In 1995, Lee and Marilyn were commissioned by Queensland Rail to write a social history of the railways in Queensland. As a special project for the International Year of the Family, the book focused on the contribution of families to the development of this vital lifeline for the state, and on their personal stories. Lee and Marilyn travelled all over Queensland – by train, of course – interviewing stationmasters, stationmistresses, drivers, gangers, engineers, surveyors, refreshment room waitresses and other railway workers, as well as their wives, widows, children and grandchildren. Their stories cover life in the construction camps of the pioneer days, the roles of women in the railway, the effects of wars and the Depression, the importance of the rail to isolated communities, and the generations of families who have worked for Queensland Rail. The book is illustrated with historical photographs, matched with contemporary black and white images by Brisbane photographer Mike Moores. Combining her interest in people and history was an adventure in which Lee discovered more about the vast state she called home for 18 years. Living on the Line was No. 4 on Brisbane's Mary Ryan Bookshop bestseller list in October 1995 and stayed in the Top 10 for three months.

WHAT THEY SAID…

“The combined skills of journalists Lee Mylne and Marilyn Bitomsky have produced a book which is sure to delight both train and history lovers alike” – Quest Newspapers

“A superb book that goes beyond a history of tracks and trains…..Living on the Line is a flesh and blood history of Queensland – you will fall in love with it, especially if you or any of your family have worked on the railways.” – Mary Ryan bookstore

“Living on the Line is well-written and easily read. Concisely vivid reading!” – Network Magazine.

“What a great honour you have done Queensland Railways. It gave me great pleasure to read many of the names of stations I have been through on my various trips in Queensland in the far away days.” – Patsy Adams Smith, AO, OBE