"Many books have been written about the history of railroad companies, their locomotives and equipment, but it is hard to find good books featuring the railroaders themselves. The book "45 Years of True Railroad Stories" fills in this rarely documented niche. It is exceptional in that it is written, in this case, by author Sheri Cockrell and her husband Southern Pacific Locomotive Engineer John Cockrell. ... The reader will find John's recollections, presented in short stories, historic, sometimes serious, sometimes humorous. I found them interesting and fascinating as they give insight as to what railroading is like from the right hand side of the locomotive cab. They are in railroad vernacular (defined in an excellent glossary) so the reader will know exactly what John is talking about! It contains photographs that enhance the stories. Anyone who wants to learn about what an engineer's experiences and life are like will want to get this book. I found it most enjoyable to read." Bob Church, SP steam locomotive historian-author    

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"I have your book on my bedside table. I've read it so much that I could quote each story and the pages are falling apart."  2015

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"Great read. This is a great book for any railfan."  Thomas Visintainer, Nov. 2015, Kindle  (5 stars)

 

"Excellent read. Great book wished it was a 1000 pages long grew up in Redding my dad was a signal maintainer for s p in Redding a lot of stories in book take place in my dad's district." Dennis McIntyre Jr.  Oct. 2015, Kindle (5 stars)

 

"A must read for anyone who dreamed of becoming an engineer." Pat Bromley, Sept. 2015, Kindle (5 stars)

 

"As a railfan and retired 31-year employee of Union Pacific Railroad I loved the book. I am very familiar with the places he worked and easily fell into his easy and thoughtful tales about the railroad. Too many railroad books are childish or vindictive."   John Bromley, Sept. 2015,  Kindle (5 stars)

 

"Five stars. A great book for railroad life." Andrew D. Powell, Sept. 2015, Kindle (5 stars)

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"Four stars. A very nice read." Amazon Customer, Aug. 2015, Kindle (4 stars)

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"Interesting and very readable. An interesting collection. It was special interest to myself as an ex railway worker to compare many similarities and differences with procedures that applied to the New Zealand system during the same times." Alanma  July 2015,  Kindle (4 stars)

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"Five stars. Very interesting and funny, GREAT read."  Tim N. Tuggle, July 2015, Kindle (5 stars)

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"Fun reading. Enjoyable, fun reading." Viewman, May 2015, Kindle (4 stars)

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"You have written an excellent book on railroading. This book brings back many stories when I was railroading on the Sierra Northern. You have captured all the comedy, strangeness, everyday operations, and all the hazards that can be expected when employed on the railroad. Thanks for the memories!" Mike Gillman. "Old Man Muscle" 2013

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"45 Years of True Railroad Stories is an enjoyable moment in time. It is a good, easy read, and ride, that transports the reader to a fellow traveler. Welcome to a front row seat, on a regulated journey, that allows you to experience first person moments in the life of John Cockrell." Earl R., 2013

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"I LOVE it! It had me laughing the whole time." General Store Manger. Roaring Camp Railroads, 2013

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"Gary and I LOVE it! Warm and masculine too. A great read from the heart that everyone will enjoy." Gisela Butler, Author, My Flight to Freedom. A true story of great courage escaping East Berlin at 18 years of age.  2013

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"Easy to read. Exceptionally written." David C.  2013

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"Fantastic book! A must read!" Debbie W.  2015

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"Me and my Dad, went to the Turlock train show today. I had an amazing time there. On my way out we stopped by John's booth. I saw the pictures on his lap top of all his pictures he took over his 45 years in railroading. They were all really awesome pictures. I got to talk to him and ask him a few questions which was an experience I will never forget! With all that I bought his book and started reading it as soon as I got home! When I am reading it, I feel like I am in his shoes. like I was there along with him. I love reading this book a lot! I have loved trains since I was 1 year old! I am 21 years old now. There is never a day that goes by that my love of trains disappears. I have a train simulation game that is REALLY realistic. Also very fun to play. With that I just want to thank Mr. John Cockrell for letting me speak with him for what seemed like minutes and minutes. Telling his stories, which I loved hearing. Also I want to thank Mrs. Sheri Cockrell for writing all this and putting it into a book! Looks like alot of hours was put into it. I love reading this book. Thank you guys for everything today! I hope to catch up with you guys here in the near future! Happy Holidays and have a Happy New Year."                                           Sincerely, Shaun Chisholm, 2013

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