Softcover, 48 pages, B&W photographs with captions, color covers, high-quality glossy paper.
The Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad was the largest single factor in the development and growth of Revere, states George Clarke, in The Story of Revere Beach. Popularly known as The Narrow Gauge, that operated from Lynn to East Boston. Prior to 1896, its road bed followed a path that traced the crescent shape of the coastline. The train operated along Railroad Avenue, which today is named Revere Beach Boulevard, then it was removed and relocated four hundred yards to the west. The MBTA currently runs its Blue line along the same roadbed.
In its heyday passengers would patronize the train from stations all along the resort area. The Point of Pines, Oak Island, Revere Street and Bathhouse were just a few. Old timers can still remember their anticipation of a day at the beach, beginning with the sooty smell of soft coal burning as it energized the little engines that carried the Narrow Gauge to its destination. During World War II a number of men from Revere were stationed on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu. To their surprise, the coaches of the railroad taking them to their barracks and around the island, were from none other than the Old Narrow Gauge. These cars were sold and shipped thousands of miles from Revere to the Hawaiian Island for duty during the War.
The BRB&L was electrified in 1928 and of the 96 passenger cars on the roster, 60 would be modified into multiple unit (MU) cars. Unfortunately the electric operations did not stop the lines financial troubles and in 1937 the company petitioned bankruptcy. Unfortunately operations by the Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn ended in 1940.
Contents:1. The main line: East Boston to Lynn,2. The Winthrop Loop,3. Electrification,4. Steam Locomotive Roster,5. Steam Locomotives,6. Electric Car Roster,7. Ferry Boat Roster,8. Index, Bibliography, and acknowledgments. Includes a map, excellent B&W photographs printed on enameled paper. As with other books published by Bob's Photo this book is primarily half page B&W photographs with captions, color covers, high-quality glossy paper.