"Birmingham Rails"

You guys better run out and get your copy of "Birmingham Rails, The Last Golden Era, From World War II to Amtak" by Marvin Clemons and Lyle Key (ISBN :13:978-0-615-14353-8). The title says it all-- An excellent railroad history of the era. Lots of Frisco coverage (as well as of the other Birmingham roads). And for those of us in the middle of the country, plenty of daytime photos of the Frisco trains that ran through our region at night (Kansas City, Springfield, St. Louis). Also, some EXCELLENT maps of the B'ham area--wish the rest of "Frisco Nation" was so well mapped! Finally, there's a roster shot of the KC-Fla.Special diner "Birmingham" to die for!

Tom

 

Tom,

Thank you for recommending "Birmingham Rails" to this board. My co-author, Lyle Key, and I split up subject matter according to our interests, and Frisco was one of Lyle's favorites. Not to brag -- oh, why not! -- but Lyle did an excellent job pulling together some of his favorite Frisco material. As you mentioned, we gave extensive coverage to diner-lounge "Birmingham," including some remarkable interior views provided by Louis Griesemer. The Frisco chapter is the second longest in the book, right behind Tom Lawson's in-depth analysis of Birmingham's industrials.

If you're a fan of Frisco or other Birmingham "fallen flags," this book will not disappoint. But as you say, "better hurry." We've sold nearly 2/3 of the limited edition in just the first three months, and Christmas is still a month away!

Best regards,
Marv Clemons
Red Mountain Press

(Others, please note: "Birmingham Rails" is available through our website at www.birminghamrails.com with free shipping through the holiday).

 

I'd like to recommend also the Green Frog video "Passenger Trains Of The 60's" volume 3 which features co-author Lyle Key's movie photography of passenger railroading in the (same as the book) Birmingham area. There are probably FORTY run-bys of Frisco trains (maybe more)! Great shots of engines and equiupment on the "Kansas City-Florida Special," "Sunnyland" and "Southland" plus passenger trains of the Southern, L&N, Seaboard, IC etc. Interesting in the video to see Southern's version of the "KC-Fla.-Special." Volumes 1 and 2 are good also. All three volumes are now on one DVD!

Tom

 

Thanks for letting late comers such as myself in on these items.

 

My copy of Birmingham Rails just arrived from Caboose Hobbies. It's a very worthy addition to the collection of any Frisco fan.

 

It was a "strong" suggestion to my son for a Christmas present for ole dad. Doug

 

Great book! Christmas present from my son and daughter-in-law. She has relatives in Birmingham. I'm about 2/3rds through it and have gained an appreciation for the Seaboard. What a beautiful variety of motive power.

The Frisco photos are wonderful.

Doug

 

Do any of you have the new T.R.R.A. book? It was advertised in a monthly Walthers flyer that arrived in today's mail. Have a great 2008 and start/progress/finish your layouts. Doug

 

Ken, Doug--What is the actual title, author, ISBN etc?

Thanks, Tom

 

Thanks Ken! I was wondering when somebody would do such a book. Every time I see one of those wide shots at the SLUS, I have a feast. I find new stuff in those St. Louie photos every time I look.

Tom

 

The industrial railroad section lists a few ex-Frisco 0-6-0's that were used in various steel mills up to the late 50's/early 60's. Fascinating stuff. How'd they ever keep track of all those roster changes? Doug

 

Re: "Birmingham Rails" (+ TRRA book)

Guys--I just got my copy of Greg Stout's "TRRA in Color" and it's really nice! As far as I'm concerned there can't ever be too many of those panoramic views around the St. Louis Station! Every one in the book shows a feast of modeling and rail fanning information. Dozens of cars, engines and equipment in every photo! There's a shot of a new "racehorse" E-unit (2018) that jumps off the page!
I'd like to editorialize a little here: "Back the day" (when the paint was new and shiny) there was no streamliner ANYWHERE that was foxier than the Texas Special or Meteor! No Santa Fe, no UP, no NYC, no City of Anywhere--nobody's! Living in Springfield (the trains arrived way after dark), I never got a good daylight view--they must have been something to see flashing by in the sunlight around St. Louis or in Texas or Oklahoma.

Tom

 

This pasted e-mail was just sent out by one of the authors, Doug:

>>>>>

Greetings! Please forgive the group email, but we're working on short notice and want to get the word out quickly to as many of our friends as possible.

As you may know, since its release in August our limited edition of "Birmingham Rails" has had a remarkable run. We are greatly indebted to you and the many others who have helped make the book a success. Now with fewer than 100 copies left, we're going to wrap things up with a "farewell" book signing in (where else?) Birmingham. And to highlight the occasion, we've invited "the man who started it all," Frank Ardrey, to join us. Frank is remarkably sharp for his 88 years, and enjoys nothing more than talking with fans about Birmingham and southeastern rail photography during his heyday.

The book signing is being held in conjunction with the Smokey City Rail Show on Saturday, March 29th. We would appreciate your help in publicizing this rare opportunity to meet and talk with one of the true legends of southeastern rail photography. Please give the attached announcement and map the widest distribution possible to your email list and message boards.

Thanks again for your help, and if your plans permit, we hope you'll drop by the show for a visit with Frank "and the boys."

Best regards,
Marv Clemons
Red Mountain Press

 

very nice photo's of the frisco in birmingham.i also like the shot from the jasper depot,which is now gone.those signal's are going to be replaced very soon,because i've seen new one's on the ground.