Re: a book about train orders, etc.

'Rights Of Trains' is the Cliff's Notes for Rules exams. There are about 4 rules that are the meat and potatoes governing train movements. Once you understand those basics you realize why Railroading was such a highly respected profession. That respect used to go well beyond the 'romance' of railroading. It's generally agreed that each rule was written with someone's blood with respect to a certain situation and it's resultant outcome. It's also pretty obvious why Track Warrents quickly gained favor once radios were availiable and schedules were abondoned and everything ran as an 'Extra'.
Anyway, the book is a great insight into railroading from 18xx to the present. Good luck deciphering what happens when a new timetable goes into efffect!
Dusty Burman