|
Powder River Basin by Ernest H Robl Spiral Bound
Powder River Basin by Ernest H Robl
Spiral Bound
176 pages
Copyright 2000
CONTENTS
Preface
Versions and formatv
1. Why the Powder River Basin 1-1
2. Essential reading2-1
3. Setting the stage3-1
4. Fixed plant and rolling stock 4-1
5. Railroad operations5-1
6. Radio use6-1
7. Mining 7-1
8. Preparations and precautions8-1
9. Photography9-1
10. From the air 10-1
11. The one-week circle tour 11-1
12. Crawford via the Cowboy Line 12-1
13 Itinerary options 13-1
14. Notable PRB locations 14-1
15. Accommodations 15-1
16. Other attractions 16-1
17. Resources17-1
18. Postscript 18-1
PREFACE
A personal note
The first time I stood atop Logan Hill in Wyoming and watched and listened as inbound coal train after coal train received permission to pull within the preceding train's limits, stretching nose to tail for nearly a dozen miles, I knew that, in the words of the John Denver song, I had come home to a place I had never been before.
I had seen one too many abandoned track, either slowly succumbing to weeds or its rails entirely gone. I had seen even class I railroads operating over less-than-perfect mainline tracks, hobbled by slow-orders which didn't matter that much because the trains were spaced hours apart and the entire plant was underutilized.
In the Powder River Basin, on the other hand, the railroads couldn't lay tracks fast enough to handle the business. Yes, in the PRB, they are still laying new tracks. They were doing so on my first visit in 1995; they were still doing so on my third visit in the fall of 1997. They were still doing so on my fourth visit in late spring of 1999. They are still doing so now.
Why this Book
A personal note
The first time I stood atop Logan Hill in Wyoming and watched and listened as inbound coal train after coal train received permission to pull within the preceding train's limits, stretching nose to tail for nearly a dozen miles, I knew that, in the words of the John Denver song, I had come home to a place I had never been before.
I had seen one too many abandoned track, either slowly succumbing to weeds or its rails entirely gone. I had seen even class I railroads operating over less-than-perfect mainline tracks, hobbled by slow-orders which didn't matter that much because the trains were spaced hours apart and the entire plant was underutilized.
In the Powder River Basin, on the other hand, the railroads couldn't lay tracks fast enough to handle the business. Yes, in the PRB, they are still laying new tracks. They were doing so on my first visit in 1995; they were still doing so on my third visit in the fall of 1997. They were still doing so on my fourth visit in late spring of 1999. They are still doing so now.
Why this book
Another of my books, AMERICA'S CLASSIC RAILROAD PLACES: A GEOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY OF NORTH AMERICAN RAILROAD LOCATIONS-see the back of this book for an extended description and ordering information-devotes several listings to the Powder River Basin and associated locations. However, each of the listings simply concentrates on providing basic information about the named locations.
Simple compilations of facts are often not enough when planning a visit to an area as large and complex as the Powder River Basin. So, here I've tried to combine background information with practical tips for everything from planning a trip to where to stay and even outlined a possible itinerary (with many options for modifications).
More than just a place to be seen, the Powder River Basin is a place to be experienced.
This guide does not tell you every possible fact about the PRB. Such a comprehensive work would be far to large and unwieldy to take with you on your travels. For example, most visitors interested in railroad operations in the PRB are not particularly interested in technical specifications of coal produced by a particular mine.
Rather, this guide tries to ensure that, with limited time, you can see the representative features and operations of the area, while being aware of their significance.
I've tried to avoid making this book simply a "go there; turn left" type of guidebook, though I would be remiss in not describing specific travel routes-and what you will encounter along the way.
Neither have I tried to impose my photographic view, by telling you to stand at a particularly location and point your camera in a particular direction. Rather, I've tried to point out that you may see interesting action at a particular location-and left it to you to decide whether you want to photograph that action at ground level or climb a nearby hill (provided it does not involve trespassing) to get a view from there.
Once you've started with the features included here, you will undoubtedly find other areas to explore, depending on your specific interests. This guide should help you in getting started and save you time, especially during your first
All pictures are of the actual item. There may be reflection from the lights in some photos. We try to take photos of any damage. If this is a railroad item, this material is obsolete and no longer in use by the railroad. Please email with questions. Publishers of Train Shed Cyclopedias and Stephans Railroad Directories. Large inventory of railroad books and magazines. Thank you for buying from us.
Shipping charges
US Shipments: Ebay will add $1.25 each additional items, there are a few exceptions.
Ebay Global shipping charges are shown. These items are shipped to Kentucky and forwarded to you. Ebay collects the shipping and customs / import fees. Refunds may be issued if you add multiple items to your cart and pay with one payment. For direct postage rates to these countries, send me an email. Shipping varies by weight.
Payment options
Payment must be received within 7 days. Paypal is accepted.
Terms and conditions
All sales are final. Returns accepted if item is not as described. Contact us first. No warranty is stated or implied. Please e-mail us with any questions before bidding.
Thanks for looking at our items.
| 
