South Platte Press

South Platte Press, softcover, 80 pages, 8.5 x 11 x.25 in., B&W photographs and illustrations.

The Nebraska-Kansas Railroad was owned and operated by the Ideal Cement Company at its plant near Superior, Nebraska. This small industrial railway, about four miles long at maximum length, crossed the state line from the cement plant in Nebraska to the company's rock quarry in Kansas.

Hauls of the N-K Railroad were almost exclusively limestone rock for use in the manufacture of cement at the Superior plant. The line achieved national fame when Ripley's 'Believe It or Not' cited it as being the shortest interstate railroad in the U.S.

The N-K, which at various times used electric, steam and diesel power, operated until the end of cement production at the Superior plant in 1986. This book includes 95 black-and-white illustrations.

Contents:

• Acknowledgements, Introduction, pp. 4–7
• Map of the Nebraska-Kansas Railroad, p. 8
• Map of the Ideal Cement Plant at Superior, Nebraska, p. 9
• Why Build a Cement Plant at Superior, Nebraska?, pp 10-12
• A Brief Corporate History, p. 13
• Cement Making 101: The Basics, pp. 14–16
• Building and Maintaining the Railroad, pp. 17–26
• The Quarry: Digging Out the Rock, pp. 27–34
• Railroad Operations, pp. 35–42
• Motive Power (steam, electric, diesel), pp. 43–55
• Maintaining N-K Motive Power, pp. 56–60
• Rock Cars and Other Rolling Stock, pp. 61–64
• Runaways, Smash-ups and Near Misses, pp. 65–67
• Coping with Snowstorms, p. 68
• The N-K and the Class 1 Carriers, pp. 69–74
• Remaining Traces, pp. 75–78
• Locomotive Roster, p. 79
• Bibliography, p. 80.

Softcover, 64 pages, 8.

5 x 11 in., Color photographs and illustrations.The story of Santa Fe's branch line to Superior, Nebraska.Introduction, 5-6,Santa Fe at Superior, Nebraska, pp. 7–26,Gateway to the South, pp. 27–32,AT&SF / C&NW Rail Traffic, pp. 33–34,The Early BN-AT&SF Years, pp. 35–46,The Great Plains Railway, pp. 47–54,Santa Fe to BNSF, 55-58,Epilogue, 59-60,Bibliography, pg.

61,Index, pp. 62–63,About the Authors, pg. 64.

Features:

• New softcover Richard C. Kistler with Richard L. Schmeling and Michael M. Bartels South Platte Press 2024

Softcover, 88 pages, 120 Color illustrations.

The merger that created Burlington Northern in 1970 and Amtrak's assumption of intercity passenger service in 1971 brought significant change to BN's roster of E-units. This culminated in 1972 with the sale of 21 E-units to the West Suburban Mass Transit District for use in Chicago-Aurora suburban service.

Following a rebuilding program, these units provided almost 20 years of reliable service on the Chicago "racetrack." Authored by noted Chicago commuter rail historian Bruce Nelson, this is the story of the last large E-unit fleet in regular service in America.

Features:

• New Softcover Bruce C. Nelson South Platte Press 2024

Softcover, 190 pages, 6 x 9 inches, mostly text with some B&W photographs, index. The last segment of the Colorado & Southern's narrow-gauge Clear Creek line from Denver to Silver Plume was abandoned in 1941. But in the years since, C&Sng artifacts ranging from rolling stock to the Georgetown Loop have been preserved and restored. This book includes little-known and amazing stories regarding every extant C&Sng locomotive, rail car and track segment along the former Clear Creek District. It's also the story of those resolute individuals who made tremendous personal sacrifices to save these historic rail treasures for future generations. Introduction, pp. 5-12, "Mac" and His Book, pp. 13-30, Born Again in Boulder, pp. 31-52, The Railroad Riches of Golden, pp. 53-80, The Swan Songs of Central City, pp. 81-116, Idaho Springs: Of Trains and Taxes, pp. 117-134, The Twisting Tale of the Georgetown Loop, pp. 135-162, Silver Plume: End-of-the-Line, pp. 163-174, Epilogue, pp. 175-176, Bibliography, pp. 177-189, About the Author, pg. 190. NEW Condition Author: Kurt Maechner Publisher: South Platte Press ISBN: 979-8-9884510-6-8

South Platte Press, softcover, 80 pages, 9.5 x 8.5 x.25 in., B&W and Color photographs (mostly color).

