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| Maine Central Depot, Waterville ME. This station was located on College Ave. |
Showing posts with label me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label me. Show all posts
Sunday, July 2, 2017
POSTCARD VIEW: Maine Central Depot, Waterville ME
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
New Rail Link to Maine Waterfront Could Revive Port
SOURCE: ABC news Tom Bell/AP
Freight trains are rolling through New England carrying the first-ever shipping containers loaded on the Portland waterfront. The new train service is the product of years of planning and millions in public and private investment, with the goal of connecting this once-thriving port by rail with freight customers throughout North America.
State officials see the rail link as key to reviving the port, which was among the largest on the East Coast a century ago but had fallen in past decades to a near-dormant state, losing business to larger ports.
Stuck at the end of the nation's supply line, Maine has struggled with higher transportation bills, which make manufacturing less competitive and increase costs for consumers.
The LePage administration has been trying to change those dynamics, first in 2013 by luring Eimskip, an Icelandic shipping company, to carry containerized cargo between Portland and Europe, and then by expanding the Portland container terminal. The state spent $29 million in state and federal money to modernize the terminal and expand it by about 1,500 feet to reach the end of the rail line, which previously had only carried bulk cargo, like rolls of paper, to and from the port.
The opening of the rail link is an historic moment for the port, said Jack Humeniuk, vice president of the Portland Longshoremen's Benevolent Association, whose members loaded the containers onto flat rail cars. "We're not looking at Maine as being at the end of the transportation trail, but as the front door to a different part of the world."
The new facility allows containers to be moved between ships and trains, and also between trucks and trains.
Pan Am Railways began the service Friday, hauling Poland Springs bottled water packed in blue Eimskip containers. This is the first phase of a pilot project. Three days a week — Friday, Saturday and Sunday — a train carrying 15 containers of bottle water will travel to Ayer, Massachusetts. There, the containers will be put on trucks and delivered to nearby wholesale suppliers.
Until now, Maine companies that lack rail access had to truck containers to terminals in Ayer and Worcester, Massachusetts. It's generally cheaper to move heavier cargo by train than by truck, because more can be moved at one time with lower fuel costs and fewer workers.
Because Pan Am trains will carry containers delivered by both truck and by ship, it will have enough volume to support regular service to Portland, Humeniuk said.
Chop Hardenbergh, editor of Atlantic Northeast Rails & Ports, a trade publication, said he is skeptical the new terminal will be successful. He said he has seen others in Maine fail because there hasn't been enough demand to make the operations economical.
"The big unknown is what Eimskip can bring to this," he said. "Can Eimskip add enough volume so Pan Am will say it's worthwhile to run a train?"
Freight trains are rolling through New England carrying the first-ever shipping containers loaded on the Portland waterfront. The new train service is the product of years of planning and millions in public and private investment, with the goal of connecting this once-thriving port by rail with freight customers throughout North America.
State officials see the rail link as key to reviving the port, which was among the largest on the East Coast a century ago but had fallen in past decades to a near-dormant state, losing business to larger ports.
Stuck at the end of the nation's supply line, Maine has struggled with higher transportation bills, which make manufacturing less competitive and increase costs for consumers.
The LePage administration has been trying to change those dynamics, first in 2013 by luring Eimskip, an Icelandic shipping company, to carry containerized cargo between Portland and Europe, and then by expanding the Portland container terminal. The state spent $29 million in state and federal money to modernize the terminal and expand it by about 1,500 feet to reach the end of the rail line, which previously had only carried bulk cargo, like rolls of paper, to and from the port.
The opening of the rail link is an historic moment for the port, said Jack Humeniuk, vice president of the Portland Longshoremen's Benevolent Association, whose members loaded the containers onto flat rail cars. "We're not looking at Maine as being at the end of the transportation trail, but as the front door to a different part of the world."
The new facility allows containers to be moved between ships and trains, and also between trucks and trains.
Pan Am Railways began the service Friday, hauling Poland Springs bottled water packed in blue Eimskip containers. This is the first phase of a pilot project. Three days a week — Friday, Saturday and Sunday — a train carrying 15 containers of bottle water will travel to Ayer, Massachusetts. There, the containers will be put on trucks and delivered to nearby wholesale suppliers.
