[6] The brainchild of Hugh, the firm expanded the builder's expert knowledge of railway construction acquired under his mentor, Canadian engineer Sir Casimir Gzowski.

[11][12] The firm was also responsible for constructing the state-of-the-art turntable; a feature which allows engines to be turned so that they face the right direction for a new assignment.

[14] In October 1877, H. & J. Ryan was retained to perform an extensive quality and safety assessment of the Kaministiquia Railway and Prince Arthur's Landing by the Commissioner of Public Works of Ontario.

[15] The assessment, penned by Hugh Ryan, was presented to the Canadian Senate and was foundational to the governments eventual decision to acquire both assets.

[16] In 1880, Sir Charles Tupper and Manitoba provincial government awarded H. & J. Ryan the contracts for the new Pembina St. Boniface line track, including 100 miles northwest of Winnipeg.