This is a study of the last years of operation by the former Burlington Northern Railroad of its once-extensive agrarian branch line rail system across the prairie regions of southeast Nebraska. The authors explain how these branch lines were operated during the late 1950 era by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and again during the Burlington Northern era of the 1970s-1980s.

Included are co-author Hedgpeth's first-person account of working on these branch lines as a CB&Q brakeman. Some 95 rare and large format images, most in color, illustrate how the BN continued to provide freight service to many small town shippers just prior to abandonment of many of the lines depicted.

Also included is a detailed map of past and remaining branch lines in the area.

Contents:

• Acknowledgements, Introduction, pp. 2–6
• Nebraska's BN Branch Line Era, pp. 7–9
• CB&Q Branch Epitome, pp. 10–14
• BN Branch Transition, pp. 15–20
• Competitor With Branch Lines, pp. 21–22
• 'Braking' on CB&Q Branch Lines of the 1950s, pp. 23–25
• Lincoln - Daykin, pp. 26–29
• Lincoln - Bellwood, p. 30
• CB&Q Branch Line Operations 1950s, pp. 31–33
• Lincoln - Nebraska City, pp. 34–35
• Lincoln - Brownville, pp. 36–39
• Wymore, pp. 40–41
• Table Rock - Wymore, pp. 42–43
• Wymore - Lester Junction, pp. 44–49
• Hastings - Roseland, pp. 50–51
• Hastings - Hildreth, pp. 52–57
• Hastings - Palmer, pp. 58–59
• Lincoln - Shickley, pp. 60–63
• Lincoln - Daykin (Part 2), pp. 64–67
• Lincoln - Hebron, pp. 68–73
• Sutton - Clay Center, pp. 74–76
• Bibliography, pp. 77–78
• Index, 79-80.

This book features the best of the author's photography taken on the Union Pacific and Rock Island (via trackage rights) during the diesel era in the Topeka, Kansas, vicinity from the mid-1960s through the contemporary era. It includes coverage of passenger and freight train action in the vicinity of the Union Pacific Topeka depot, which served as an active passenger station until 1971.

It is today a major rail museum known as the Great Overland Station. This study in black and white, of which the author is noted for his many books in this format, looks back at almost 50 years of change that have taken place along UP rails through Topeka. Includes a number of shots looking down at the power and trains.

Includes F-units and early U-boats to distributed power coal trains. South Platte Press, softcover, 48 pages, 8.5 x 11 x .25 in., sharp B&W photographs printed on high-quality coated paper.

Robert Olmsted, well-known railroad photographer and prolific Publisher//of railroad books, has teamed up with South Platte Press to publish a pictorial about Don Ball Curve, located in Roberts hometown of Lawrence, Kansas. Informally named for another master of railroad photography and book publishing, the curve is located along the Kansas City-Denver main line of the Union Pacific.

Using Robert's own excellent black & white photography, the book is devoted to the Union Pacific and Rock Island trains (the latter using trackage rights) that have rolled through Don Ball Curve between 1948 and 2007. It can also serve as a guide for railfans interested in visiting Lawrence and the Curve with its current high Volume of train traffic.

Most photographs are from the 1950s and 60s. There is as much Rock Island as Union Pacific subjects in the selection of photographs-especially a number of RI 4-8-4s. Plus see Wabash Es on The City of St. Louis, detouring Burlington Es, and the last page is the observation car of RIs Texas Rocket in 1948.

South Platte Press, softcover, 48 pages., 8.5 x 11 x .25 in., B&W photographs with captions.

Signed by the author. This title is published by Challenger Press and distributed by South Platte Press. This fact-filled reference book by noted Union Pacific historian Jim Ehernberger covers more than 400 place name stations along the Union Pacific Railroad in Nebraska. Included are 232 black and white photographs of depots, roundhouses, coal chutes and various other structures.

Ehernberger's research will prove very useful to anyone seeking information regarding what kind of service facilities were located at both main and branch line stations, dating back to the UP's earliest years of serving Nebraska. Autographed by the author, this book has been made available to South Platte Press for distribution.

The book is organized alphabetically with statistics provided for locations such as water tank capacity, milepost, station base dimensions, year constructed and retired, turntables and capacity, stock pens, etc. Many photographs are from the days when the stations were in service rather than later years.

Challenger Press, distributed by South Platte Press, softcover, 80 pages, 10 x 8 x .2 in., Black and White photographs.

