Frequently Asked Questions

Will the software work on the Windows XP operating system?

Yes. It was developed on Windows XP. Like a web site, this software is browser-based. This means that it works through your browser, not directly on your operating system. It does not matter what operating system you use, so long as it runs your browser.

Is there any way I can find out the extent of coverage for my favorite railway or if there is a map of it before I order?

Sure. I'll be glad to tell you how a particular railway is covered. Just send me a request by e-mail.

Are the maps and timetables from the Guide printable?

Yes. You can print anything in the original book right on your own printer.

The cover of the original Guide says "Western Section." Does this mean that it covers only half of the continent?

No. Even though this is the "Western Section," I have no qualms about saying that it covers all of the USA, Canada, Mexico, and the (then) British colony of Newfoundland. The distinction between the "Western Section" and the "Eastern Section" seems to have existed primarily for the convenience of advertisers.  Although both sections covered North America, they varied in emphasis.  The "Eastern Section" (which I have never seen) was apparently designed to emphasize Pennsylvania, the two Virginias, the two Carolinas, and the states northeast thereof; while the "Western Section" emphasized all other states, plus Canada and Mexico.  The Guide consists of four main divisions.  Here is how the "Western Section" handles each: (1) THE GUIDE'S OWN MAPS:  Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and all states to the west thereof are fully covered by detailed maps.  There are four single less detailed maps of: (a) the Southeastern USA; (b) the Northeastern USA and Eastern Canada; (c) Western Canada; and (d) Mexico.  In addition, there is a special map of the "Electric Lines of the Midwestern States" covering a region including Chicago through Detroit to Western Pennsylvania and southward to Louisville. (2) HOTEL DIRECTORY:  All parts of the continent are listed equally well in the "Western Section."  In addition to the directory listings, there are feature ads from many hotels.  A hotel would typically place a feature ad in either the "Eastern" or "Western" section, as appropriate to its location, but not in both. Feature ads are rare in the "Western Section" for hotels in the "East" (as defined above). (3) RAILWAYS' TIMETABLES AND MAPS:  All of the passenger railways of North America (even obscure shortlines) got free listings with their train information in the "Western Section."  The major railways and a great many of the lesser ones paid to insert maps and many pages of their public passenger timetables into the Guide.  A relative few railways that were strictly "Eastern" (as defined above) placed only condensed or through timetables in the "Western Section," but the overwhelming majority are represented just as thoroughly in the "Western Section" as are those actually in the West. (4) INDEX OF RAILWAY STATIONS:  The station index in the "Western Section" covers the entire continent.