CSX's Clinchfield Railroad follows one of the most scenic routes in the country and runs through the most rugged mountain barriers in the eastern United States. More than 3,000 laborers built the Clinchfield, using construction standards unheard of at the time. The railroad was finished in 1915 when George Carter, the driving force who put it all together, hammered in the last spike. Because of its enduring innovative construction, engineers have yet to enlarge its tunnels or strengthen its bridges. In its heyday, the Clinchfield was not well known outside its territory, but its history, including its genesis and challenging assembly, has fascinated railfans for years. Jerry Taylor and Ray Poteat take us on a mile-by-mile trip through the tunnels and over the bridges of the Clinchfield's route in their fascinating portrayal of this railroad's current operations.

Following one of the most scenic routes in the country, the Clinchfield Railroad penetrates the most rugged mountain barriers in the eastern United States. Much has been written about the Clinchfield, but this volume by a retired chief engineer of the railroad fills a unique niche. He places a special emphasis on what was built, when it was built, and who did the building, including a brief biography of George L. Carter, the driving force that put it all together. Filled with photographs, maps, schedules. copies of letters, diagrams and other documents, this is a valuable source of information for researchers and rail enthusiasts.

This book picks up where the previous two Classic American titles left off, focusing on the golden age of American railroading from 1945 to the early 1970s. It extends to the present day where applicable, providing a colorful look at locomotives, passenger and freight operations, development, and, in some cases, demise. Full color.