Newfoundland's Railways

All Newfoundland railways were built to the British Colonial gauge of 42 inches, (3 feet, 6 inches.) Much of the system was built and operated for many years by the Reid Newfoundland Company before finally being taken over by the Government. When Newfoundland joined Confederation as the 10th Province of Canada, Canadian National Railways took over the common carrier railway. A smaller amount of railways were operated by Anglo-Newfoundland Development (AND Co.) and other companies. Eventually, all were abandoned and today none remain anywhere on the Island.

LINK: http://www.heritage.nf.ca/society/railway.html

Buchans Railway

Grand Falls Central Railway

Millertown Railway

Newfoundland Railway

CN 900 NF-110 C-C 1200 hp 60 mph GMD A303 12/52
Canada-only model 47 units (9 NF-110 38 NF-220) built only for Newfoundland..
Port aux Basques 1/08/1961 Don Driscoll

CN 931 and another GMD NF210 July 1958 Bud Laws Collection

805 and 800 (first and last G-8 A-1-A 875 hp 88-ton) ) with the Carbonear Mixed Clarke's Beach
August 7, 1982 John P. Carter

800-805 Carbonear Mixed, north of Brigus Junction (above and below) August 5, 1982 John P. Carter

For some years after the main passenger service was discontinued mixed trains continued to operate on three branch lines; Carbonear, Bonavista and Argentia. One-by-one they stopped running; the Carbonear Mixed ran for about another year and the Argentia made its last run on September 19, 1984. The last mixed service ran between Bishops Falls and Corner Brook and its last scheduled run was on September 30, 1988, train 203 operating as Extra 917 West. At the end of that day the employee timetable expired and with it all operating authority. This was on a weekend and to accommodate cottagers along an isolated stretch wanting to get their belongings out at the end of summer, a semi-official very last train ran on October 2, 1988, after which only work trains dismantling the line were left beginning October 12th. when a ceremonial first spike was removed at Gaff Topsails.

1003 on the table in Bishop Falls 6/1/1943 Bud Laws Collection

597 with bell ringing in Argentia 7/6/1955 Bud Laws Collection

Gallery of the last years of steam

Facilities

Rolling Stock