The Men Who Loved Trains

The Men Who Loved Trains is a saga about America’s railroads and introduces some of the most dynamic businessmen in America. These people aimed at grabbing power and acquiring big salaries as they ran the industry that they loved. The author, Rush Loving, is a journalist and associate editor for Fortune magazine and had a front row seat to the demise of Penn Central and the creation of Conrail as well as the weaknesses and eccentricities of these powerful men. The lust for power, greed, intrigue, boardroom battles and takeover wars make this a must read for any train enthusiast.

One focus of this story is of the chairman of the CSX Corporation who was incompetent as a manager but made millions while his company drifted into chaos. Men like this carried no doubt or hesitation but were focused on their love of trains and railroading and played a major role in reshaping transportation in the northeastern United States. This book is delightful for a railroad fan but also entertains anyone interested in American business and history.