The Rio Grande Southern has been the subject of numerous fine books, but none have covered the subject in as much depth as Sundance Publications, Ltd. in its still uncompleted series. Authors Russ Collman and Dell McCoy are doing a masterful job of documenting not only the RGS, but also the country, towns, and people it served in its improbable 70 year history. Therefore the series is as much a sociological history as a railroad history. This many turn some readers off, but I find the content both informative and entertaining. Railroads existed for a purpose, and and historical reference should go beyond just the nuts and bolts. This series provides a balanced look at the rich tapestry which made up the RGS.
The series began in 1990, so about every year there has been a new addition, starting at the north end at Ridgway and working south, section by section. This latest volume covers the stretch from Dolores to Mancos, including a detailed look at the Montezuma Lumber Co. operations out of Glencoe. Actually, VIII ends a little east of Mancos so that is covers the tortuous S curves between MP 130-132. These make Tanglefoot Curve on the C&TS look like a tangent.
The format is the same as the previous volumes, which some readers may find a bit disconcerting. There are occasions when the descriptive text may be interrupted by several pages of photographs and newspaper clippings, so it is sometimes hard to maintain continuity. But you get used to it.
There are many positive things here. The text is well written, and the multitude of photographs are accompanied by detailed captions which are most descriptive. As in previous volumes, where a photograph may have some detail of interest, it may be followed up by an extreme enlargement. Most useful, although the grain does come into play. The RGS had a bridge or trestle about every mile, and there are profile drawings of many of them here. Also, Mike Blazek has contributed numberous drawings of structures. The books are very useful from a modeling standpoint.
The quality of the printing and the reproduction of the photographs is outstanding.
If you are one, like me, who have gotten hooked on this series and have them all, Vol VIII has to jump to the top of your "gotta have" list. If you are not an RGS fan, or do not have most or all of the preceding volumes, then Vol VIII may have limited value -- considering the high cost ($70+).
Although this is an overused phrase, the earliest volumes in this series are quickly becoming "collectors' items" and are difficult to find.
Personally, I'll am eagerly awaiting Vol IX.
