Reader Comments
One of the rewards of publishing Birmingham Rails has been the unsolicited comments we've received from our readers. Your opinions are a good indication of how well we've done our job, and also provide a "consumer satisfaction" survey for those considering a purchase. Following is a sample of the comments we've received. Our thanks to all who've taken the time to let us hear from you!________________________________________________________________
"I just wanted to let you know that I have truly enjoyed reading
Birmingham Rails! This is one of the most thorough and comprehensive books that I have ever read pertaining to railroads in the South. You...have truly set a new standard in the railroad publishing world. This will always be one of my most treasured books in my library. Thanks...for transporting me back in time and for giving me a front row seat to the "Golden Era" of Birmingham Rails!" - Frank Crowe, Calhoun, Georgia
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"Finished reading the book last night. I think you have a winner. My primary interests are shortlines and industrials and I really enjoyed that chapter in the book. Now I have to get my Birmingham map and mark places on it. Great photos. Sorry I never got to see Terminal Station." - David Read, Marietta, Georgia
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"Picked up my copy of your book today at the Atlanta show, and I must say it is very impressive. Efforts like this are too far and too few between for Deep South subject matter, and your book is a badly needed addition. Congratulations on a job VERY well done, and a most welcome addition to my library.You have every right to very proud of your work." - Gary Larimer, Atlanta, Georgia
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"My favorite railroad period is the transition era, and so many of these photographs capture scenes of that time so well. My congratulations on a superb railroad book." - Larry Langford, Gibson, Tennessee
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"Being a very picky book person, I must say that I am extremely happy with every aspect of your book... from the selection and placement of the photos, the easy reading text and narratives, maps, timetables and memorabilia creatively placed, chapter organization, overall layout, margins, borders, and construction of the book. I have come to be quite nervous in buying any books sealed and unviewable these days, due to overall poor photo or text quality, wasted space on pages, ruined margins, or poor binding. Rest assured, the consumer has nothing to fear in getting your book sealed and 'sight unseen'! It's a great value!"
- Rick David, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
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"I have received your new book, "Birmingham Rails" and it is a magnificent volume. It is beautiful work and will be THE standard reference on the subject." - James Jarrell, Birmingham, Alabama
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"I recently received my copy of "Birmingham Rails" and wanted to pass on my comments. I finished it up the other night and am so impressed with it. I've enjoyed it far more than any other rail book I've seen in many, many years. Everyone involved hit the mark spot-on with this one." - Dan killinger, Columbia, SC
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"Your book arrived safe and sound yesterday morning, and wow, what a superb book! Although not my modelled region, it is one I'm sure I shall refer to often just for atmosphere and inspiration, and I shall treasure it so." - Alan Monk, Reading, England
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"Just wanted to let you know that I received my copy of "Birmingham Rails" today. It has easily exceeded my expectations. You have done a very fine job in documenting the mid-century rail saga of the Magic City. For me, "Birmingham Rails" would still be a bargain at twice the price. Thanks so much for this wonderful chronicle of nostalgia and information." - Rob Campbell, Murfreesboro, TN
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"This book is fantastic! The authors demonstrate professionalism in the excellent writing and composition. Many thanks for your hard work, time, and energy." - Ben Makem, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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"My copy of Birmingham Rails arrived -- in perfect condition -- last Wednesday and has occupied most of my leisure time since then. This is a wonderful book, opening a window onto railroads in a part of the country that was largely unknown to me. The biggest surprise is that Birmingham had such a large steel industry.
It's difficult to pick a favourite image but I'd probably nominate Parker Lamb's shot of mining Shay no.5...I'm the grandson of Welsh coal miners and every colliery I've ever seen has ramshackle track like that.
Although I'm committed to modelling the Rock Island in Kansas in the 1950s, I find myself looking more and more towards the South -- either Birmingham, now, or perhaps Memphis. My thanks to you and Lyle for such a fine piece of work. Inspiring stuff !" -- Stephen Jones, Lewes, England