For well over 100 years, there was a close and usually mutually beneficial relationship between the City of Parsons, Kansas, and what became the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad Company (M-K-T or -the Katy-). Parsons, located on rolling prairie land near the southeast corner of Kansas, depended largely on the Katy for its basic employment, those jobs which brought money into the community.

In fact, during the first half of that period it was almost a textbook example of a railroad town. Covering the years 1865 to 2012, the authors relate the fascinating story of how Parsons was the site of the Katy's main locomotive repair shop until its merger with the Union Pacific in 1988. Railroad historian I.E.

Quastler has previously authored a number of Midwest railroad history topics, including Rock Island Line In Focus. Co-author James Reisdorff has authored or co-authored books such as The Man Who Wrecked 146 Locomotives. South Platte Press, softcover, 168 pages, 115 B&W photographs and illustrations.

Otto Perry and the Union Pacific Nebraska Division by Michael M. Bartels and James J. Reisdorff. This book features the best photo work of the late and well-known railroad photographer, Otto C. Perry from Denver, as they relate to Perry's travels over a 30-year period along the former Nebraska Division of the Union Pacific Railroad.

This main line division extended from Council Bluffs, Iowa, across portions of Nebraska and Colorado, to Cheyenne, Wyoming. Ninety-two black-and-white illustrations from the years 1925-1958 include the last of steam, early diesels and classic streamliners along the Overland Route. This title, published in cooperation with the Great Plains Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, also seeks to help promote the construction of a railroad viewing platform at Grand Island, Nebraska.

South Platte Press, softcover, 80 pages, 10 x 8.5 x .25 in., B&W photographs printed on high-quality coated paper.

South Platte Press for R&I Press, softcover, 138 pages, 8.5 x 11. 25 in., 230 color photographs.

This book has quite a selection of early airlines and airliners including famous, infamous and little-known ones. The first picture is of an Air West F-27 at San Diego in Pacific Airlines paint. The book includes Braniff's Great Pumpkin landing at LAX, Lockheed Electras in various paint schemes plus a couple of photographs of Zia Airlines which lasted a few years flying around New Mexico.

Longtime railroad historian and South Platte Press author I.E. Quastler turns to his other major transportation interest, airlines, for this fascinating look at the more unique aspects of commercial aviation.

The aircraft photographed by the author for this book, starting in 1969, range from commuter airliners at unusual locations to jumbo jets in flight. The topics also range from airlines and services that lasted only a few months, to those of long standing which may be unfamiliar to many readers.

Short essays describe the content and setting of each photograph. This book is being made available to South Platte Press for distribution by R&I Press.

Contents:

• Some of My Earliest Airline Photographs, pp. 1–26
• Early and Mid-1970s, pp. 27–56
• The Late 1970s, pp. 57–74
• Overseas Adventures, pp. 75–94
• Into the 1980s and 1990s, pp. 95–130
• Some Former Students, pp. 131–134
• Index, pp. 135–138.

South Platte Press, softcover, 56 pages, 8.5 x 11 x.25 in., B&W and Color photographs (mostly color).

This is a mostly-color pictorial of the last seven years of the railroad town of Wymore, Nebraska, once an important division point on the Burlington Railroad. The final decline of rail service to Wymore is documented from the viewpoint of a local freight that operated from Lincoln to Wymore, and those BNSF employees who operated the trains.

This book serves as a sequel to Burlington Route: The Wymore Story, published by South Platte Press, which told of Wymore's rich Chicago, Burlington & Quincy rail history. Last Train to Wymore is an informative account of the end of a railroad town and a poignant look at the demise of the once-common local freight train.

Contents:

• Introduction, p. 5
• The Wymore Local, pp. 6–8
• Route of the Wymore Local, pp. 9–17
• Motive Power of the Wymore Local, pp. 18–27
• Union Pacific Bids Farewell, pp. 28–38
• Last Train Out, pp. 39–45
• A New Day, pp. 46–51
• Motive Power on the Beatrice Subdivision Today, pp. 52–54
• Beatrice Area Railroad Enthusiasts-Additional Reading, pp. 55–56.

In the opinion of many who were witness to the epoch of the streamlined passenger train, the precursor that presented a beautiful first impression of the conveyance in its tow was either the E8 or E9 diesel-electric locomotive. These high-speed machines were constructed by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division of La Grange, Ill., between 1949 and 1964.

