West End: B and O Cumberland to Grafton 1848-1991

This epic saga tells the dramatic story of the Baltimore & Ohio's West End from 1848 to 1991, including the construction and evolution of the line, the power and cars used on it, trains, operations and adventures. The West End, with a profile like the back of a dinosaur, presented B&O with a continued challenge throughout its history -- combining grades, curves, tonnage and weather found on few other mountain railroads. Written with a lively prose style, this book tells the complete story, including the construction of the memorable grades such as Seventeen Mile, Deer Park "Wonder Hill," Cranberry, Cheat River, Newburg, and 58 Cut as well as the weather-wracked Glades. Illustrated throughout with over 350 black and white (and some color) photos, numerous maps and gradient profiles. End papers show 2-page gradient profiles. 223 pages with index.