A saga about one of the oldest and most romantic enterprises in the land-America's railroads-The Men Who Loved Trains introduces some of the most dynamic businessmen in America. Here are the chieftains who have run the railroads, including those who set about grabbing power and big salaries for themselves, and others who truly loved the industry.

As a journalist and associate editor of Fortune magazine who covered the demise of Penn Central and the creation of Conrail, Rush Loving often had a front row seat to the foibles and follies of this group of men. He uncovers intrigue, greed, lust for power, boardroom battles, and takeover wars and turns them into a page-turning story for readers.

Included is the story of how the chairman of CSX Corporation, who later became George W. Bush's Treasury secretary, was inept as a manager but managed to make millions for himself while his company drifted in chaos. Men such as he were shy of scruples, yet there were also those who loved trains and railroading, and who played key roles in reshaping transportation in the northeastern United States. This book will delight not only the rail fan, but anyone interested in American business and history.

A behind-the-scenes look at the boardroom battles to save American railroads

About the Author

Rush Loving Jr. has written for Fortune, served as assistant director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Jimmy Carter, and worked as a consultant specializing in transportation economics, issues before Congress, and corporate communication problems. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland.

Reviews

The Men Who Loved Trains is a riveting morality story of intrigues, boardroom battles, corporate takeovers, and secret cabals aiming for control of a large part of America's transport system. A rare behind-the-scenes story of an epic battle over power and personal gain.

* Marshall Loeb, columnist for Dow Jones's MoneyWatch and former editor of Fortune and Money magazines *

The men who loved trains deserve a writer who loves them as well. This excellent book is a perfect match of subject and author.

-- Carol Loomis * Fortune *

This absorbing book takes you on an entertaining ride through the train wars of the last 30 years. It is filled with intrigue and backbiting in the executive suites and with stories of how the railroaders got away with unbelievable waste-until it all caught up with them.

-- William Neikirk * Chicago Tribune *

This fascinating volume by Rush Loving details the painful re-shaping process that the railroads in the northeast underwent over the past four decades.

-- David J. Mrozek * Michigan Railfan *



Book Information
ISBN 9780253220318
Author Rush Loving
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press
Weight(grams) 544g