Customers included the Union Pacific Railroad, which acquired cab-equipped A units and cabless booster B units of both models. All E8/E9 units have since been retired from regular revenue passenger service. However, Union Pacific has been in the forefront of corporate history preservation by retaining an active trio of E9s as part of its steam and diesel heritage fleet.

The E's now appear across the expanse of the UP system while heading up passenger specials that recreate the company's Road of the Streamliners image. This book is a pictorial celebration of the Union Pacific E8 and E9 diesel locomotive and a re-living of the regal age of streamlined thoroughbreds. South Platte Press, softcover, 48 pages, 8.5 x 11 in., B&W photographs.

Softcover, 88 pages, 8.

5 x 11 in., 30 B&W illustrations.In June 1905, two-year-old Paul Ussary was playing on the railroad tracks of the St. Joseph & Grand Island Railway near Powell, Nebraska. Tragedy seemed certain when a freight train suddenly rounded the curve. However, the locomotive's fireman, George Poell, suddenly leaps into action.

Little Paul is saved, but George is maimed for life. Hailed a national hero, George becomes the first recipient of a new Congressional medal for railroad valor. It's a long-forgotten story of hero worship, political scandal and bonds of eternal gratitude between two men. It's also a historic account of what is now the A-B-C line of the Union Pacific Railroad in Nebraska.

Contents:

• Preface
• Introduction, pp. 5–10
• Grand Island and Hanover, pp. 11–14
• The St. Joseph & Grand Island Railroad, 15-20
• The A-B-C Railroad, pp. 21–23
• A Town Called Powell, pp. 24–26
• Just Another Day at Work, pp. 27–31
• To Save a Child, pp. 32–36
• Healing, pp. 37–40
• Accolades and Medals, pp. 41–46
• City Clerk and Disgrace, pp. 47–54
• The Latter Years of a Hero, pp. 55–57
• A Family Moves On, pp. 58–66
• Saving Tots from Trains, pp. 67–74
• Aftermath, pp. 75–79
• The Origin of the A-B-C Town Names, pg. 80
• Acknowledgments, pg. 81
• Bibliography, pp. 82–87
• A Hero of the Rail, pp. 88. Features: New Softcover James J. Reisdorff South Platte Press 2022

South Platte Press, softcover, 104 pages, 8.5 x 11 x.25 in, B&W photographs, statistics, timetable reproductions.

The Wymore Story is a classic account of Burlington Route Railroad operations in the southeast Nebraska region. Focusing on what was once the Wymore Division, headquartered at Wymore, Nebraska, it's a story of vintage steam locomotives, Zephyr passenger trains, and branch line motor cars.

Each operating subdivision is covered with details about passenger and freight traffic, motive power and facilities. However, this new edition also features a total revision of the text and layout. More historic photographs have been added, plus additional material which updates the story through both the Burlington Northern and BNSF eras.

Contents:

• Introduction, pp. 3–6
• Subdivisions of the Wymore Division, pp. 7–30
• Officers, Facilities and Motive Power, pp. 31–50
• The Wonderful Days of the Wymore Division, pp. 51–66
• Burlington Northern 1970-1995, pp. 67–78
• Branch Line Finale, pp. 79–82
• Burlington Northern Santa Fe, pp. 83–88
• Epilogue, pp. 89–91
• Wymore Division Statistics, p. 92
• Wymore Division Timetable, pp. 93–104.

The end of the industrial steam age in North America resulted in many steam locomotives being relegated to parks or museums. However, during the regular use of steam, there were many instances in which steam engines became "lost locomotives," often by either sinking into deep bodies of water by accident or by being intentionally abandoned in place.

Many of these stories of lost locomotives now range from fact to urban myth.This book examines some of the best known cases of forlorn or abandoned steam engines that have been recorded over the past century. It includes an extensive appendix section detailing known or rumored lost locomotives.South Platte Press, softcover, 102 pages, 54 B&W illustrations and photographs.

Features:

• New Softcover Thornton Waite South Platte Press

South Platte Press, softcover, 104 pages, 8.5 x 11 x.25 in., B&W photographs and illustrations.

Kansas Central Narrow Gauge: Slim Rails Across the Midlands by I. E. Quastler The Kansas Central Railway was one of America's pioneer narrow gauge railroads which started in 1871 and extended westward from the Missouri River at Leavenworth, Kansas.

