A history of the Newfoundland Railway

by A.R. Penney

Volume 1 in this series covers the development of Newfoundland's railways between 1881 and 1923. Covers the Newfoundland Railway Co., the Hull's Bay Railway, the Newfoundland, Northern & Western Railway, the Railway Contract of 1898, and the roles of W. D. Reid and H. D. Reid. The financial history of both the railways and of Newfoundland (which were deeply intertwined) is clearly explained. Illustrated with black and white photos. 105 pages.

2 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Elliot Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned more about NL history from this 109 page book than I have learned in the past 16 or so years of living here. A little dry in some places, but a highly informative read that made me aware of why so many things are the way they are now, why places are named and how the city ended up laid out the way it did. Looking forward to reading the second part and learning even more about this place where I've ended up living.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Newfoundland Railway was at one time the largest narrow gauge raillway open in North America. Although cars from the mainland came and were moved on special trucks, it was much more like other British colonial lines in New Zealand or South Africa.

Bleak weather and vigorous coastal shipping always made it a losing proposition which nearly came and went in a generation. A.R.Penney, the author, was a labourer in its construction and a senior manager at its closing. This makes this account an insider story and different from most railway histories.

While the view is unique and the writing good, it's not easy reading and key data is hard to find. If you have time, this is a good book, but for your first intro to the Newfie railway Omer Lavallee's 'Narrow Gauge Raiilways of Canada' is a better bet.