I model an extinct branchline known as the Newburgh, Dutchess & Connecticut RR (1899). Without going into all the related history, the road was absorbed into the Central New England Railway in the early 20th century and later into the New Haven line. Finding historical information can be a time-consuming task made considerably easier by Bernie Rudberg’s excellent book Twenty-five Years on the N.D.& C. My interest was peaked when I read Mr. David Williams’ (of Tulsa, OK) letter to the Railway Post Office [MR: February 2009] regarding Google Books and its assistance in historical research.
I just finished trying Mr. Williams’ suggestion, logged on to Google Books [ www.books.google.com ] and learned more about the daily business operation, of my chosen railroad, than I could have in several days. One needs to establish an account with Google Books (easy and free) before downloading any selections. Any publications that are copyrighted, or currently sold, are not offered (Google will give you leads as to where they can be obtained). Any other material is fully accessible. Thank you Mr. Williams!
I should add that Mr. Williams also mentions another source of downloadable books/pamphlets at www.archive.org - which I haven’t yet viewed. I am sure these sources will be of interest to anyone attempting to garner information…regardless of era. I hope this helps.
Ray