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Allan Graham's A Photo History Of The Prince Edward Island Railway (sponsored by the CN Lines SIG), is a fine publication. The book consists of 250 pages and can be divided into two sections, the first is an early history of the railway compiled from old newspaper articles from the era, whilst the second section is an impressive collection of black & white photographs. Topics covered in the first portion of the book range from the bickering between politicians to brief descriptions of the early motive power used on the island. While I haven't sat down and counted them, the photographs section begins on page 64 and continues right until the last page, averaging two photos per page.

The diversity and quality of the photographs is quite commendable. Photos of just about everything and anything found on the PEI Railway are contained within. A closer examination reveals that every era of motive power used is represented. From the tank engines used at the start of operations, to the CLC built engines which lasted until the railway was converted to standard gauge, as well as the standard gauge steam power used after that. A healthy number of photos are dedicated to GE 44 and 70 Ton locomotives, while the book concludes with the MLW Road Switchers used right up until the railway was abandoned. Even more impressive is the representation of some of the more obscure pieces of motive power such as 0-4-0t #1 and the CLC-Whitcomb units that were used very briefly, but later returned to the builder. In short, if it was used on the island, chances are a photo of it can be found in this book.

In conclusion, while this publication isn't quite the corporate breakdown of the PEI Railway I have been searching for, the text nevertheless provide some interesting insights into the early history of the railway. The diverse content of its excellent photography, gives this book an appeal to just about every railfan and modeler interested in the CNR. I strongly recommend adding this book to your collection. Persons interested in buying copies can reach the author at:

The Narrow Gauge Steam Railroad On Price Edward Island, by A. Byron Burns is one purchase I truly regret. The contents of this book consists of the authors memories of the railway. Unfortunately, Mr. Burns was never involved with the railway and his limited understanding of the subject matter to which he describes can be seen in a number of places throughout (which actually becomes offensive after awhile). Most unfortunate to the reader, is that his memories are mostly of mundane events of little interest to the railway enthusiast, which I assumed was whom Mr. Burns was writing to. I have yet to determine the why Mr. Burns put this publication together in the first place. While there are a handful of photographs, they are just as uninteresting as the text.

The one thing, that I can't forgive about this book is as I mentioned before, his ignorance towards the subject. The highlight of this can be seen in his attempt at describing Camelback locomotives. According to Mr. Burns, locomotives were given this title due to the tall sand and steam domes which were characteristic of many smaller engines such as the power used earlier on in the railways existence. For this reason alone I am obliged to recommend that you avoid this title at all costs.