When Steam Was King: Sierra Railway, Pickering Lumber Co., West Side Lumber Co.
...While the majority of photos in this book were taken by the author himself, there are many historic views included, most of these photos have not been previously published. The quality of French's photography with a old 4x5 Speed Graphic, has to be seen to be appreciated--these are truly beautiful images, many displayed in two page spreads. The reproduction of the photographs is top notch. Fans of logging railroads and especially the Sierra, Pickering and the West Side will want to check this one out. --Timber TimesWhen you have a self-published book you never know what to expect, but in this case what you'll get is an extremely pleasant surprise. This book contains a lot of photos you've probably never seen before, especiallly of Pickering Lumber. This is an amazing book that covers, Sierra Railway, Pickering Lumber Company and West Side Lumber Company, plus a number of odds and ends. In addition to the stunning photography, there are maps, camp drawing, roster, and othe useful tidbits. Very highly recommended --Tall Timber Short LinesThis book is a fascinating collection of information  about the railroads covered.  For example, the chapter on Sierra Railroad not only covers the history of the line, but includes much more, the 30-inch gauge Yosemite Short Line, steam excursions, tv commercials, movies filmed, time lines and rosters. The Pickering chapter not only contains the author's previously unpublished photos but much more, a descriptîon and photos of the 30-inch Empire City Railroad inclines, list of logging camps essays on camp life and the final days for Pickering Included  are memories and life styles of the railroad workers, roster of Pickering locomotives and a time line. The  town of Standard and its mill are illustrated with photos and a nice plan of the mill--including photos of the unusual mono rail used to move lumber. A great aerial of the whole mill site is a two page spread. The chapter on the West Side Lumber Company includes, after a brief history, much more, descriptions of  early morning at the mill of Heisler #3, of WSLC bridges, stories of life in the camps, recollections of a WSLC fireman and tales of the end of WSLC. There is a tribute to railroad photographer Richard Steinheimer including several pages of his famous nighttime photos, a list of WSLC Camps, a locomotive roster and a time line. The book ends with a tribute to Ephraim Shay, a list of railroad parks, and photos of the authors' favorite railroads. I found this new book to be full of beautifully reproduced phtos, many double-page.  The variety of information, especially the detailed maps and track plans, which will be valuable to railfans and modelers alike. Bob Brown --Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette