Speedway to Sunshine: The Story of the Florida East Coast Railway [Hardcover]

Seth Bramson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2003

Speedway to Sunshine is the history of one of America's most exciting railroad lines, the Florida East Coast (FEC). It details how the FEC began and how it survived booms, busts, bankruptcy, sabotage, and hurricanes to become one of America's most admired rail lines. Illustrated with 400 photographs, this fascinating book chronicles the FEC's unrivaled rail-blazing events, from its inception, through the construction and destruction of the famous Key West Extension, to the line's post-war metamorphosis.

There are extensive appendices on train names, schedules, passenger agents, locomotive rosters, mail service, freight equipment, passenger equipment, intrastate connections, and track layout.

(200403)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Interesting and colorful... an outstanding collection of images accompanies the 16 chapters of text... relive the FEC's golden era. (David J. Mrozek Michigan Railfan 200611)

More than 400 archival and contemporary photographs... an exciting tale of the influence and importance of the iron rails. (S Gaugian 200401)

Entertaining and authoritative... exceptionally well-researched... filled with photographic documentation... Bramson is an engaging storyteller. (Mary O'Dea E-Streams )

Definitive history of the [Florida East Coast Railway], composed by an employee as a labor of love... packed with photos. (Alexander D. Mitchell IV Railfan and Railroad )

From the Author

Speedway to Sunshine is the first and only complete history of the fabled Florida East Coast Railway. It's predecessors go back to 1885, and it's creator, of course, was the legendary Henry M. Flagler. In this 352 page book, the story is told from the very beginning -- going back to the earliest predecessor -- to late 2001. Even for those who are not railroad buffs but have an interest in Florida's long and glorious history, the photos alone make the book worthwhile. With over 400 photos -- many published for the first time, Speedway to Sunshine is, indeed THE story of the FEC and the men and women who, through more than 120 years, have made this great and still in existence railway the single finest, most respected, and most imitated railroad in America.

(200311)

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Boston Mills Press; Revised and updated edition (January 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1550463586
• ISBN-13: 978-1550463583
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #897,691 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Speedway to Sunshine: The Story of the Florida East Coast Ry, December 7, 2002

By 

Paul Cameron (Bay City, MI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Speedway to Sunshine: The Story of the Florida East Coast Railway (Hardcover)

Well worth the wait. Exceptional chronicle about the Florida East Coast Railway. This book is a must have for anybody interested in the Florida East Coast Railway or Florida History in general. Commendations are in order for Seth Bramson for his relentless efforts in producing this book.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars seth rules, October 5, 2002

By 

"rrandb" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Speedway to Sunshine: The Story of the Florida East Coast Railway (Hardcover)

I would love to reveiw his latest book but i am still waiting for it to arrive. If it is anything like the original it will be the definitive book on the FEC. The few copies of the original you can still find have appreciated in value to the point these should be bought as an investment. It is possible his passion for this railroad was only exceeded by the old man himself. I am speaking of Flagler who pushed the line all the way to Key West and lived just long enough to see it thru. Whether or not you have any interest in the Florida East Coast Railway when you start this book, you certainly will by the time you finish as his passion is contaigious. Best of luck with your latest edition Mr. Bramson!...

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Mister FEC" has written the ultimate Opus to the FEC!, January 25, 2004

By 

Frank Garon (Breinigsville, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Speedway to Sunshine: The Story of the Florida East Coast Railway (Hardcover)

Seth, you hit it out of the park on this one, baby!

One could not possibly hope to find a more comprehensive, more enthusiastic, better written book about the Florida East Coast Railway.

Buy this one and savor it - it's one of the best railroad books I've ever read!