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Larry,
The second edition has:
More information about, and types of variations
A section dedicated to a discussion about Post War Steam locomotive tenders
Updated Prices. (not much use to me, the price is what you are willing to pay)
Hope this helps,
Richard
I only have the first edition of the postwar book, so don't know what the differences are between the first and second edition. I think by now just about all major variations, versions, etc have been covered, so I personally see no need to get the second edition.
The postwar set book is a very good book if your interested in postwar sets (obviously). I think it's the best Doyle book out of the series. I reference it quite a bit when trying to build sets. Nice pictures and descriptions that are useful and entertaining to read.
The modern-era book is useless IMO. It's just a small picture and prices, which were probably out-dated at the date publication. No description at all. I have all the catalogs covered by the book, and are a much better reference than the book.
The prewar Lionel and toy train books are pretty good. Prewar makes my head hurt (variations, production changes, is it nickel or copper, or...), but it's done in the same format as the postwar book. It's difficult to find info. on other manufacturer's, so the toy train book is okay for Marx, AMT, Colber, etc.
More info. than what you asked for, but it may help someone.
I have the second edition 1945-1969 postwar book. Its a great book. Look for it on amazon to get a decent price.
Rob
Larry,
The plagiarizing of the information in the Doyle books is old news and was settled in the courts. In any evnet the books are still out there and they contain a wealth of information.
I have know David for many years and I was very disappointed and saddend when I heard about the whole affair.
Richard
Check Amazon for the best prices on the Doyle books. When I was looking for mine I found a seller dumping all of them like new for $2 each (2nd Edition Prewar, 2nd Edition Postwar, Postwar Sets, Modern Era). The Greenburg books on the other hand seem to have maintained a collectible value.
Doyle's books are much better than Greenberg's.
... the books are out of print because the author stole his information from others works.
You should not bother to get either one, as you are supporting theft of intellectual property.
Buying the books now is not "supporting theft of intellectual property" (unless you are buying them directly from Mr. Doyle), since the books are out of print. Only the owner(s) of the physical books and the persons who want the books are benefitting from the sale.
It is a real shame, as these are nice books when you don't have to consider the plagiarism.
Andy
I love the Post War book, but have to agree that the Modern Era book was a waste of my money. Listing the engines by cab number instead of by catalog number or by catalog year was just silly. So the Generals come first, with the #8040 Scout type pages later? What a mess!
Jon 
The books are loaded with information, a must have for any toy train nut. They are by far the best books out there. As for which edition, well find the latest one if possible.
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