His most recently penned title The Hedgehope Branch Railway 1899-1968 contains a plethora of information about the Winton-Hedgehope line’s rich history.
Anecdotal accounts include how it was used to smuggle Hokonui’s infamous moonshine and was frequently used by Winton’s notorious serial baby-killer, Minnie Dean.
Trains were an important connection to rural communities. They carried freight and passengers and connected pupils with schools.
The Hedgehope line supported coal and clay mines operating in the Hokonui Hills backblocks.
Mr Glennie thought it was important stories about the province’s history and foundations were captured for future generations before they were lost.
"I never had a blind interest in railways growing up and my only claim to fame was I went ...on the Bluff school train to primary school."
But after he wrote a book on the Awarua radio station, where he grew up, the rail connection was a natural progression of his research.
"I realised when I was doing the Awarua radio one, they were heavily, heavily dependent on the Bluff railway, right from its inception in 1911.
"So I thought ... I would write a history on the Bluff school train and that was met with roaring success.
"As you research one railway, you’re picking up titbits of information on other railway lines."
One book led to another — several books later, this was the newest to be attached to his line of Southland historic train books, including the Seaward Bush: Invercargill to Tokanui, Invercargill to Bluff, Wyndham-Edendale-Glenham line and Waikaia to Waimea Plains.
He has never profited from his books’ successes as he donated proceeds to other organisations.
Even though trains were not as common as they once were, many people were fascinated by them, Glennie said.
Riding on a train was something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime, he said.
His former police career had equipped him with research and recording skills to write his non-fiction collection.
History research had offered him many opportunities to travel via train in Europe, where he also experienced a high-speed ride at 298kmh on a French train.
A research grant allowed him to spend some time in Wellington poring over historical records in his quest for accurate material.
The book had been sponsored by an unnamed benefactor. It was a limited edition of 150 books.
Copies would be given to the Invercargill and Winton libraries.
Members of the Hedgehope community had been helpful in providing historical accounts of the service while it was operating.
The book will be launched officially at the Hedgehope-Glencoe Community Centre on April 13.
By Toni McDonald
