A thank you to Al Staufer and Ron Zeil

Al Staufer's "Thoroughbreds" was my first real Train book and it was quickly followed up by his Pennsy Power I and II volumes.  After them the floodgates opened and I refuse to publicly admit the size of my present train related library.  I have read and re-read so many of them on numerous occasions.  My wife would like me to dispense with them but I ain't gonna do it.

I couldn't count the number of times I checked out Ziel's "Twilight of Steam Locomotives" from the library and bookmobile that'd come to my elementary school. My first RR collectible show at around the age of 15 or so, I bought the first copy I saw for sale (and still have that copy today). I've even gone off looking for locomotives mentioned in the book, over the years.

I even wrote the author about ten years ago, explaining how much the book meant to me as a kid and also as an adult, and I later got a type-written reply!

I have many of his books in my collection but none of the northeast RR subject books as that's just not my thing.

My understanding is he passed away recently, though.

very sad to hear about Mr. Zeil --Steel Rails to the Sunrise is one of my favorites --I highly recommend it

They really need to reissue Steel Rails to the Sunrise...  mine is falling apart from use!

Jon  

A person can never have too many good books! One of my absolute favorites is "The Coming of the New York and Harlem Railroad" by Mr. Lou Grogan:

Bob

I have a number of Steam engine prints sign by the late ALAN STAUFER.  They hang in the hallway leading down to the train room.  These are very well done and I am proud to display them.

Ron Ziel was a great guy, talked to him a lot at shows on Long Island in the 90's. We both have a love of exotic steam and shared many travel stories. May you rest in peace.

Miketg

I spoke with Mr. Ziel and way back sent a letter to Mr. Staufer--such nice people---a big loss RIP to both

In addition to photography and authoring, Mr. Ziel was also active in preservation. He founded the Steam Locomotive 39 Preservation Fund and at one time co-owned Canadian Pacific "Royal Hudson" 2839.

Bob

I was very fortunate  to meet Mr. Staufer at the Cleveland O Scale Train Meet , many years ago. I got his autograph on my copy of Pennsy Power II, and I bought a KTM GP-35 from him as well. He was so talented! I have several of his books, but would love to have a piece of his art.

KOOLjock1 posted:

They really need to reissue Steel Rails to the Sunrise...  mine is falling apart from use!

Jon  

They did. I have the new hard cover version. My soft cover one fell apart too..........

favorite picture in steel rails is an RS3 going over an overpass where someone had painted AuH2O for goldwater in '64

Don't forget Paul Carlton among others.

I bought my autographed  "Thoroughbreds" from Al Staufer at York in the purple hall Oct. 13th 2005.

Ron Ziel used to do railroad history presentations at the local public libraries on Long Island and I'd try and catch him whenever I could. I saw him a number of times at different libraries. He'd always tailor his discussion and photo selections for the community whose library he was in so they were always a little different. He was a fascinating guy with great knowledge of the LIRR and railroading in general. I believe he'd moved out West someplace as he got older and I know he passed away in December. He's missed.

Chris

should also note that George Foster was a co author on steel rails to the sunrise