...this is a book on a topic that has long fascinated me, namely the history up to and including current operations of US Gypsum's Plaster City Narrow Gauge railroad. Its 184 pages hardbound published by Link Pen Publishing in Tacoma WA. Author Charles M. O'Herin relates the events surrounding the discovery of what became known as gypsum in the desert near El Centro CA which eventually led to the construction and initial operation of the narrow gauge rail connecting the quarry to the processing plant at Plaster City. This book is heavily illustrated with sharp black and white photographs of equipment, operations and scenics along with a large number of excellent quality color images. Along with the historical and current information on rail operations Mr. O'Herin also gives information on the mining operation itself and the processing and refining process of the raw material.

All in all, a fascinating, exhaustively researched and informative look at one of the last true "working" narrow gauge operations in the world. Price I paid for it (at Bruces Train Shop in Sacramento) was $37.95 and I snagged the only copy in stock. Im not sure where else its available at present.