Set of Illustrated Plates Showing History and Importance of Railroad Industry, c.1940

United States, 1940. Very good.. A c.1940 set of illustrated plates presumably produced for classroom use, for teachers to educate students about the importance of the railroad industry. Each plate has a large black and white illustration or photo with a number and caption. The set begins with an image of one of the first rail cars "The Race of the Iron Horse and the Horse Car" and the new few images show the development of railroad technology, how they drove the "Golden Spike" (the final golden spike driven to complete the first transcontinental railroad in 1869), and the development of steam and electric trains. Modern (c.1940) amenities like dining and observation cars are then shown. Other images include: soldiers being transported by train; sorting mail in a post office car; the locomotive manufacturing process; loading freight including food and coal; and a railroad office. The final plate shows dozens of different railroad company logos/seals, with a list of the name on the verso. Each plate measures approx. 8.5" by 11". This set is incomplete, and includes the following numbers: Nos. 1-7, 15, 18-19, 22-31, 33-57 (just over 45 total).