint of SP engineer Dick Murdock's 1986 book, Smoke in the Canyon, recalling years of working on the SP and living in Dunsmuir. The second is by Don Olsen, who worked two years out of Dunsmuir before steam operations ended. The third, "Incident at Morley," written by conductor Bill Reid, explains train operating and track occupancy rules and recounts a tragic accident that was a result of rules not strictly followed. Shasta Division history and interviews of Dunsmuir crewmen by Bob Church complete the book. "Historic photos, most never before published, depict the town, railroad, trains and locations on the Shasta Division. Thoroughly researched captions give the reader informative insight about the railroaders and people of Dunsmuir and Siskiyou County up to the mid-50s when dieselization was complete. "Having lived and worked in Dunsmuir for 34 years, I found the book Steam Days in Dunsmuir by Robert J. Church most refreshing. Not only is there a wealth of previously unpublished photographs of this old Southern Pacific division point town included within its covers, but they are augmented with the personal stories and adventures of the railroad men that worked here, many of whom I knew. Highly recommended." --John R. Signor, author and retired SP conductor

Steam Days in Dunsmuir, Featuring Dick Murdock's "Smoke in the Canyon"

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

Books by Robert J. Church

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

The 4300 4-8-2's: Southern Pacific's Mt-Class Locomotives

Pacific Fruit Express

Steam Days in Dunsmuir, Featuring Dick Murdock's "Smoke in the Canyon"