Great Uncle Bloomer

From: "Sherrie Vilhelmsen" sherriev@verizon.net

I'm researching family history, and I'm stuck on finding any information on a great uncle. He was killed in a railroad accident in Washington or Oregon, between 1950 and 1965. His name was Bloomer and I believe he was a signalman. If you could help me find any information or give me an idea where to look it would be greatly appreciated.

—Sherrie Vilhelmsen / Steve Green

Writing a novel

From: rbraden@comcast.net

I am writing a novel for teenagers about the first intercontinental railroad, and the information on your website is most informative. Is there a way I can buy a book (or something like that) that has all this information in one place? I need it for reference.

I also need to find a person who is interested in the details of railroad construction – someone who will know the difference between 'standard' rails and 'narrow gauge' rails. I need a person who can explain how a railroad car was able to turn left or right by sliding its wheels to the left or right to create a larger or smaller diameter wheel (since the axles were forged as one piece).

—RPB