Ghost Trains: Images from America's Railroad Heritage Hardcover – April 1, 2014

The book's title, and the description provided by Amazon are misleading. While the photography and text can be interesting, this book has very little in the way of "Ghost Trains". Most of the sections of the book address various operating trains, many restored steam locomotives, many diesel locomotives, and even Amtrac trains. One of the 22 sections does shows some views of a derelict steam locomotive, or possibly two. One section focuses solely on the restored terminal at Kansas City. Of an estimated 300 photographs in the book, less than ten were of inoperable locomotives. Many more were of restored terminals, hotels, hotel lobbies, actors, production staff, behind the scenes photos of trains used in making movies, pristine coaches and dining cars, along with staff, two cranes in flight, and even several of an antique three-engined aircraft. There were some nice photos of trains crossing majestic viaducts, but no photos of derelict rail lines, as described. The description stresses the presence of steam locomotives, but there are many photos of diesel drawn trains and Amtrac trains, as well as a number of photos not related to railroading at all, such as a small boat in a lake, a indian in ceremonial garb, even an Amish wagon passing a farmhouse.The description of the book reads "Ghost Trains features a new selection of James P. Bell's evocative black and white photographs of the remains of the American steam railroad. The book contains accounts of twenty-three iconic railroad journeys from around the country, fully illustrated with Bell's atmospheric images of trains under full steam, rusting locos, derelict branch lines, roundhouses, depots, and the rotting remains of once mighty rail tracks. Ghost Trains is a visual feast for any one interested in American steam, and its once-mighty railroad network."While some of the content may be of interest to steam railroading buffs, this book does not stay true to its title or item description. I was disappointed with the content.

J.P. Bell is a trains train photographer that brings to life steam locomotives from the past. Many folks today have not been around during the "heyday " of live steam trains both freight an passenger . They have no idea what it takes to revive a static locomotive back to live steam and the enormous amounts of money involved to make that happen . That just for starters . The support involved is next to impossible as not many folks know how to work and restore one back to operational . Before you can run you have to have track agreements from real railroads that do not want your engine on their track to start with, then there is liability insurance that is ' sky-high" and then you must have 9K gallons of water every 100 miles along with fuel that is not available in every town. Last you need an experienced crew to run and keep running while you are on the "road". by the way the ticket to ride this train for two to four days is going to give your banker a big smile. Oh I forgot to tell you ,in addition you must have the boiler certified which cost about 200K before you light a fire ,then inspected every year. So when Mr. J.P. Bell hears about a live steam trip that is planed for some part of this land you can be sure he has camera packed and a road map out to trace the route that he can follow . While the train is moving you have about 20 seconds to take some shots and then jump in your car , drive like a maniac to the next spot ahead of the speeding train. So I can assure you his photographs have been well planed along with excellent equipment and a lots of train chasing experience. This Book is well worth the price and a skill that some may equal but none excel . Well Done Mr. J.P. Bell !

Shipping was great, its in fantastic condition, great price. I love this book because its more then just erie pictures of trains, its also ghost stories of stations, depots, and wrecks. Its out of print ans way too expensive at the stores. Im glad i was able to get it at such a good price and good shipping/condition.

Some delightful images. Very much a personal journey so don't expect a comprehensive review. It makes for a good biographical read as well as being a great collection of images.

interesting if your a train buff

Many good pictures. Most are of newer shots in B&W to give the old effect.Nice blend of mainly eastern and some southern RR's. Lots of pictures in anyevent. Well worth the price!!!

Very disappointed in this book. It mainly does not concern past running train lines, but is on some modern train lines that did not exist until recently. Of the 23 chapters, only a few deal with what I would have expected to read about older train lines.

Dramatic, sharp, well composed black and white photographs are the defining features of J. P. Bell's work. This collection recalls the era of the steam engine and brings back memories to those of us who recall it. A beautiful piece of work.