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The Train of Tomorrow (Railroads Past and Present) | 
 enlarge | Author: Ric Morgan
Publisher: Indiana University Press
Category: Book
List Price: $49.95
Buy New: $34.04
You Save: $15.91 (32%)
New (15) Used (8) from $21.48
Avg. Customer Rating:  4 reviews
Sales Rank: 1118637
Media: Hardcover
Edition: First
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 211
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2.3
Dimensions (in): 11.1 x 8.5 x 0.9
ISBN: 0253348420
Dewey Decimal Number: 625.23
EAN: 9780253348425
ASIN: 0253348420
Publication Date: March 30, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
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Book Description
The Train Of Tomorrow was a concept train built by General Motors to promote the sales of diesel locomotives by its Electro-Motive Division. It featured a newly crafted dome car, the brainchild of Cyrus R. Osborn, general manager of EMD at the time. Completed in 1947, the four-car train became a postwar symbol of American know-how and promised a bright future for the railroads. That same year the train began a 28-month tour of the United States and Canada, and then was sold to the Union Pacific, which put the cars into daily service. In the mid-1960s, the cars were sold for scrap and believed lost. This book restores the Train Of Tomorrow to its rightful place in history. It includes nearly 200 photographs, drawings, and documents, as well as the diary kept during its inaugural tour.
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| Customer Reviews:
The Train of Tomorrow January 29, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Perhaps my review of this book will not be as technical as a review should be. But for me, The Train of Tomorrow is as much about emotions, as it is the wonderfully laid out details of the Trains manufacture.
As a boy of 10 in 1948, my brother and I were taken to see the Train while it was on exhibit in Dallas. My Dad was serving as a GM Host on one of the cars, and my memories of that evening, are a composite of the awesome beauty of the Train, especially the sleek and powerful locomotive, but also of the excitement of the event. It was something one might expect from a movie star gala of some kind, so many important people everywhere - or so it seemed in the eyes of a 10 year old. Mr. Morgan's book brought back all those good and positive feelings of starry eyed amazement. As my mind has drifted back to it, I still find myself being uplifted by that memorable event and that special, beautiful Train. I never gave any thought as to why it had such an emotional impact on me until I read the book. This is what it was developed to do, to uplift and encourage; and my ongoing positive feelings about it stands as testimony of the genius of the project and its planning.
As Mr. Morgan brings out, the Train resulted from the forward, creative thinking of one GM executive. His vision was to get the country traveling again, enjoying the great outdoors; and, by rail - which is interesting since GM is in the car business. Also brought out, is that they even declined to put a patent on their new dome design, which again, is even more than interesting. This Train was not about making money. It was about promoting the healing of a wounded nation just after WWII; about getting the nation going, and its modern dome car was designed just for that purpose. The project, if I've grasped it correctly, was about reassuring America, that we have not only survived, but by this Train as witness, we are sleek, fast, modern and powerful....come and see! And, they did. I was positively imprinted by it for the rest of my life. Even its name was part of the brilliant PR package, for the Train of Tomorrow....was truly about a bright tomorrow. The whole project was absolutely amazing.
I found the meticulous building of the model particularly fascinating; miniature people for each car, down to miniature furniture, dishes and even food items in the kitchen. That this elegant and important piece of American history was sold, worn out, and sold again for scrap metal in the 60's, broke my heart.
Thanks to researcher and writer Ric Morgan for his talent, heart and diligence. His book captures the true essence of the Train, which includes its purpose, and preserves its rightful place in history forever. Also, thanks to Indiana University Press for publishing it, and especially to General Motors for their vision and ability to bring the project into reality. Every home should have a copy of this book, for The Train of Tomorrow is far more than just another train book.
TOT a must for any railroad enthusiast January 10, 2008
I am the librarian and archivist at the Ogden Union Station which houses the Utah State Railroad Museum. The museum happens to own the last remaining car from the Train of Tomorrow. It is the Moon Glow, the lounge car at the end of the train. I began volunteering at the Union Station 10 years ago. I became aware of Dr. Morgan's original manuscript and long efforts to publish his work. Thanks to Indiana University Press, the book has finally seen the light of day!! And what a book it is. A record of an entire train from design concept through building and operation and ultimate death through scrapping except for one remnant...the aforementioned Moon Glow.
Dr. Morgan's text is unique in that it takes one on a "walking" tour through the train as if you were back in 1947 and being personally escorted through the locomotive and each car. The photographs are extensive, covering everything from full length photos of the train to the air conditioning system, dishes and silverware in the diner.
The reviewer for "Trains", the most popular rail fan magazine, called the book a masterpiece and I couldn't agree more.
Train Of Tomorrow is a Read Today. December 17, 2007
At first glance I did not care for this book. Yes, I judged the book by its cover. Guilty.However, after reading this well thought out and well researched book I found the author to be passionate about his love for this historic train. There are some great photos, some I have never seen before. Mr Morgan blends buisness, technical matters and history into a entertaining volume. It should be noted that all proceds from this book goes towards the restoration of the passenger car Moon Glow. I believe this man walks his talk. Enough said. Cheers to you Mr. Morgan.
Best book on this subject. April 25, 2007
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
The author accomplished what no previous one has done was to document a post-war "concept" train from start to finish. His research is well done as he made use of General Motors, Pullman Techology, Electro-Motive Division and Union Pacific archieves to include photos, trip logs, press releases, and bill of sales.
The author states he is not a railfan, and in some of his writing he shows it. But forgot the little mis-informed mistakes and enjoy the book as a history of the state of the nation's railroad after VJ Day.
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