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Shays in the Valley chronicles the ambitious rise and inevitable decline of the Wolgan Valley Railway and the associated oil shale industry at Newnes, New South Wales. Established in 1905 by the Commonwealth Oil Corporation, the project was a monumental undertaking, backed by significant British investment and high hopes for industrial self-sufficiency within the burgeoning Australian federation.
Through meticulous research, this account explores the technical challenges of the railway, the daily lives of the mining community, and the persistent industrial failures that eventually led to the works' closure during the Great Depression. The authors provide a compelling narrative, supported by historical records, accident reports, and evocative photographs, capturing the harsh realities of life in this remote valley. From the deployment of the iconic Shay locomotives to the socio-economic impact of the enterprise, this book offers a definitive history of a site defined by both grand industrial vision and eventual desolation. It serves as an essential read for those captivated by railway heritage, industrial history, and the rugged narrative of colonial enterprise in Australia.
Used (good, see images, minor cover wear, sticker on spine, and some initial pages marking) Hardcover ISBN 0909862508
