William D. Middleton, noted railroad author dead

[Aa3rt]

Noted railroad author William D. Middleton died Monday, July 11, 2011.

http://iupress.typepad.com/blog/2011/07 ... -dies.html

As noted in the Indiana University press release, Mr. Middleton was a prolific author particularly on the topics of traction and electric railways. His "When the Steam Railroads Electrified" is a classic and one of the favorite books in my personal railroad library.

[oldrow51]

I just started to read his TRACTION CLASSICS trilogy. Seems like he lived a full life doing what he loved best, writing about trains. RIP.

[kaitoku]

Sad news. Mr. Middleton also wrote about railways abroad, a rare attribute in an American author. His Traction Classics trilogy is a gem- the third volume especially, with its coverage of freight traction and all-too-rare section on traction technology. He will be missed.