Slim Rails Through the Sand: Southern Pacific's Narrow Gauge

by George Turner

Among the most picturesque of the railroads built during the late 19th century mining era in Nevada and eastern California was the Carson & Colorado-Southern Pacific narrow gauge line. The tracks ran from Moundhouse, just south of fabled Virginia City, through the desert country to Owens Lake in California. The tracks provided links to the outside world for such mining camps as Hawthorne, Candelaria, and Laws — towns that helped romanticize the ‘West.
“Slim Rails Through the Sand” by George Turner represents the first entire work devoted to these two narrow gauge railroads. The volume’s more than 200 illustrations include many rare, early day photographs of way points and rolling stock gathered by the author during many years of research for new material.
This second, revised edition preserves the contents of the original volume and also contains additional material, including rare, early day photographs of the Saline Valley Tram, which carried salt to the railroad.
Birth of the narrow gauge desert line came when the West was being won by a prayer and sheer determination. Originally intended to connect the Comstock Lode and the Colorado River, the Carson and Colorado was the narrow gauge stepchild of the Virginia and Truckee. Founded in 1880, the C & C traversed primarily desert terrain and was plotted to serve the mining towns flourishing in the middle of “nowhar.” From a population standpoint, there has been little change — even today — along the former route.
The book also depicts the transfer of the C & C to the Southern Pacific at the turn of the century and follows the history of the line’s dismantling in 1960.
While of interest to the general reader, the book contains an added feature for modeling enthusiasts: a portion of the volume is devoted to prototype plans and photographs. Contributions by such foremost draftsmen as Al Barker, Herb Cearley, and Dick Tucker combine to make this volume a “must” for rail fan and historian alike. The illustrated scale map on the back end sheet includes track layouts and sets the scene for a nostalgic part of our American heritage of an era passed.

Genres: Railways

105 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1964

About the author

George Turner was born and educated in Melbourne. He served in the Australian Imperial Forces during the Second World War.

Prior to writing science fiction, he had a well established reputation as mainstream literary fiction writer, his most productive period being from 1959 to 1967, during which he published five novels. Over a decade after his previous publication of a full length work of fiction, he published his first science fiction novel, 'Beloved Son' (1978).

George Turner was named as a Guest of Honor for Aussiecon Three, the 1999 World Science Fiction Convention held in Melbourne, but died before the event.

Reviews

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, nostalgic journey revisiting the narrow gauge days of the Carson & Colorado/Southern Pacific through parts of the Owens Valley (California) and northern Nevada. Along with the historical perspective, the rare photos are interesting (and brownie points for providing tips, tricks and ideas to build your own HOn3 layout should you wish to recreate a scale version of the territory back in its heyday).

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful book if you are interested in modeling historic California and Nevada narrow gauge. A fun read if a bit specialized.