The Young Railroaders
Francis Lovell Coombs
Read by Mark F. Smith
While aimed at youths, this series of tales of the just-opening West makes a rollicking good story for adults, too. Three teen-age boys, trained as telegraphers, manage to get themselves in and out of a wide variety of harrowing circumstances. Using their knowledge of Morse code, the science of telegraphs, and the operation of railroads, the boys stir in native resourcefulness, quick-thinking, and when the occasion demands it, raw courage - to effect rescues, thwart thieves, and solve mysteries. If Tom Swift had lived in the nineteenth century, he could not have had more exciting escapades! (Summary by Mark F. Smith) (8 hr 20 min)
Chapters
One Kind of Wireless | 26:20 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
An Original Emergency Battery | 15:19 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
A Tinker Who Made Good | 24:05 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
he Other Tinker Also Makes Good | 15:40 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
The Electrical Detective | 21:25 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
Jack Has His Adventure | 17:53 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
A Race Through the Flames | 16:15 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
The Secret Telegram | 16:31 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
Jack Plays Reporter, With Unexpected Results | 21:15 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
A Runaway Train | 16:21 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
The Haunted Station | 22:57 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
In a Bad Fix, And Out | 21:58 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
Part 1, Professor Click, Mind-Reader | 20:46 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
Part 2, Professor Click, Mind-Reader | 23:26 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
The Last of the Freight Thieves | 25:16 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
The Dude Operator | 24:34 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
A Dramatic Flagging | 19:44 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
Wilson Again Distinguishes Himself | 25:16 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
With the Construction Train | 22:57 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
The Enemy’s Hand Again, and a Capture | 21:59 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
Prisoner | 18:45 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
Turning the Tables | 31:57 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
The Defence of the Viaduct | 29:57 | Read by Mark F. Smith |
Reviews
Adventurous
Janelle
This classic, episodic novel features three teenage McGyvers working on the developing railroad of the 1800's. The book had a slow start, but it became more enjoyable as it progressed. The stories were rather formulaic, and the good guys always won out. But that's part of its appeal. I recommend this to young readers/listeners with an interest in historical fiction or the history of telegraphing and railroads. Thanks very much to the narrator. You were terrific.
excellent book & well read by Mark Smith
Kilroy 2.0
This is a good listen for any age. As is mentioned in the description I can see the similarities between this and the Tom Swift series of books. The majority of the chapters can stand alone once you get to know the characters. Most but not all the chapters set the stage for an adventure which is neatly concluded by the end of the chapter. It's nice that each and every chapter is not ended with a cliffhanger. Well with the exception of one two parter and the last few chapters. Over all everything fits together nicely and is all tied up neatly by the end. I have only listened to a few books read by Mark Smith this is in my opinion one of the finest readings I've heard from Mark to date.
Fun and Adventurous short story.
Andy H
I love this book, I wish there would have been more or a series of these boys. I will say it's kind of crazy to think that these kids were put into some of the situations most of them truely dangerous. also the narrator is one of the best there is.
Young Railroaders
shavon
Nothing more beautiful than an honest young man except that if he is also clever. US history is filled with such. This book was well read and far more worth my time than I expected.
Very good
A LibriVox Listener
quite enjoyable stories, sometimes a bit contrived feeling, but fun for preteen through adult. Hard to stop listening once into one of the stories. Loved then ending of the book.
The Young Railroaders
PCSmith
Well written, well read and a delight to listen to. I greatly enjoyed this book and wish I had found it in print form years ago.
Jean
You won't go wrong, listening to this book. Story good, no matter your age. Reader, 5 star.
Good Natured Book
Keith Horvath
Our history & those story tellers, authors of fine reading, can transform my thoughts & feelings. Super reader too! This is a positive. Opening the mind letting in what was good natured & fun. Though written possibly for a slightly younger reader, still brought me back to a simpler time. No telephony here. Telegraphy. The study & understanding of Morse code, the early railroad, wires and those young adventurous who helped moved the world forward. Enjoy!