JTrains,
Here is a series of books, that to me, are timeless,
http://www.newportvintagebooks...phRailroadSeries.htm
It is the "Ralph" series of 10 railroad books.
Follow Ralph as he makes his way through life. Needing to support his widowed mother, he gets a job working on the railroad.
The books follow his life as he works hard, does right, faces danger and ........
Written in the early 20th century. Aimed at boys.
The originals are available for not a lot of money. Try Addall.com or Amazon. Many if not all have been reprinted. I myself am still looking for the last one, Ralph and the Train wreckers.
Buy at least the first one, read it yourself. you'll be hooked.