The "big top" was once the greatest show on earth, not to mention America's most popular form of entertainment. Beginning in the 1870s, specially built trains transported the circus to eager crowds in every corner of the United States. Now the magic of those circus trains is captured in this delightful book depicting their unusual construction and operation. Readers will witness animals being loaded and unloaded from trains and the special coaches that housed circus personnel. Flamboyant paint schemes, special-length railroad cars, and rare builder's photos will excite the imaginations of railroad fans, circus enthusiasts, and children of all ages....