This latest book by the publishers Pen and Sword in the series Narrow Gauge Railways covers the Snowdon Mountain Railway, the author Peter Johnson once again dealing with the topic. Like Peter’s previous book, about the Welshpool and Llanfair Railway, this book follows in a similar layout. Excellent maps on the front and end pages will be found most useful. The book follows the story of the railway from its initial conception right up to the latest developments with the new summit station.

To any narrow-gauge enthusiast or a lover of this part of Wales, this book should find a place in their bookcase.

Bradford Railway Circle

"This is a fitting tribute to the line, serving as both an attractive souvenir and a scholarly work of reference."

The Railway Correspondence and Travel Society - The Railway Observer, July 2022, Volume 92, Number 1121

I was surprised how much there was for me to learn. The result of a massive research project and telling a compelling story, Peter Johnson’s latest book covers just about every aspect of the Snowdon Railway’s story up to the present day. Set out chronologically with full details of the Railway’s origins and construction, the people involved in its realisation and operation, events (notably the disastrous opening day in 1896) and its several changes in fortune, ownership and management throughout the years.

It is copiously illustrated, mostly in colour, with drawings, plans and pictures from and before the Railway’s construction; and depicting its operation and the development of buildings and rolling stock through every stage of its history up to the present day.

Manx Transport Review

This is an excellent book. It adds to the fund of railway knowledge in a fine style and in no small measure. It can be most highly recommended.

*****

Backtrack Magazine

"A very thorough piece of research, and recommended to anyone with an interest in this unusual railway."

Industrial Railway Society Bulletin 1080, January 2022

"Richly illustrated on high quality paper this is a comprehensive work of a line of national interest and local importance."

Railway and Canal Historical Society

A wonderful book on the history of the railway.

5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Broad Gauge Society

"Readers familiar with Peter’s work will be expecting painstaking research, comprehensive coverage and superb illustrations – you will not be disappointed. Recommended."

Ffestiniog Railway Magazine - Spring 2022

"Buying this book is actually cheaper than travelling on the line, but after reading it you’ll certainly want to pay an early visit."

Steam World - February 2022

"This is a fascinating book, and worth buying."

Welsh Railways Research Circle Newsletter No.168, Winter 2021

"In short this is the definitive history of a line that has long deserved a definitive history."

Narrow Gauge World - 163 Jan-Feb 2022

I've never travelled on this railway despite having holidayed in the area, but having read its fascinating history I do hope to in the future. It may be very different to other narrow gauge railways in the UK, and operates more as a commercial tourist attraction (which it is, and always has been) than a heritage railway, but it does have its own character. This book reveals that character, and does so in an interesting and engaging way. This is a book worthy of a place on an enthusiasts bookshelf, but will also be enjoyed by a wider audience as so many will have experienced the railway and have fond memories, and perhaps as a talking point on a few coffee tables too.

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Michael's Model Railways

This is a really good addition to the range of narrow gauge railways in Wales that Peter Johnson has written for Pen & Sword books and like all the other books in this series i.e. Corris, Vale of Rheidol, Festiniog, Welsh Highland and Welshpool & Llanfair it leaves no stone unturned in covering this most interesting unique mountain railway. Highly recommended.

Peter A. Harding - Branch Line & Light railway Publications.

It is a great book written by Peter Johnson, an expert on narrow gauge railways and the author of several books on the subject such as "Festiniog Railway" or "The Vale of Rheidol Railway", also by the same publisher. It contains all the necessary information and many photographs about this picturesque tourist railway.

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Unos Cuantos Trenes

This is an excellent book a thorough in depth look at the history.

In the mid 1960s I climbed Snowden but due to the cloud coming in the safest way down was to follow the railway. So I saw at first hand the entire line. This book brought back happy memories.

I would highly recommend this volume.

James Simmonds