I had high expectations for Trains of Newfoundland, the fourth book by Kenneth G. Pieroway on railways in Newfoundland. I’m happy to say that my expectations were met and exceeded.
This beautiful 122 page book features a foreword by Robert J. Sandusky, a preface, a map and a condensed timeline, but the vast majority of the book features gorgeous colour photographs of the entire railway of Newfoundland. It’s broken down into four chapters by division (St. John’s, Clarenville, Bishop’s Falls and Port aux Basques) and locations along the line are presented in railway order from east to west.
The book includes dozens (hundreds?) of beautiful photographs from a wide variety of photographers, including James A. Brown, Omer Lavallée, John Freyseng, Bill Linley, David Othen, David Morris, Robert J. Sandusky, Stan J. Smaill, and many more, including a few from the author himself. Special note must be made of the colour steam-era photographs by Robert J. Sandusky. It’s rare to see colour steam photos and definitely rare to see steam Newfoundland photos in colour.
I was pleased to see quite a few photos by photographs I know or knew personally – David Othen, Bill Linley, and David Morris. Here’s one photo by David Morris that’s in the book:
The photo shows train 231 stopping at the Avondale station on August 24, 1982. David was on the island with Fred Angus, George Patterson and Bill Linley chasing trains all over the island. I had the pleasure of visiting the Avondale station in 2016.
The photos are presented one or more to a page, and all have captions that at least identify the photographer and location. In many cases he captions provide a lot more context. In a photo book like this, good captions are invaluable and the author did an excellent job with them.
I was surprised to see my name among many in the acknowledgments. I’m not sure why – maybe I provided a timetable or car control manual. I am always happy to help authors where I can!
You can purchase this book at Indigo / Chapters (like I did) or via the publisher, Flanker Press. It’s available in soft or hard cover versions.
Thank you so much for this wonderful review Steve! I am both honored and humbled. My hope is that I did justice to the beautiful work of the railway photographers who graciously donated their images.
You’re welcome! Can’t wait for the fifth Newfoundland railway book! 😉
Hi Steve
Thanks for the heads up on the book, Trains of Newfoundland.
I ordered a copy from Flanker Press.
Would you know of any other books published on the Newfoundland Railway?
Thanks
Glen
Hi Glen, I’ve added a link to the bottom of the review to other Newfoundland railway books. The “Next Stop” series are great, and so are Ken’s “then and now” books Rails Around the Rock and Rails Across the Rock.
Thanks Steve,,,
I’ll check them out.
That narrow guide railway has really piqued my interest.