This slim princess' of the prairies operated as both an independent carrier and, ultimately, as a branch of the Union Pacific Railroad. Kansas Central Narrow Gauge skillfully recounts the story of the bold dreams and economic folly which brought slim gauge railroading to the plains of northeast Kansas.

Contents:

• Preface and Acknowledgements, pp. 5–6
• Narrow Gauge Comes to Leavenworth, pp. 7–18
• Construction Begins, pp. 19–36
• The Depression Years of the 1870s, pp. 37–48
• The Kansas Central Railroad, pp. 49–64
• Narrow Gauge Woes, pp. 65–78
• Conversion to Standard Gauge, pp. 79–82
• Locomotive Roster, 1871-1890, pp. 83–86
• Equipment Roster, 1885-1894, pp. 87–90
• Data on Operations, 1883-1890, pp. 91–92
• Endnotes, pp. 93–98
• Bibliography, pp. 99–100
• Index, pp. 101–104.

South Platte Press, softcover, 84 pages, 8.5 x 11 x.25 in., B&W photographs, diagrams and maps.

This book will describe the Union Pacific Railroad's design, construction, and operation of its eight successive Omaha passenger stations of the later nineteenth century, and two different Union Passenger Stations, built in 1899 and 1931 respectively.

An end summary will also describe historic preservation efforts from 1973 to the present that saved the 1931 Union Station from destruction and helped make possible its use as the Durham Western Heritage Museum beginning in 1975.

Omaha was once the nation's fourth largest railroad center and the 1931 Omaha Union Station was built in part to satisfy the demands of local businessmen and the increasing public demand for improved passenger train service to the city.

Chapters cover the time period from Omaha before the railroads up to the present use of the station.

Contents:

• Acknowledgements, Introduction, pp. 2–6
• Omaha's Railroad Palace, pp. 7–10
• Omaha Before the Railroads, pp. 11–12
• Omaha's First Passenger Depots, pp. 13–22
• Omaha's 1899 Union Station, pp. 23–36
• The Decision for a New Union Station, pp. 37–47
• Gilbert Stanley Underwood by Thorton Waite, pp. 48–50
• Architectural Gem, pp. 51–62
• Epilogue: From Union Station to Western Heritage, pp. 63–80
• Bibliography, pp. 81–84.

Passenger Trains of Denver: The Decade Before Amtrak 1960-1970 by John D. Mummert. This book provides an informative review of passenger train service to Colorado's Mile High City in the last full decade before the start of Amtrak in 1971. Synopsis histories are provided for Denver Union Station and for every passenger train from six major railroads (AT&SF, CB&Q, CRI&P, D&RGW, MP and UP) that operated into Denver during this era.

A brief overall operational history is provided for each train, plus sample equipment consists from different years-illustrating the rise and fall of some of the most famous passenger trains to operate across the western United States. Also included is a timeline showing the gradual demise of train service to Union Station, plus an example of why Passenger Service to Denver became a matter of nostalgia versus profitability.

More than 50 black and white photographs by the author and others add to this tribute to the last years of commercial passenger train service to the base of the Rocky Mountains. South Platte Press, softcover, 64 pages, 8.5 x 11 x .25 in., B&W photographs, DUS Timeline, bibliography.

Softcover, 160 pages, 40 B&W illustrations.

This book tells the story of Iowa's worst rail disaster -- the March 21, 1910, derailment of a Rock Island passenger train near the small town of Green Mountain. Two wooden day coaches were crushed between steel passenger cars after the train's locomotives derailed, ultimately killing 54 people and injuring about 40 others.

The catastrophe upset life in nearby Marshalltown as the number of injured and dead overwhelmed the city's resources. The wreck captured nationwide attention, leading to a state inquest into the disaster that resulted in a series of shocking conclusions.

Green Mountain tells what happened and why, while also paying tribute to the lives lost.

Contents:

• Acknowledgments, Introduction, pp. 5–10, Catalyst, pp. 11–26, "Give Us More Railroads", pp. 27–48, Gathering Clouds, pp. 49–60, Detoured, pp. 61–74, Send Help Now!, pp. 75–86, Arrival Back, pp. 87–100, Aftermath, pp. 101–104, Right Answer to the Wrong Question, pp. 105–120, Fallout, pp. 121–130, Epilogue, pp. 131–134, Green Mountain Wreck Fatalities, pp. 135–136, Bibliography, pp. 137–156, Index, pp. 157–159, About the Author, p. 160. Author: Scott Foens Publisher: South Platte Press Year Published: 2025

South Platte Press, hardcover, 192 pages, 11 x 8.5 x.5 in., B&W photographs.

