I’m pleased to announce the release of my new book on VIA Rail. Entitled “Trackside with VIA: The First 35 Years”, the title is a nod to Tom Nelligan’s book on VIA’s first five years, published in 1982. A lot has happened since then, and VIA has completely changed as a corporate entity and its equipment has also advanced several generations in 35 years. 6513 heads No 1 at its Thunder Bay, Ontario in May, 1986 (above). My book lists exactly what equipment was in use for all of those years. Of use to VIA enthusiasts, modellers and owners of Rapido Trains’ fine products, this book will answer some of the commonly-asked questions about VIA’s operations from its infancy until today.
Please see my blog (also shown in sidebar) which includes all information about the book:
http://newviarailbook.blogspot.com
The latest blog post includes ordering information, more specifics on the book, feedback, and a few scans of sample pages which will allow you to see what you’re buying. With a foreword by Jason Shron, and paint transition data by Jakob Mueller, my book includes 114 pages of information and photos, the vast majority of which is previously-unpublished and original. The blog also contains posts on how this project came to be, and the 7+ months of work it took to transcribe, format, proof-read, and finally professionally print the results. It’s a book I’m very happy with, and I trust you will be too.
6 comments:
Congratulations! I'm glad you enjoyed this 'making your own non-fiction railway book' experience. To be honest, there are some interesting and untouched railroad subjects out there that I wouldn't mind writing about myself.
Well Elijah, I'd like to say "Get started writing" but who am I to say that when it took me up to 35 years?
Seriously, my limited experience tells me find a niche that you're interested in, start collecting material and don't wait till it's perfect or you'll never get started.
Thanks for your thoughts on this journey - it continues to be an interesting one for sure.
Eric
Congratulations on your book release! It is gratifying to see the sharing of information. Well Done!
Can I order with paypal or through my LHS?
Hi Robert,
Yes, sharing information is a main motivation for this book. I realized that there was no use having this information in a shoebox, unshared. I also wanted to transcribe it for my own use, and the whole project kind of revolves around both of these motivations.
That others find the information useful and noteworthy is a 'big boat of gravy'.
I realize that VIAphiles are a niche group, and VIAphiles that really get into the detailed data I'm presenting are a micro-niche group, but the response so far indicates that it's a very active and interested micro-niche.
Thanks very much for your positive comment,
Eric
Hi Manny,
Thanks for your question - at present I am busy handling individual customer orders received by mail. (Unfortunately, I'm not setup for PayPal). At the same time, several US and Canadian hobby shops have contacted me about selling my book. So, I am responsive to LHS orders, and I offer reasonable dealer terms.
If you have a LHS that would like to contact me, which will likely occur before I contact them, I am certainly receptive to such inquiries.
Right now, keeping up with individual orders is occupying most of my time with the book. And it's still fun.
Eric
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