Mark C. Cane new book

Trains Magazine
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A couole of years ago Mark Cane (who has been a Trains contributor) self published a 3 volume review of BN intermodal - Against All Odds. Mark was at BN when the intermodal department was organized in late 70’s and stayed thru the merger with ATSF (BNSF). The 3 volumes provide an a very detailed look at the operations of BN Intermodal. I have read V1 and 2, and have held off on V3. Really enjoyed these volumes and will start V3 soon,.

Mark has just published “Wow! Did We Ever make a Difference! How Burlington Norther Railroad and its “Ex Cons” Revolutionalized the North American Grain Supply Chain”. This is a 2 volume (over 650 pages!) softcover publication. The graphics and photo reproduction is improved over the intermodal volumes, but what really stands out is the detail to the relationship between Ag and Railroading. I am about 1/3 thru V1 and so far Mark has covered: Land Grants, BN’s predecessors history, Colonization of the regions, Immigration, a brief history of Mark’s family experience settling as farmers in Mn, Grainger movement, Regulatory battles (ICC), and the current chapter being read is on the developement of the river system, primarily Mississippi River Lock and Dam system.

I am NOT a huge history guy, but frankly this is fascinating stuff. The history of Agriculture and the Rail industry is interwoven and probably taken for granted, at least by me.

This is not a book review per se, as I am about 1/6th thru the volumes, but if you are interested in the business of agriculture and railroads this is a book well worth reading.

I have described myself as an “economic railfan” - these volumes along with the intermodal volumes provide quite a detailed look at how the rails function.

The volumes are well researched and footnoted. Cannot imagine the amount of work involved to research, write, and edit these.

Again as in the intermodal volumes, Mark uses his “on the scenes” experiences, relationships, and files. His purpose of these books were to record the history “before it is too late”.

Hope this spurs an interest in the books but also discussion of Ag and Rails here.

Ed

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Then you read more history that somehow allows you to run different freight cars on your layout.. :grin:

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I’ve got to get it!

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Yes you do. I was thinking that this is right up your alley Greyhound.

It is as much a history book as a railroad book, at least so far.

ed

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Amazon says both volumes will be here Thursday.

History shapes the present and the future.

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Greyhound
With your background, both educational and experience in Transportation it will be interesting to gain your thoughts on the book.

It has been quite informative for me so far…even discussion of the alternative forms of transporting grain - river traffic with the development of the “locks and dams” system on the Mississippi and other channels.

Cant wait to get to the post Staggers era.

Ed

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