Here is free download of an 1898 excursion of PRR conductors on a special transcontinental train from Philadelphia to the West Coast. PRR, StL and Iron Mountain, T&P, SP, etc. After reading half of it I'm pleased to recommend it. Highlights (so far) include a washout east of El Paso, a tour on the Mt. Lowe Mountain Railway (including a visit with Professor Lowe), a ride up the Central Valley to Oakland and a visit to Cliff House.
Project Gutenberg