Few stories in the annals of railroading are as compelling as the construction, evolution, and astounding successes of the Canadian Pacific and Canadian National railways. This sprawling volume combines two of Voyageur Press' most successful Railroad Color History titles into one volume taking in the grand scope of both railroads. Author Tom Murray presents fastidiously researched and concisely presented histories of each railroad, along with more than 300 photographs, including rare archival black-and-white images and modern and period color photography sourced from national archives and private collections.

Author Tom Murray provides an unprecedented look at a national icon, from its genesis amid the turmoil surrounding World War I to its acquisition of the Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range Railway and its lease of BC Rail, both in 2003. In addition to exploring Canadian National operations and equipment through depression, war, modernization, and acquisitions, Murray explains how the railway affected and was influenced by the vast and varied regions it served. Marvelous photography from top shooters and Canadian archives, along with period timetables and print ads, illustrate CN's extraordinary geographic reach, diverse operations, and social and economic roles, both as a government entity for 70-plus years and more recently as a privatized industry exemplar.

The story of the railways of North America is also a history of the development of two great nations: the United States and Canada. The coming of the railroad made the rapid expansion and growth of the two countries possible in the 19th century, and today railroads form a vital network across the continent. By the 1930s railways reached their pinnacle of development: some 15,000 passenger trains departed each day. By the time Amtrak was established in 1971, many famous names like the Super Chief, the Twentieth Century Limited and the California Zephyr had disappeared, perhaps forever. After years of decline, the late 1970s and early 1980s have seen U.S. and Canadian railroads showing signs of recovering, albeit slowly. The book covers the very latest equipment and rolling stock and explains how the consolidation of the railroad companies has made them more efficient.

The Detroit, Michigan-based Grand Trunk Corporation was established more than two decades ago by Canadian National to oversee and maximize the potential of its railroad holdings in the United States. By making use of corporate records, oral histories, and archival material, Hofsommer uncovers the interesting and complex history of the Grand Trunk from its inception in 1971 through 1992. Grand Trunk Corporation is complete in its detail, giving new insight into the turbulent era of deregulation, free trade, repositioning of basic industry, and the realities of the new economic order along with Canadian National's expectations for all three railroads: Grand Trunk Western, Central Vermont, and Duluth, Winnipeg & Pacific.