Lavishly illustrated and a joy to read, this authoritative reference work on the North American continent's railroads covers the U.S., Canadian, Mexican, Central American, and Cuban systems. The encyclopedia's over-arching theme is the evolution of the railroad industry and the historical impact of its progress on the North American continent. This thoroughly researched work examines the various aspects of the industry's development: technology, operations, cultural impact, the evolution of public policy regarding the industry, and the structural functioning of modern railroads. More than 500 alphabetical entries cover a myriad of subjects, including numerous entries profiling the principal companies, suppliers, manufacturers, and individuals influencing the history of the rails. Extensive appendices provide data regarding weight, fuel, statistical trends, and more, as well as a list of 130 vital railroad books. Railfans will treasure this indispensable work.

William D. Middleton is the author of more than 20 books and many hundreds of articles on rail transportation, engineering, and travel topics. He lives in Charlottsville, Virginia.

George M. Smerk taught transportation at Indiana University for more than 40 years. He has written extensively on urban transportation. The most recent of his five books is The Federal Role in Urban Mass Transportation. He lives in Bloomington, Indiana.

Roberta L. Diehl was a sponsoring editor at Indiana University Press until her retirement. She lives in Bloomington, Indiana.

PrefaceAcknowledgmentsOverview Essays Development of North American Railroads Keith L. Bryant, Jr. A Social History of American Railroads H. Roger Grant Technology and Operating Practice in the 19th Century John H. White, Jr. Technology and Operating Practice in the 20th Century William D. Middleton Rebuilding a New Rail System Don PhillipsGeneral EntriesAppendix A: A Statistical Abstract of the Railroads of North AmericaAppendix B: MapsAppendix C: Glossary of Railroad TermsAppendix D: 130 Most Notable Railroad BooksIndex