Detailed encyclopedia like summary of most narrow gauge railroads in the U.S.. Short descriptions of each railroad. Covers the general topic in its entirety with photos and maps.

Paperback (December 1994)
Stanford Univ Pr; ISBN: 0804723699 ; Dimensions (in inches): 1.30 x 12.00 x 9.03
Other Editions: Hardcover

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A reader from Lexington, Kentucky , September 18, 1998
Mandatory reading - a complete reference
Author George Hilton is a national authority numerous categories of transportation history. An economist by training, Hilton blends his love of rail and steam with an intelligent analysis of the economic and political realities of the rise and fall of popular railroad lines.

American Narrow Gauge Railroads is dense and heavy, but lavishly illustrated and quick reading. Every single narrow gauge railroad in U.S. history is carefully documented and organized in a clear reference. Detailed information is provided, including thousands of footnoted sources.

Hilton's work is the authoritative reference on narrow gauge railroads in the U.S. I would agree with the comments from the reader in Logan, UT (that it might be dry) might apply to some readers, but for the avid rail enthusiast, this book will be a treasured resource.

A reader from Logan, UT , August 23, 1998
An excellent reference but very dry reading
George Hilton's "American Narrow Gauge Railroads" is an excellent encyclopedic reference for hardcore railroad buffs, but not recommended for the casual reader. Hilton's writing is fact-filled but generally quite dry. His descriptions of individual railroads and the narrow-gauge phenomenon in general focus on economics (certainly the word "receivership" is even more common than "the"), rather than the equipment and the adventure that attract most railroad enthusiasts. Perhaps a historian would give it 5 stars.