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

by Seth H. Bramson

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.

Genres: Trains, Railways

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Josh Liller · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Speedway To Sunshine" is the history of Henry Flagler's famous Florida railroad, from its origins through the 21st century. The railroad originally ran from Jacksonville to Daytona before being extended to West Palm Beach then to Miami and finally, most famously, to Key West. The railroad survived extensive financial struggles during the Great Depression and a prolonged strike in the 1960s, both of which are covered here, along with the celebration of the FEC's centennial. In addition to a general history of the railroad, with footnotes (often from FEC records), the book has extensive photos and appendices. It hits that rare in-between spot of having more photos than a typical history but more narrative content than a coffee table book. The author is very passionate and knowledgeable about the subject and it shows. To my knowledge, this is the only general history of the FEC (the other two FEC books I'm aware of solely cover the FEC's Keys extension aka the Overseas Railroad).

I feel this book aims a bit more at railroad buffs than a general audience. There were various small details I was curious about that weren't covered and a few places where the author let his personal opinions color the narrative. The writing was okay.

Highly recommended to those interested in railroads. Mild recommendation to those with a more general interest in Florida history.

[M.J. Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the ultimate history of the railway that built the East Coast of Florida. The FEC Rwy brought millions of tourists to Florida from the Northeast and Midwest for many years. The photos show the steam power and EMD E-units of the FEC. This book is a necessity for any enthusiast of Florida history.

[Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had purchased the Original Book when it was "Rare" the 1980's version, and at the time it cost $200 over 10 years ago, fast forward to the "New" and of course updated revised edition, which I added to my library,although I was upset at having to spend so much on the original.
Nonetheless, I am grateful to the Author for this wonderful History and photos, and this book is must for any railfan, any Fec Fan.