Scarce Railroad Enthusiast Serial -- Issue No. 19 of THE MARKER

Brooklyn, New York: N.p., 1942. Fair to good. Wrappers torn, toning.. A scarce issue from "THE MARKER", a highly ephemeral serial published "by and for rail-fans" in the early 1940s. Edited by railroad enthusiasts, and not professional journalists, it features a charming and self-deprecating admission in the rear of the issue: "Frankly, we're amazed at the number of errors we managed to crowd into the October MARKER ... We hang our heads in shame, and guarantee that 'it can't happen here'-- again". This is issue Number 19, published in November 1942 and promotes War Bonds and Stamps on the inside lower wrapper, and has a steam engine seal on the front reading "UNITED FOR VICTORY" with the subtitle "Keep 'Em Rolling!" in support of the war effort. The content of the issue is a highly detailed description of the end of the railroad line on Cape Cod, at Wood's Hole, and includes a physical description of the rail yard and an almost narrative-like account of the sights and sounds. Also includes relevant national railroad news (e.g. limits on train length have been suspended in light of the war, and some Italian trains exhibited at the New York Worlds Fair have been scrapped). Single vol. (5.5" by 3.25"), 9 unnumbered leaves stapled in original printed wrps. David H. Noble (dates unknown) was also listed as a Research Editor for a related serial titled "Railroadin'." in 1946, and published a monograph on the " Practical and economic limitations of cleaning operation on diesel-electric locomotives" in 1958.