Ever hear of "crowdsourcing"? That's an author's term for asking the Internet public for help in a project.
My hardcover publisher has reverted to me all rights to my 1994 book "Zephyr: Tracking a Dream Across America," and I am working on a new, updated and expanded edition to be published both as an e-book and a print-on-demand paperback.
I plan to outline the changes to Amtrak's California Zephyr since the early '90s (such as the disappearance of the Pioneer and the Desert Wind and the revamping of Denver Union Station and the use of Emeryville rather than Oakland as the western terminus of the train). I would welcome from veteran travelers their insights into other changes in this route over the last two decades.
I'll also be expanding the photo section and would welcome contributions.
Finally, I'll try to tell what has become of various members of the crews described in the original book, and how the jobs changed over time.
If you'd like to help, please e-mail me at h.kisor@comcast.net.
Thank you!
Henry
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
Henry--
Another good read to look forward to! I still have my copy of the original and it was a great resource on my one and only ride on the Zephyr. Perhaps it's time for another trip...
Frank in overcast and cool SBA
Posted by Stephen W (Member # 6059) on :
Henry - I already sent you an email.
Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :
Henry I also sent you an mail/ My computer is acting up so if you didn't get it please let me know
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Mr. Kisor--
I have referred your inquiry to friends who reside near Mt. Pleasant (actually closer to KCID), "won't drives/won't flys', and who have relatives residing on the Peninsula that they have periodically gone to visit.
Posted by Judy McFarland (Member # 4435) on :
I read "Zephyr" just before I took my first long distance train to the west in 2000. Bob Reese was my car attendant - one of the other crew people said they keep him (Bob) around was to dust the ceilings of the cars with his hair because he was so tall. It was one of my best trips & set a high bar for future trips to come. I do have a diary from that trip, but I was so busy looking out the window that I have very few pictures (and they're not digital).
I'm looking forward to buying my own copy, as I read one from the Milwaukee Public Library. It's a classic! And next summer I hope to take the Zephyr trip again.
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
Bob, could you send me your email address?
Thanks to everyone for their offers of help. I am just getting started, but there's much to do.
Posted by Railroad Bob (Member # 3508) on :