The Life Of The Railroad Man: Drawn From Fifteen Years' Experience As A Brakeman, Fireman And Engineer

The Life Of The Railroad Man is a memoir written by Herbert E. Hamblen, chronicling his experiences as a brakeman, fireman, and engineer over a period of fifteen years. The book offers a detailed account of the daily routines, challenges, and dangers faced by railroad workers in the early 20th century, as well as the camaraderie and sense of adventure that came with the job.Hamblen's narrative takes readers through his early days as a brakeman, where he learned the ropes of the trade and developed a deep appreciation for the power and beauty of locomotives. He then recounts his experiences as a fireman, where he was responsible for stoking the engine's furnace and maintaining a steady supply of steam. Finally, he details his time as an engineer, where he was in charge of driving the train and navigating the tracks.Throughout the book, Hamblen shares anecdotes and stories that illustrate the unique culture and traditions of the railroad industry, such as the importance of whistle signals, the role of the ""hoghead"" (the engineer), and the dangers of working on the rails during inclement weather. He also provides insight into the daily lives of railroad workers, including their living conditions, meals, and leisure activities.Overall, The Life Of The Railroad Man is a fascinating and informative account of a bygone era, providing a glimpse into the world of railroad workers and the vital role they played in shaping America's transportation infrastructure.Experiences And Adventures As A Brakeman In The Yard And On The Road.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.