On the Iron at Big Cloud

"On the Iron at Big Cloud" by Frank L. Packard is a story that takes place in the rough world of early 20th-century railroad work; the narrative follows Richard "Dick" Holman as he steps up to the demanding role of Locomotive Foreman. Dick is full of determination for his new position in the Hill Division, but he quickly finds himself up against a crew of experienced workers, especially the troublemaking Rafferty, and the cutthroat work culture of the railroad, both threaten to derail his ambitions. Despite having the backing of his uncle, the General Manager of the Transcontinental System, he must face issues of ambition, rivalry, the requirement of earning respect, and the harsh rules of industrial-era labor, or he risks losing everything he has gained.