Martin J. Wells

Tramway Titan Martin J. Wells

Tramway Titan-Byron Riblet, Wire Rope and Western Resource Towns Byron Riblet is probably one of North America's least known inventors, which is a pity as he pioneered the use of reliable mining cableways: fi rst in British Columbia, and eventually around the world. His company would later successfully spearhead the transfer of equipment from mining to the skiing slopes when the company evolved into the world's leading chairlift builder. As a result, it is clearly time for a full, defi nitive history of Byron Riblet and his activities. It happens that "the Riblet connection" provides a unique entry into and link among the many distinct BC and Northwest mining regions in which Riblet's tramway systems were employed. This wide reaching but concise narrative is a must for anyone interested in mountains, mining, engineering or history. As an avid historian, Martin Wells has read both local and international history and this, his fi rst book, is just one of his interests. Over the years he has worked at various jobs along with writing. Residing on the Coast, he enjoys living near the mountains and he plans to benefi t from some modern Riblet cableways this winter.