Mike Bednar began his railroad career in the 1960s on Lehigh Valley and worked through the Conrail era and onto Reading & Northern in the 1980s. From dispatching busy main lines to handling heavy tonnage over mountain grades, he experienced firsthand the sights, sounds, and personalities of the classic era of railroading in the Northeast. His storytelling with a touch of humor makes you feel like you’re sitting right there with him in the tower, diesel cab, or caboose.

A Railroad Life: On the Road with Mike Bednar, Volume 4 continues the story with 196 color photographs and two maps, bringing together Mike’s articles from Trains & Railroads of the Past issues 2 through 13. Many images originally published in black and white now appear in improved color, offering a fresh look at familiar scenes. Bednar’s lens captures railroading across Anthracite Country and the Cement Belt — from towers and yards to main line action — with coverage of Lehigh Valley, Central Railroad of New Jersey, Reading, Delaware & Hudson, Lehigh & New England, Conrail, Reading & Northern, and more. You’ll enjoy great photos of Alco and Baldwin power, trackside views, and cab perspectives that place you right in the middle of the action.

For readers who have followed the series, Volume 4 delivers more of the people, places, and operations that defined Northeastern railroading.

Table of Contents:

- The Lehigh Valley’s Escape Route

- 25 Miles From Home

- The Legend of the Mustang

- You Can Never Go “Home” Again

- Off the Beaten Path

- Slatington Train Wreck

- The Mountain Cut-Off

- The Railroad of My Youth

- Alco Hall of Fame

- The Clown That Completes the Circus

- The Coat of Many Colors

- From Clunkers to Saviours

- A Railroad Life Album Page