No comments about The Big Book of Ford Tractors: The Complete Model-by-Model Encyclopedia...Plus Classic Toys, Brochures, and Collectibles.

1 comments about Train Wrecks: A Pictorial History of Accidents on the Main Line.

1. I received this book (first edition) for Christmas as a boy, and although at the time I was looking for something more generic regarding railroading, I was pleasantly surprised with it, and over the years it has become one of my favorite train books.

   Railroading was probably not the most dangerous of professions or means of transportation, but as the dust jacket attests, it certainly wasn't the safest. I was surprised to learn how often steam locomotives actually blew up, sending giant hulks of boiler and iron hundreds of feet into the air, or literally miles from the scene of the accident. Until new designs in car couplers and car construction were invented, many passenger cars would actually "telescope" into each other when wrecked, with the obvious results of death or maiming of passengers. Factor in things like split rails, bridge wash-outs, incorrectly aligned track, bad weather...there were many factors that could lead to severe accidents on the railroad.

   This book provides interesting photos of just about every imaginable type of train accident, some of which are very old. While the text explains the different types of accidents that can befall the railroad, it also provides insight into how the railroads have progressed technologically and the impacts those advances have had on railroad safety.

   Overall, the book is a light read for an adult, but it kept me captivated as a young person. The photos are what make the book, and like a moth to a flame, will make you come back again for another look.

2 comments about American Locomotives in Historic Photographs: 1858 To 1949 (Trains).

1. In the early development of locomotives, few photographs exist prior to the 1860s. Ravages of time and the fragile nature of glass negatives eliminated many photographs and some only exist today as third generation copy negatives, devoid of most details. However, through the collection of Mr. William A. Rogers' builder photographs, we can witness the details of the original locomotives as they rolled of the production line. Historically, builder photographs are important because the photos documents the locomotive "as built" by the locomotive manufacturer. Because almost all locomotives were altered during their lifetimes with the addition of equipment or the repair of equipment with parts from other locomotives, these builder photos represent a snapshot of the original configuration of the manufacturer.
   
   The Rogers collection illustrated in "American Locomotives" are "builder portraits." Customarily, one engine from an order was selected as the "official portrait" and was usually a side view or a partial view of the front showing the driving rods in a lowered position and no escaping stream or smoke. According to the author, almost all official portraits were taken in low light or on cloudy days. "American Locomotives" presents both old and rare locomotive builder portraits from the Rogers collection as well as later versions of locomotives that ran in the 1940s and 1950s. The author has managed to research the locomotives illustrated in the book and add a short note describing each locomotive. The one short coming of this book is that the reader is often left begging for additional information about particular locomotives, but that is what the reference section of libraries are for. Overall, the book "American Locomotives" is an outstanding addition to any train buff's collection.



2. If you want to acquire a collection of photographs tracing the entire history of American steam locomotive development, this is the book. It is limited to builders' portraits, and has no photos of locomotives "in action". The book is chronologically organized, and photos are chosen to illustrate the different types of engines produced, with many pictures of rare and one-of-a-kind designs, like the 2-8-8-8-4T. Some engines built for foreign railroads are included, as are elevated-railway locomotives. A great picture book.

1 comments about Greenberg's Guide Lionel Trains 1901- 2005 Pocket Price Guide (Greenberg's Pocket Price Guide Lionel Trains).

1. When it comes to concise and easy to use price guides to Lionel Trains I have found Greenberg's Guides to be invaluable. It breaks the catalogue numbers down into eras or distinct ranges of years of production and lists price ranges based on condition in a very orderly fashion. If you sell or buy on eBay this is a valuable tool. Greenberg's Lionel Trains Guides and publications are all first rate and come highly recommended.

1 comments about Winged Defense: The Development and Possibilities of Modern Air Power--Economic and Military (Dover Books on History, Political and Social Science).

1. "Winged Defense" is a collection of Brig. General Billy Mitchell's publications during the dark days of the interwar period between the World Wars. General Mitchell, the strongest advocate for an independent Air Force, frequently wrote on the future capabilities of Air Power. It took nearly sixty years for many of his predictions to come true.
   
   The book is a reproduction of many of those original papers. The typeset used for the book will look unusual to many readers, as the articles are published close to how they first appeared. In any case, the quaint print only serves to reinforce the truly prophetic words of a true visionary.
   
   This books needs to be on the reading list for every student of Air Power. Only after reading it, can you appreciate the genius of Billy Mitchell.

No comments about Horses and Horse-Drawn Vehicles: A Pictorial Archive (Dover Pictorial Archive Series).

No comments about Historic Vehicles in Miniature: The Genius of Ivan Collins.

5 comments about Toy Car Collector's Guide: Identification and Values for Diecast, White Metal, Other Automotive Toys & Models (Toy Car Collectors Guide).

1. Do not spend your money on this and all Dana books.Unless you want to see a bunch of letters and photos of listed cars that are not a collector items.Majorette items do half of the book.If you are lookin for a book on die cast models cars,buy something by an english.



2. I've just seen this book at a local bookstore. I was pretty excited when I found it and started to browse. But then, I became a little disappointed! The author gives a few pages to companies like Corgi and Dinky, and far too many to Majorette. I would say that the Majorette part is almost one tenth of the book! Overall the photos are pretty good and there's some good information too.
   I didn't buy it, but maybe I would later, and only if I find it at a very, VERY, low price!



3. The books has many companies listed and gives histories but gives a generic price range. I mainly purchased this book for 1:18 scale models and was sad to see that a roughly half of my collection is not even listed in the book.



4. This book has a review on almost every kind of toy car, but leaves out the prices of a lot of them. There is almost no selection for hot-wheels, but there is a lot of selection for matchbox. My problem is that I have cars with no model numbers, which makes this book useless. I was able to find ERTL and a few others I had though.



5. A great new, year 2002 softbound 336 page volume. There are more than 800 brands of cars included, from 1910 to 2000. An interesting history is provided, as well as current values and buying and selling tips. The book covers Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Corgi, Johnny Lightning,Tomica and more. There's detailed information about scale, evaluating models, and insights into buying and selling. Comprehensive guide for the collector.

5 comments about An Illustrated Guide To Gas Pumps: Identification And Price Guide.

1. While I would like to see more real pics, the drawings do a fine job of identifying the various pumps. Think the glossary could be expanded to include more terms. All in all, I am glad to have the book in my library.



2. We were very disappointed with the book. We were hoping it would have pictures of old gas pumps and how they should be painted. All it shows is old gas pumps but most are black and white and seem to be drawings instead of actual pictures.



3. The book was done very well. It was a great help to me in getting started in the collecting of Gas Pumps.



4. This is an excellent book to provide information, model identity and value of old gas pumps. We have used this book to identify and purchase many pumps. It goes with us on every exploration. I highly recomend it to anyone interested in buying old pumps or just haveing a interest in them.



5. This book has been a great help to me for identifying and costing pumps that I might want to add to my collection. Nothing published to date even compares.

1 comments about Cutwater: Speedboats and Launches from the Golden Age of Boating.

1. Anyone who loves classic wooden boats - and even anyone who doesn't - will find this photographically stunning book a joy to open. And have trouble putting down once they have.
   That's how beautiful Duncan's full-color images are, and how easy-going they'll find the text. Its brevity and light touch leave the reader wanting to know more. And see more of Duncan's compelling photographs of boats old and new that almost defy description in their pursuit of aethetic - and mechanical - perfection.

   It's a perfect gift for any boat lover in need or not. Think Christmas, think birthday, think any empty coffee table. Treat yourself. The very beauty of such hand-crafted masterpieces is an indulgence worth enjoying any time.