First published in 1986, this is a greatly revised and updated edition of this popular book concerning the former McCook Division of the Burlington Railroad. Covering the years 1878 to 2009, THE HIGH PLAINS ROUTE recounts the story of the original CB&Q (later BN and now BNSF) main line from Hastings, Nebraska to Denver, Colorado, as well as branch lines, once operated under the division.

It is profusely illustrated with 250 black and white photographs, many of them new to this edition. Updated material includes photographs and information regarding former McCook Division territory in the BNSF era.

Author Richard Kistler is a well-known Burlington Route historian with other credits that include his book on the Burlington's Wymore Division, THE WYMORE STORY.

Contents:

• Introduction, CB&Q System Map, McCook Division Map, pp. 7–11
• Mainline Construction and Operation, pp. 12–22
• McCook Division Branch Lines, pp. 23–36
• The Sterling-Wymore Divisions, pp. 37–44
• Passenger Service, pp. 45–72
• Freight Service, pp. 73–86
• Facilities, pp. 87–114
• Motive Power, pp. 115–142
• Events Good and Bad, pp. 143–164
• The BN and BNSF Eras, pp. 165–166
• BN McCook Division Map, p. 167
• Conclusion, Acknowledgments, Timetables, pp. 168–192.

South Plate Press, softcover, 80 pages, 10.25 x 8.25 x.25 in., B&W photographs, maps.

Photography by Forrest H. Bahm. Across the United States, a large number of new short line or regional railroads have been formed from trackage formerly operated by larger railroad companies.

One example of this type of rail service in the Midwest, the Nebraska Central, has since 1993 continued to move mostly agrarian-related traffic over a series of former Union Pacific Railroad branch lines.

This book serves as a case study of how rail service on one branch line has dramatically changed between the decades of the 1960s and the 1990s. It is also a pictorial study in black and white of how one railroad photographer, Forrest H.

Bahm, documented both of these eras. It is ultimately a story of regional railroading for today. Only one steam photograph but includes many interesting subjects including passenger specials, detour trains with main line power (including a U50C) and a Jordan Spreader.

The photo reproduction is excellent on high-quality glossy paper.

Contents:

• Introduction, pp. 5–8
• Union Pacific and the Stromsburg Branch, pp. 9–40
• The Nebraska Central, pp. 42–80.

Martha's Vineyard is an island located in the Atlantic Ocean off the south coast of Massachusetts. The Vineyard became a place for summer vacationing in the late 1800s, and residents turned to rail travel as an easy means of traveling about the Island. Beginning in 1873, the first horse-drawn streetcar line began operation on the Vineyard.

This was followed the next year by the three-foot-gauge Martha's Vineyard Railroad, operating for nine miles between the communities of Oak Bluffs, Edgartown and Katama. The little-known histories of both the Island's steam narrow-gauge railroad and what grew to be a seven-mile electric streetcar system are explored in this title.

Attention is given to the operating history and equipment used by the two unique rail systems. The narrow gauge ended service in 1895, followed by the trolley lines in 1918. While any kind of rail service on Martha's Vineyard has been gone for about a century or more, this book relives the era when travel by train or trolley was part of daily life on the Island.

South Platte Press, softcover, 72 pages, 8.5 x 11 x .25 in., B&W photographs and maps.

Union Pacific Steam Survivors examines the status of 52 still-extant UP steam locomotives. Most were either given to communities or museums. A few were retained by the railroad in its own corporate collection. During the 1950s, as American railroads were making the transition from steam to diesel power, Union Pacific's policy of good relations with its on-line communities was instrumental in the donation of many retired steam locomotives.

Museums, some of them off-line, were also recipients. These steam survivors, while in some instances limited to only one or two extant examples of certain types, are well diversified. They range in size from small switch engines to that of the world's largest steam locomotives - the Big Boys. What makes Union Pacific unique from other large Class I railroads which donated old locomotives is that the railroad has otherwise continued to maintain two operative steam engines.

UP 4-8-4 type No. 844 and 4-6-6-4 type No. 3985 are based at Cheyenne, Wyoming, for exhibition purposes. However, the majority of preserved UP steam will continue to be on static display in community parks and museums. These other engines, especially those at outdoor display sites, need and will continue to need regular maintenance.