Until now, Maine companies that lack rail access had to truck containers to terminals in Ayer and Worcester, Massachusetts. It's generally cheaper to move heavier cargo by train than by truck, because more can be moved at one time with lower fuel costs and fewer workers.
Because Pan Am trains will carry containers delivered by both truck and by ship, it will have enough volume to support regular service to Portland, Humeniuk said.
Chop Hardenbergh, editor of Atlantic Northeast Rails & Ports, a trade publication, said he is skeptical the new terminal will be successful. He said he has seen others in Maine fail because there hasn't been enough demand to make the operations economical.
"The big unknown is what Eimskip can bring to this," he said. "Can Eimskip add enough volume so Pan Am will say it's worthwhile to run a train?"
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Maine Train Advocate Aays Downeaster Engineers Vigilant About Speed Limit
(SOURCE: Portland Press Herald - Dennis Hoey)
The leader of a train advocacy group in Maine
said an accident like the fatal crash in Philadelphia
on Tuesday night is unlikely on the Amtrak Downeaster because engineers on the
service between Brunswick and Boston are vigilant about not exceeding the
line’s 79 mph speed limit.
Wayne Davis, chairman of TrainRiders/Northeast, said
Wednesday night that the Downeaster can go up to 125 mph, but the current track
configuration can not safely accommodate speeds higher than 79 mph, and only in
certain sections.
The train that crashed in Philadelphia, killing at least seven people
and injuring more than 200, had been going 106 mph before it went off the rails
on a curve where the speed limit is 50 mph.
Davis wouldn’t speculate
on why the engineer in Philadelphia
was traveling more than twice the speed limit, but said Downeaster engineers
are keenly aware of the 79 mph rule and know where they must go slower.
“An engineer is not about to mess with federal law,” he
said. “No one in their right mind would exceed the (79 mph) speed limit.”
All Amtrak engineers are monitored by GPS tracking
systems, according to Patricia Quinn, executive director of the Northern New
England Passenger Rail Authority, which contracts with Amtrak to operate the
Downeaster.
“Keeping to the required speed limits is something that
is strictly monitored and enforced,” Quinn said Wednesday night. “They take
these regulations and rules very seriously. There are many checks and
balances.”
She wasn’t aware of any Downeaster engineers being cited
for speed violations.
Despite Tuesday’s tragic crash, Davis remains convinced in the safety and
efficiency of rail travel and would someday like to see the Downeaster be
authorized to travel up to 110 mph. He believes that, with the proper upgrades,
running faster trains between Brunswick, Portland and Boston
would increase ridership.
“All it would take is for Congress to allocate the
money,” Davis
said, acknowledging that the rail line would have to undergo major
improvements, such as a new signaling system and track upgrades. “It’s our goal
to someday raise the Amtrak Downeaster speed to 110 mph. Time is money to
people.”
By making the trip from Portland
to Boston much quicker – it now takes the
Downeaster about 2 hours, 25 minutes – more people would take the train, Davis said. The 110 mph
speed could reduce the trip to two hours. An express going that speed and
making two stops would arrive in just over an hour, Davis said.
TrainRiders/Northeast is a nonprofit that was formed in
1989 to bring modern and efficient passenger rail service to Northern
New England.
Quinn is skeptical that the funds needed to upgrade the Portland to Boston
rail line to allow higher speeds will become available in the near future.
“It’s not something we are pursuing,” she said.
Friday, February 20, 2015
Narrow Gauge Rail Museum to Remain in Portland ME Until 2017
(SOURCE: Trains.com)
PORTLAND, Maine – The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum will stay put on Portland's eastern promenade for at least another year, after its new landlord agreed to a lease. The 2-foot-gauge museum plans to move its operation to Gray to allow the 10-acre waterfront property to be redeveloped.
Donnell Carroll, executive director of the museum, says he is pleased to have reached a lease agreement that maintains operations in Portland until a new facility is built roughly 25 miles away in Gray. Carroll says the agreement extends through 2016 into early 2017, giving the museum time to develop the Gray site.
The museum has much of the rolling stock of the old Edaville Railroad in Massachusetts, most of which came from two of Maine's fabled "two-footers," the Bridgton & Harrison and the Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes railroads. It operates on about 1.5 miles of track along the Casco Bay waterfront, offering seasonal tourist rides and the popular Polar Express around the Christmas holiday.
