Derek R WhaleySanta Cruz Trains: Railroads of the Santa Cruz Mountains

I purchased 3 copies so far. I grew up in the 70's playing at the Glenwood-Laurel Tunnel opening at Laurel. As stated in the book, it used to be the used as a water tank for our community at that time, but eventually opened back up to its natural state again. As a kids I remember seeing an old photo album of the trains and the community. My family and many friends still live in the area. I have always been interested in learning more about these tunnels, and the communities & trains that used them. My particular interest is in all of the tunnels, the trains, and the Laurel community. I liked the book very much... so much so that I purchase 2 additional copies for friends and family. This is the book for you if you love history or RR or the mountains of Santa Cruz county.

Great photographs and diagrams of the right of way and industries that were served by the railroads. Detailed history of the people involved in running the industries and businesses, and accounts of the interactions and dramas of those involved...Great work Derek...

I used to live in the SJ area and have always been interested in the SPC railroad. While the two 'popular' books on the RR are great, they cover the North end of the RR in detail but there's not as much on the southern end. This book fills that void and more. Not only great detail but also GPS coordinates for the locations. Well written and very informative. I'm glad to have found this book and add it to my library.

Amazing research, it made me want to check out more of the old right of way myself, but sadly I have too much sense to wander onto now private land to do that. It's an interesting feeling, though, to cross an otherwise unremarkable intersection that shows up in a much older photo from the book, and know that the railroad crossed right at that spot, which looked almost the same eighty years ago. Kind of nifty to know about things that are kind of hiding in plain sight like that,

Interesting book interesting subject. The first book appear to have some moisture related damage so it was returned. This book is the same thing but not quite as bad so I guess I will keep it. I'm disappointed that Amazon can't deliver a book without some kind of moisture related damage to it.

This purchase is my second copy. Wore out the first one from several years reading it and taking it with me to some of the old railroad areas outlined in the book.If you are a railroad history buff and also a fan of the history of the Santa Cruz and her Mountains this book is for you.This book is a great motivator to get outside and exercise. I highly recommend it.

The fascinating history of a brave railroad through the wild Santa Cruz Mountains comes alive in Derek Whaley's meticulous telling. The history of a largely forgotten railroad, yes, but the railroad's story is also very much the story of the region's history, fueled by lime quarries, a Powder Works and, of course, the majestic redwoods. Whaley not only brings the history to life, but offers hints on how to find the extant remains of our railroad history. I'm ready to lace up my hiking shoes and start looking.

Great work of study for anyone interested in the exploration and exploitation of the region. Good photos, narrative and maps.