Category Archives: Books

Book Review: Koll’s Katalog’s 1996 + 1997

The first attempt at publishing catalogs for Marklin Z collectors were the Koll’s Katalog’s of 1996 and 1997, they formed the basis for an archive including a chronological list with very good illustrations. As with all Koll’s catalogs prices were provided in DM, but with all collectibles prices cannot be frozen in time and as of this writing certain valuations are either too low or too high if one were to track selling prices on the secondary market today. Eliminate the pricing feature and we are left with a very good archive of Marklin Z produced until 1996 and 1997 respectively. These catalogs are highly sought after, they were produced in small number, and they are long out of print. Every serious collection needs books for reference thus it can be important to study the hobby with these Koll’s catalogs.

Book Review: Collection Marklin Spur Z

Here is a book released with a loco or vice versa. Marklin 88422 BR 111 of the DB with experimental paint scheme was released in 2015 as the Nurnberg Toy Fair loco, it came complete with the complete ‘regular’ production Marklin Z catalog: Collection Marklin Spur Z, modellplan GbR, Goppingen, Germany, 2015. The nearly 800 page catalog is loaded with the complete list of ‘regular’ production Marklin Z each illustrated with description (German language only) including year/years produced and class/type. Not only was the locomotive a very cool addition, but the book is essential for every collector of Marklin Z. Without the book collectors have no way to fully appreciate the sheer size of Marklin Z’s produced to date, it also is an archival reference for versions. One version that would have gone unnoticed without the catalog is 88219 which is the BR 213 diesel locomotive, it came in two versions: one with lettering at one end of the loco and a second version without lettering. Two versions of this limited run loco makes each a true rarity. One other useful feature of this catalog are the operating numbers provided in the description, maybe useful if you need to verify item number with car if you bought from secondary market. Marklin is producing new Z items with great gusto these days so follow-ups to this catalog are expected. This much anticipated and successful archive and catalog is due to the brilliant work of its author Mr. Thomas Zeeb. This soon to be unavailable anywhere loco and book set are still available from ajckids.com

Book Review: So You Want to Build a Live Steam Locomotive

As the name suggests this is a book for building locos thus it is for serious railroaders that want to put into practice what live steam locos are all about. This is the best book on the topic, but expertise in machining is required or access to a talented machinist with a fabrication shop. Very infrequently a used live steam loco is available to buy, some of these locos were custom built while others were manufactured by specialty locomotive works for amusement parks or private garden railways. In light of the development of the steam locomotive in the mid 19th century mid size and smaller locos were also produced. Some English manor houses in the 19th century even included small trains to cross their large properties. Today these rare live steam locos of small scale may need full restoration to produce steam again safely. If your hobby ever expands to a loco that puffs steam and sports a seat this book will be a great guidebook to understand the complexities of these machines. But never do anything with steam on your own seek out the assistance of those with experience, this book being a helpful guide only: So You Want to Build a Live Steam Locomotive, Wildwood Publications, 1974.

Book Review: Greenberg’s Model Railroading with Marklin Z

Marklin has published several books on Z gauge, they invented the gauge, and their books help to explore the full potential of Z gauge including layout design and practical wiring. Greenberg’s Model Railroading with Marklin Z written by Riley O’Connor is a further explanation of what has been offered by the Marklin books, but it is also written in English. Numerous color illustrations cover layout design, wiring and accessories. A good introductory book for those new to ‘Z’, but not a replacement for the Marklin ‘Layout’ book written only in German it provides good illustrations that somewhat negate the need for English translation. Plus the Marklin layout book give excellent layout designs that can be modified, each includes a complete list of track that is needed for each layout. Having both the Greenberg book and Marklin layout book the ‘Z’ hobbyist will be provided with a good foundation for designing and building a layout.

