Express, Mail & Merchandise Service describes rail express service and merchandise traffic on railroads from the early 1900s through 1960s when railroad personnel handled packages and merchandise — everything from baby chicks and cornflakes to money and machinery — and got them to their final destination. A wonderful historical reference for modelers and railfans alike.
This book covers:
•Depots, freight houses, and terminals.
•Dedicated trains, special cars, and delivery vehicles.
•Train operation and car movement.
•And much more!
Author: Jeff Wilson
Size: 8.25 x 10.75
Pages: 96
LCL traffic, express, headend cars, stations, operations, and moving mail by rail.
The author gives an accurate summary of all these functions and how they tied into one another, or were competitors (example: parcel post mail vs. express, LCL vs. express). A good description of each activity is explained in enough detail to be of interest both to the casual reader and to the person more involved in the subjects from either a railfan or a modeler perspective.
The modeler will find enough good information and many exemple photos to help in his/her modeling, though more detailed research on car types and dimensions and station styles and construction will be needed from other references to actually create models. Of course, these functions for C&O can be researched through C&OHS.
Overall, this reviewer liked the book and would recommend it for anyone interested in one or all of these areas of railway service that were all so important in the vast, intricate, coordinated, and efficient operation of railroads in the U. S. The modest price makes it a "no-brainer" purchase for most. - I certainly enjoyed it, and learned a few things though I have studied these activities with particular interest all my life. - Tom Dixon
