Build your railroad library - $10.00 for first volume, $5.00 for each additional volume in order!
Commencing in 1956 and proceeding through the next 16 years excluding updates, the Lehigh Valley Chapter NRHS used what would now be called crowd sourcing to create a series of seven volumes painting a comprehensive portrait of the railroad and interurban history of the Lehigh River region. Editor Randolph Kulp oversaw the efforts of historians, photographers, carriers, equipment manufacturers, and both active and retired railroad and transit employees. The resulting books, described by category below, are a "must have" addition to the reference library of anyone interested in the region's railroad and interurban heritage. We are commencing sales of these volumes on the site by requesting that you order via mail, using the order form you can access using the following link:
Railroads
Railroads in the Lehigh River Valley
Presents the rich history of the lines serving the area drained by the Lehigh River, including the anthracite roads, the PRR Bel Del, and short lines. Contributors to the original 1956 edition included all the carriers destined to become "fallen flags" pre-Conrail. Organized by rail company and updated in both text and pictures into the Conrail era. 128 pages, numerous black and white photos, spiral bound.
Presents the rich history of the lines serving the area drained by the Lehigh River, including the anthracite roads, the PRR Bel Del, and short lines. Contributors to the original 1956 edition included all the carriers destined to become "fallen flags" pre-Conrail. Organized by rail company and updated in both text and pictures into the Conrail era. 128 pages, numerous black and white photos, spiral bound.
History of Lehigh and New England Railroad Company
The history and operations of the LNE deserved its own volume. Here is the story of a carrier originally envisioned as part of a major trunk line to New England that later prospered as an efficient carrier of Pennsylvania coal, slate, and cement. Numerous photos, map, locomotive rosters. First published 1972, reprinted 1989. 144 pages, spiral bound.
The history and operations of the LNE deserved its own volume. Here is the story of a carrier originally envisioned as part of a major trunk line to New England that later prospered as an efficient carrier of Pennsylvania coal, slate, and cement. Numerous photos, map, locomotive rosters. First published 1972, reprinted 1989. 144 pages, spiral bound.
Interurban
History of Lehigh Valley Transit Company Railway Operations
From its horse car origins to the last trolley run from Allentown to Bethlehem in 1953, here is a full history of the city and interurban rail operations of LVT. 100 pages spiral bound, heavily illustrated, includes 1923 system map. Published 1966.
From its horse car origins to the last trolley run from Allentown to Bethlehem in 1953, here is a full history of the city and interurban rail operations of LVT. 100 pages spiral bound, heavily illustrated, includes 1923 system map. Published 1966.
Short Trolley Routes in the Lehigh River Valley
The emergence of electric traction technology in the 1890's led to an explosion of transit development throughout the area drained by the Lehigh River. This book documents the creation, operations, and demise of these companies other than LVT, all of whom disappeared or switched to buses by the 1930's. Numerous photos of distinctive trolleys serving a more rural America. 94 pages spiral bound, map of systems. Published 1967.
The emergence of electric traction technology in the 1890's led to an explosion of transit development throughout the area drained by the Lehigh River. This book documents the creation, operations, and demise of these companies other than LVT, all of whom disappeared or switched to buses by the 1930's. Numerous photos of distinctive trolleys serving a more rural America. 94 pages spiral bound, map of systems. Published 1967.
The Liberty Bell Route's Heavy Interurban Cars
In its early years, Lehigh Valley Transit's famous express service from Allentown to the Philadelphia area that commenced in 1912 used two series of main line standard cars with numerous amenities - the 800's and 700's. This volume follows the cars through their operating lives and various rebuilds dictated by the changing fortunes of LVT. 110 pages spiral bound with a wealth pf photos, rosters, floor plans, and early LVT system map. Published 1969.
In its early years, Lehigh Valley Transit's famous express service from Allentown to the Philadelphia area that commenced in 1912 used two series of main line standard cars with numerous amenities - the 800's and 700's. This volume follows the cars through their operating lives and various rebuilds dictated by the changing fortunes of LVT. 110 pages spiral bound with a wealth pf photos, rosters, floor plans, and early LVT system map. Published 1969.
The Liberty Bell Route's 1000 Series Interurban Cars
Lehigh Valley Transit's 1938 decision to retain and modernize interurban rail service led it to acquire modern lightweight cars from the Cincinnati and Lake Erie and a lightweight club car from Indiana Railroad. This volume details the modification and operation of the cars through the end of Liberty Bell service in 1951. 82 pages spiral bound with photos, rosters, technical information, and later LVT system map. Published 1964.
Lehigh Valley Transit's 1938 decision to retain and modernize interurban rail service led it to acquire modern lightweight cars from the Cincinnati and Lake Erie and a lightweight club car from Indiana Railroad. This volume details the modification and operation of the cars through the end of Liberty Bell service in 1951. 82 pages spiral bound with photos, rosters, technical information, and later LVT system map. Published 1964.
Equipment Manufacturers
History of Mack Rail Motor Cars and Locomotives
While certainly more famous for its highway vehicles, Mack produced distinctive omnibus and railroad coach type motor cars, as well as gas electric switching locomotives up to 34,000 pounds tractive effort. This book documents the history of the cars and locos with numerous photos and detailed construction rosters. 68 pages staple bound, published 1959, last reprinted 1997.
While certainly more famous for its highway vehicles, Mack produced distinctive omnibus and railroad coach type motor cars, as well as gas electric switching locomotives up to 34,000 pounds tractive effort. This book documents the history of the cars and locos with numerous photos and detailed construction rosters. 68 pages staple bound, published 1959, last reprinted 1997.