J
Jim Musgrove
Guest
The Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac RR Historical Society has published a new book about Amtrak's Auto Train written by Doug Riddell. It can be purchased via their Company Store at www.rfandp.org.
Since I will be taking the Auto Train in 2020, I am considering purchasing the book. But, $60 + $7 for shipping is a bit steep for a book.
Just wanted to let everyone know that there are less than 100 of the original auto-train books left, but enough of the Amtrak's Auto Train book to go around. Get both at www.rfandp.org company store.
but I don't think it's just me that $60 seems a little much for that book.
I can respect your reluctance to buy the book at its $60 price, however, I think that this cost is in line with what most books of this type sell for. In fact, Morning Sun has raised their prices to $69 for their books. This book is rather unique in that it provides the reader with an inside look at how Amtrak brought the auto train concept back to life. Doug Riddell writes in a style that is very easy to read, just as he did with the first auto-train book.
OK,
First I will admit bias, as I am one of the "renowned photographers" who contributed to Doug's Amtrak Auto Train book (though I am not sure renowned is accurate for me!).
Both of Doug's books are excellent, and nearly all of the photos are in color, there are probably over 300 photos in each, and car diagrams in the Amtrak one; both are glossy and hard back. They also tell the whole story about both trains. The new Morning Sun book is a worthy compliment to both, covering both Auto-Train Corp and Amtrak Auto Train with only a couple duplicate photos, but very little on "the story". For both historians and modelers interested in these trains they are "must haves".
Look, I know many of us are on a budget and have to make choices. Frankly though I find $60-70 for a quality informative and specialized product such as these books a bargain. The world of "free stuff" and information on the internet has dulled us to the value of many things. Unfortunately $20-30 books are usually either a low quality mostly black and white soft back or a book no one wanted that is in the bargain bin (next stop, recycling bin).
The RF&P HS is a great organization and got these published with Doug, so check them first. The ACL & SAL HS also stocks them and they should have some available at the train show in Duluth, GA toward the end of August.
Did you know that in 1974, Amtrak planned to thwart Auto Train Corporation’s dreams of tapping the lucrative Midwest-Florida travel market by launching its own competitive service—AutoTrak, between Indianapolis, IN and Poinciana, FL? Were you aware that it was once necessary to secretly get Amtrak President, W. Graham Claytor, Jr., aboard the Silver Meteor at a road crossing near Jacksonville, FL, for fear that nearby local officials would find him, arrest and jail the famed railroad executive? It’s true.
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