[.ca] The Ma & Pa: A History of the Maryland & Pennsylvania ... (ISBN 0801862949)

Enjoyed it as a kid, enjoyed it 33 years later.:
Authoritative, well written, and just a little tongue in cheek. A leisurely read about a leisurely railroad.

A piece of my childhood:
I'm a little prejudiced about the subject since the little railroad ran past my grandparents dining room window. Dr. Hilton does a fine job documenting the road's history and happily provides many photographs any railroad fan will love. Once upon a time little railroads like this were the lifeline of the country, and the Ma & Pa was a jewel. Incidentally, Ma & Pa comes from the lettering the Maryland & Pennsylvania used on its equipment. They used M & Pa so not to be confused with the Missouri Pacific. Some chance! The addition of the other "a" was a natural.