Steam historian Lloyd E. Stagner relates the service history of these locomotives. Also, steam preservationist Bob Yarger comments on possible ways these machines can be saved for long-term posterity. Together, the authors provide an informative and illustrated guide on what can be done to save some of these historic relics of a past transportation age before its too late.

South Platte Press, softcover, 48 pages, 8.5 x 11 x .25 in., B&W photographs.

South Platte Press, softcover, 64 pages, 66 Color and B&W illustrations.

Many South Platte Press titles are focused on early railroad history and are usually Black and White photographs. This book is mostly color photographs beginning with a color photo looking down at the depot from an overpass with two Burlington Northern business cars parked out front.

Most pictures are large format with one picture per page. You will see the Pioneer Zephyr parked at the depot, many silver E-units, business cars, run-through power and Amtrak. In the past several decades, the railroad presence in the downtown area of Lincoln, Nebraska, has been significantly diminished.

This pictorial looks at the many changes that have taken place around the city's former Burlington and Amtrak station between the early 1960's and 2012. The authors, noted Lincoln area rail historians, recount the history of Lincoln’s "Burlington box," various steam and football excursions that operated, and changes to local passenger train service during the Amtrak era.

Photographs by a number of local rail photographers show the equipment, area facilities and special events that supported depot operations. This is a visual document of how the trains of Lincoln Station were gradually replaced by what is now a vibrant retail and event district for Nebraska's capital city.

Contents:

• Lincoln Station, pp. 5–9
• Exhibits and Fan Trips, pp. 10–13
• Passenger Trains, pp. 14–20
• Special Trains, pp. 21–28
• Engines and Equipment, pp. 29–37
• Railroad Yard, pp. 38–43
• Freight Trains, pp. 44–49
• The BN Era, pp. 50–57
• Amtrak, pp. 58–61
• The BNSF Era, pp. 62–64.

At the end of the steam locomotive age, the Santa Fe Railway was among the foremost of American railroads that responded generously to requests for steam locomotives to be placed on display in city parks and museums. Renowned steam locomotive historian Lloyd E. Stagner documents the service history and current locations of all 51 AT&SF steam locomotives on display or held for future exhibition.

Noted railroad preservation writer Bob Yarger then comments on what action can and must be taken in order to assure the future survival of these treasured artifacts of Americas rail heritage. Filled with 62 photographs and illustrations, this book is a call to action for railroad enthusiasts and history preservationists everywhere.

South Platte Press, softcover, 48 pages, 8.5 x 11 x .25 in., B&W photographs of locomotives in service and on display.

This new edition features a new cover and a new foreword detailing recent events regarding the Canteen. Just 10 days after Pearl Harbor, the residents of North Platte, Neb., learned that their own Company D, Nebraska National Guard, which had been training in Arkansas, was going to pass through the city en route to the West Coast.

About 500 family members and friends hurried to the Union Pacific Railroad station with cookies, candy, cakes and cigarettes. After a long wait, a troop train rumbled into the station - with a unit from the Kansas National Guard. The residents were disappointed until someone in the crowd said, Well, what are we waiting for "Welcome to our city, sons, and here's a little something for you." They then passed out to these boys the gifts they had arranged for their own.

This was the beginning of the North Platte Canteen. Every day, from 3,000 to 5,000 soldiers, sailors and marines visited the North Platte Canteen in the Union Pacific station. During a 10-minute stop, they were supplied with coffee, sandwiches and cigarettes, given a handful of current magazines and sent on their way, warmed not only by the hot coffee but by the smiles and friendly greetings of the busy canteen workers.

North Platte Canteen highlights what still persists as one of the most endearing examples of gratitude expressed toward those who have served in Americas defense. There are few train pictures in this book, it is mostly about the people of the time and shows the locals and the troops getting together for a short time during World War Two.

South Platte Press, softcover, 36 pages, 8.5 x 11 in., B&W photographs.

South Platte Press, softcover, 66 pages, 34 color illustrations.

Having originally gone to work for the Union Pacific Railroad in 1973 as a clerk at company headquarters in Omaha, Edwina "Curlie" Justus later became a qualified train engineer at age 34 at North Platte, Nebraska, and retired from that position in 1998.

Now, in her own words, Edwina recounts her many real-life experiences operating over the UP mainline out of North Platte. By overcoming sexism and racism on the job through tenacity and kindness, Edwina became one of the pioneer women to enter into what had previously been only a man's world.

