Electric Railway Pioneer: Commuting on the Northwestern Pacific, 1903-1941

Well-written and comprehensive history of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad's suburban electrics in Marin County, California. This line was a pioneer in many aspects, introducing power system and block signal designs that made it a test ground for later subway and rapid transit installations. The full flavor of electric commuter operations (and the San Francisco Bay ferries that served Sausalito and Tiburon) is captured in a clear, detailed narrative complemented by evocative black and white photos. Includes section on the Electra, a steeple-cab, standard gauge locomotive built in the NP shops and used for freight haulage from 1903-1906. With rosters listing wooden motor cars, wooden trailer cars, steel suburban coaches, and ferries of the NP and its predecessors. Includes bibliography. Decorative end papers show timetables (front) and Special Rules (back). This is Interurbans Special 84. 126 pages with index.