George Hilton's affectionate yet complete and accurate account of Ma & Pa is at once all that the short line's host of admirers could ask as well as a model of How To Write Railroad History. Hilton can examine a balance sheet without forgetting the flanged drivers that generated its figures; to the past he can be sympathetic without letting the sentiment become sticky. In eight chapters he moves across the years from 3-foot beginnings to the road's World War I peak and beyond the lean times, amputation, and a 1960 I.C.C. refusal of an abandonment petition. His text is supported by a chronology, all-time engine and equipment rosters, employee timecard, maps, even a dispatcher's train sheet... The photo count exceeds 175 and these are supplemented by side and end elevation drawings of several locomotives and doodlebug 62. Trains Probably no railroad in the east has enjoyed more popularity with the model makers than this one... Once you have started to read this book, you'll have difficulty in letting it alone. The author is to be congratulated for giving us such a valuable and interesting history. Railway & Locomotive Historical Society Bulletin