Book Review: From the Dining Car

Another James Porterfield book about dining on trains is From the Dining Car, St. Martin’s Press, 2004. Lot’s of recipes for fine dining on special and excursions train trips. More than a revival of meals on railroads of yesterday this volume represents what can be plated for you today with the many fine excursion trains operating today. If you like food and cooking this book will offer many enticing meals to try. Many interested in food often describe a good meal with some memory attached to it, what could be better than combining a good meal with a good train trip. James Porterfield’s books on railroad dining are well written and researched, I highly recommend them to collectors of cookbooks and of course railroaders.

Book Review: Dining by Rail

Dining by Rail was published in 1993 by St. Martin’s Griffins, its author James D. Porterfield provides his book’s context as “The History and Recipes of America’s Golden Age of Railroad Cuisine.” The first half of the book provides an historical summary of dining on trains, the second half includes recipes from numerous railroads. Unlike hotel chefs the railroad chefs had to contend with cramped quarters that constantly rocked back and forth thereby creating a unique cooking environment, but those chefs performed and performed well creating signature dishes from simple to complex. Through food we can bring these railroads back to life and this cookbook provides some of those recipes. Remember the New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad (?) here you will find its old recipes for Chicken Cadillac, Creamed Shrimps and Oysters En Casserole, and Savory Mushroom Dressing. Or the PRR’s Baked Potato Pennsylvania and Pennepicure Pie a light raisin meringue dessert. Even a few recipes for The Reading Lines is included. Great book to check out. Perhaps host a dinner party with your railroad buddies.

International Library of Technology Series

The International Library of Technology Series of books was published by the International Textbook Company of Scranton, PA at the beginning of the 20th century. The series covered technologies current to 1900, and it also included books on electric and steam train technology. The two books of this series in my collection include: ELECTRIC RAILWAYS and ELECTRIC RAILWAYS: EFFICIENCY TESTS and CONVERTERS, 1905 and 1908 respectively. From the historical perspective of early train technology this series is fun to study, but some understanding of the topic is helpful, they maybe old, but they are highly technical with numerous engravings to support the text. If you volunteer at a trolley museum you will find these books helpful and likewise steam. This is an overlooked series of books that are very reasonably priced, but they are priceless for their historical perspective. Highly recommended.

Book Review: Jane’s “Train Recognition Guide”

Jane’s Train Recognition Guide, Harper-Collins, 2005 is as the name suggests a “train recognition guide.” With almost 500 pages this small format softbound book is meant to be carried around on train spotting adventures around the world. As an anthology of the world of trains it is very good, it’s scope are current trains from around the world. What it does well it does exceptionally well, each locomotive type is categorized by country with build date, number built, pulling specs, power rating and other technical details reserved for the geek in all of us railroading types. For the trains included this is an exceptional book

Book Review: The Pictorial Encyclopedia of Railways

Train anthologies are great for casual railroading study. The several types of train anthologies in my collection are trains of the world and recognition guides. The serious railroad library probably contain few anthologies due to the non specialized nature of these books, but they are helpful for certain European and Asian trains that have not made it into specialized publications. The Pictorial Encyclopedia of Railways, Crown Publishers, 1968 is a very good book that seamlessly covers railroading from “Primeval Steam” up to the current technology of 1968. Illustrated with hundreds of photogravure plates with some color illustrations this 500 plus page book is exceptionally good and well written. Every library should include a copy.

Book Review: The Pennsylvania Railroad Volume 1: 1846-1917

The Pennsylvania Railroad Volume 1: Building an Empire, 1846-1917, University of Pennsylvania Press, 2013 chronicles the early formation of the PRR from the mid 19th century until the beginning of a new century. Its author Mr. Albert J. Churella gives insight into the political, cultural and business perspective of America’s great railroad the PRR. More than 900 pages of text with few photos this is the benchmark book covering the first 71 years of the PRR. An interesting insight of the book is that credit for the PRR’s expansion was due in large part to political involvement in state and federal government including where track was laid. Never a dull moment, this book delivers lively text covering the very rich history of this railroad. As of this writing volume 2 has not been published, it will cover 1917 until 1968. Published in 2013 it is still available on Amazon or your favorite railroad book store.

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