Kansas Central Narrow Gauge: Slim Rails Across the Midlands

I. E. Quastler

ISBN 10: 0942035488 / ISBN 13: 9780942035483

Published by South Platte Press, 1999

About this Item

Kansas Central Narrow Gauge: Slim Rails Across the Midlands by I. E. Quastler The Kansas Central Railway was one of Americas pioneer narrow gauge railroads which started in 1871 and extended westward from the Missouri River at Leavenworth, Kansas. This slim princess of the prairies operated as both an independent carrier and, ultimately, as a branch of the Union Pacific Railroad. Kansas Central Narrow Gauge skillfully recounts the story of the bold dreams and economic folly which brought slim gauge railroading to the plains of northeast Kansas. Contents: Preface and Acknowledgements, pp. 5-6, Narrow Gauge Comes to Leavenworth, pp. 7-18, Construction Begins, pp. 19-36, The Depression Years of the 1870s, pp. 37-48, The Kansas Central Railroad, pp. 49-64, Narrow Gauge Woes, pp. 65-78, Conversion to Standard Gauge, pp. 79-82, Locomotive Roster, 1871-1890, pp. 83-86, Equipment Roster, 1885-1894, pp. 87-90, Data on Operations, 1883-1890, pp. 91-92, Endnotes, pp. 93-98, Bibliography, pp. 99-100, Index, pp. 101-104. South Platte Press, softcover, 104 pages, standard portrait book 8 x 10 in., B&W photographs and illustrations.

Seller Inventory # spp488

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Kansas Central Narrow Gauge: Slim Rails Across the Midlands
• Publisher: South Platte Press
• Publication Date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0942035488
• ISBN 13: 9780942035483
• Binding: Softcover
• Condition: New
• Seller catalogs:
  • South Platte Press

About this title

Synopsis

The Kansas Central Railway was one of America's pioneer narrow gauge (3') railroads, started in 1871 and extending westward from Leavenworth, KS. The company's earliest years coincided with narrow gauge fever, an enthusiasm fueled by many claimed advantages. The KCR operated as both an independent carrier and as a branch line of Union Pacific. By 1890 the claimed advantages had proved illusory and the railroad converted to standard gauge. This book skillfully recounts the story of how bold dreams and economic folly once brought narrow gauge railroading to the plains of northeast Kansas. Illustrated throughout with black and white photos, several maps, timetables, and ephemera. With rosters of locomotives and rolling stock, chart with financial data. 104 pages.