Railfanning Review: Campaign Trains: A Conversation with Author Edward Segal

I had the opportunity to speak with author Edward Segal, whose new book highlights the history of campaign trains.

CLICK HERE for more information on his book.

Segal has compiled a fascinating narrative, giving insight into one of the most overlooked aspects of railroad and political history: how candidates traveled.

Most students of history are familiar with the notion of whistle-stop campaigns. But many people might not be familiar with how many candidates have traveled by train — and they continue to hit the rails for their campaigns.

But more than scratching the surface of well-known train-loving candidates, Segal’s extensive research resulted in intriguing and unexpected anecdotes and stories showing how engrained railroads are in our political and American cultures.

— Todd DeFeo

Music

• Intro: “Waiting on My Train to Come,” recorded live at the Southeastern Railway Museum on August 2, 2020. Written by Todd DeFeo, (c) 2006, 2020 by Todd DeFeo (ASCAP). From “A Guy Walks Into a Train Museum.”
• Outro: “Instrumental,” recorded May 13, 2023, live at the Smyrna History Museum in Smyrna, Georgia. Written by Todd DeFeo, (c) 2023 by Todd DeFeo (ASCAP).

Sound Effects

• Diesel Horn: Recorded at the Southeastern Railway Museum on November 14, 2020.
• Steam Train: 1880s Train, recorded September 12, 2020, in Hill City, South Dakota.

Show Notes

• This conversation has been edited slightly.

Podcast produced by Joe Nevark.