This book is illustrated with photos of UP trains and locations from the same era as when Edwina worked for the railroad.

Contents:

• New
• Softcover
• Edwina "Curlie" Justus
• South Platte Press

South Platte Press, softcover, 120 pages, 60 B&W illustrations.

Many stories about the Union Pacific Railroad have centered around its construction as part of the nation's first transcontinental rail line. One of the more famous stories concern the Plum Creek Raid, in which three UP employees were killed and a UP freight train was derailed by the Northern Cheyenne on August 7, 1867, near Plum Creek (now Lexington), Nebraska.

It is the best-known instance in which Native Americans successfully wrecked the "iron horse" during their struggle against the encroachment of the railroad on their tribal lands.The incident includes the unusual tale of UP employee William Thompson and his scalp. Noted railroad historian Thornton Waite looks at the many conflicting versions of events related to the incident, and how it has been been portrayed in the media over the past 150-plus years.

Contents:

• Foreword
• Introduction, pp. 5–12
• Building the Union Pacific in Nebraska, pp. 13–20
• Plum Creek, pp. 21–24
• Indian Conflicts at Plum Creek, pp. 25–30
• Attack on the Section Crew, pp. 31–38
• The Train Wreck, pp. 39–46
• Pursuit, pp. 47–56
• More Indian Attacks, pp. 57–62
• Thompson's Scalp, pp. 63–74
• Motion Pictures, pp. 75–82
• The Monument, pp. 83–92
• Lexington, pp. 93–100
• Final Thoughts, pp. 101–106
• References and Further Reading, pp. 107–110
• Index, pp. 111–119
• About the Author, pg. 120.Features: New Softcover Thornton Waite South Platte Press

South Platte Press, softcover, 88 pages, 8.5 x 11 in., B&W photographs, maps and illustrations.

Union Pacific West From Leavenworth: A History of the Leavenworth, Kansas & Western Railway by I. E. Quastler This book picks up where Kansas Central Narrow Gauge leaves off in telling the history of the rail line that ran from Leavenworth to Miltonvale, Kansas.

A few years after converting from narrow gauge to standard gauge, the Union Pacific-controlled Kansas Central was purchased at a foreclosure auction for $200,000 and rechristened the Leavenworth, Kansas & Western, with plans to expand the line to the western border of Kansas and northward into Nebraska.

But financial woes dogged the line and in 1908 it was sold to the Union Pacific. Improved highway transportation and losses spurred by the Great Depression caused the UP to abandon nearly all of the LK&W line in 1935.

Contents:

• Preface and acknowledgments pp. 5–6
• Background to the LK&W: The Narrow Gauge Years pp. 7–10
• Kansas Central: The Standard Gauge Years pp. 11–22
• Leavenworth, Kansas & Western pp. 23–44
• Leavenworth Western Branch, Union Pacific Railroad pp. 45–72
• LK&W Remnants: A Pictorial pp. 73–76
• LK&W Locomotive Roster, 1908 p. 77
• Appendix: Data on Operations, 1890-1907 p. 78
• Timetable Appendix p. 79
• Bibliography pp. 85–86
• Index p. 87.

South Platte Press, softcover, 80 pages, 9.5 x 8.5 x.25 in., B&W photographs.

Rock Island Town Fairbury, Nebraska: Western Division by Michael M. Bartels Fairbury, Nebraska was once the headquarters of the Rock Island's Western Division spanning hundreds of miles of territory from the Missouri River to Colorado Rockies.

At its peak the Rock Island employed 600 men and women there. Fairbury had a large combination depot with division offices, a large roundhouse and was a crew-change point on the Rocky Mountain Rocket route between Council Bluffs, Iowa and Phillipsburg, Kansas.

The depot has been restored and is now a museum. The history of the Rock Island in Fairbury is presented with many black-and-white photographs, maps and diagrams.

Contents:

• Acknowledgements, pp. 3–4
• Window on the World, pp. 5–6
• Trails to Rails, pp. 7–16
• The Fairbury Depot, pp. 17–24
• Train Time, pp. 25–32
• Community Ties, pp. 33–42
• Rockets and Rebirth, pp. 43–50
• Diesels and Decline, pp. 51–62
• Death of a Railroad, pp. 63–72
• Landmark Reborn, pp. 73–78
• Bibliography, pp. 79–80
• About the Author, p. 80.