A pending zoning change to allow the developers to build taller buildings for residential use is facing opposition from neighbors concerned about the impact on water views, as well as the historic Portland Co. buildings.
The Portland Co. built locomotives, rail cars, and ships at the site.
PORTLAND, Maine – The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum will stay put on Portland's eastern promenade for at least another year, after its new landlord agreed to a lease. The 2-foot-gauge museum plans to move its operation to Gray to allow the 10-acre waterfront property to be redeveloped.
Donnell Carroll, executive director of the museum, says he is pleased to have reached a lease agreement that maintains operations in Portland until a new facility is built roughly 25 miles away in Gray. Carroll says the agreement extends through 2016 into early 2017, giving the museum time to develop the Gray site.
The museum has much of the rolling stock of the old Edaville Railroad in Massachusetts, most of which came from two of Maine's fabled "two-footers," the Bridgton & Harrison and the Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes railroads. It operates on about 1.5 miles of track along the Casco Bay waterfront, offering seasonal tourist rides and the popular Polar Express around the Christmas holiday.
A pending zoning change to allow the developers to build taller buildings for residential use is facing opposition from neighbors concerned about the impact on water views, as well as the historic Portland Co. buildings.
The Portland Co. built locomotives, rail cars, and ships at the site.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Maine Narrow Gauge Museum Has Big Plans
(SOURCE: Trains.com Newswire)
PORTLAND, Maine – The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum has big plans for its proposed move to Gray, about 25 miles north of Portland. The move, which executive director Donnell Carroll hopes will happen in 2016, is estimated to cost $6 million.
That $6 million price tag includes not only the cost of moving 50 pieces of rolling stock and building up to three miles of track, but also for construction of a 9,500 square foot combination ticket office, waiting room, library, archive, office, and meeting space; a carbarn to shelter up to 15 pieces of rolling stock; a roundhouse; and a restoration shop, according to a flyer about the plans distributed recently in the community.
Carroll tells the Munjoy Hill News that he has been in touch with state and federal legislators, and he says their staffs are looking into potential grants the museum may be eligible for. In addition, he plans a fund-raising campaign for private donations, especially from people who are known for their generosity to the state of Maine.
"I know $6 million is a lot of money, but I know we can do it," Carroll says.
The plan for the Gray site is purely a concept at this time, but a committee of museum members will meet soon to refine its wish list before seeking input from design firms and architects.
The property where the museum now has its yard and display building was sold to a developer last year, prompting the planned move to Gray.
PORTLAND, Maine – The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum has big plans for its proposed move to Gray, about 25 miles north of Portland. The move, which executive director Donnell Carroll hopes will happen in 2016, is estimated to cost $6 million.
That $6 million price tag includes not only the cost of moving 50 pieces of rolling stock and building up to three miles of track, but also for construction of a 9,500 square foot combination ticket office, waiting room, library, archive, office, and meeting space; a carbarn to shelter up to 15 pieces of rolling stock; a roundhouse; and a restoration shop, according to a flyer about the plans distributed recently in the community.
Carroll tells the Munjoy Hill News that he has been in touch with state and federal legislators, and he says their staffs are looking into potential grants the museum may be eligible for. In addition, he plans a fund-raising campaign for private donations, especially from people who are known for their generosity to the state of Maine.
"I know $6 million is a lot of money, but I know we can do it," Carroll says.
The plan for the Gray site is purely a concept at this time, but a committee of museum members will meet soon to refine its wish list before seeking input from design firms and architects.
The property where the museum now has its yard and display building was sold to a developer last year, prompting the planned move to Gray.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Maine Two-foot Steamer on Track to Restoration
(SOURCE: Trains.com Newswire)
PORTLAND, Maine. – One of Maine's best known two-foot gauge steam locomotives, Bridgton & Saco River 2-4-4T No. 7, is on track to being under steam within the next year and a half. The engine is currently under restoration at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum in Portland.
The nonprofit group has been working on the locomotive since 2008, but suffered a major setback in 2010 when a fire destroyed the museum's engine house. No. 7 was inside the structure at the time and the cab and tender tank were completely destroyed. According to museum Steam Program Manager Jay Monty, those two pieces have been a major part of the restoration, but volunteers have also been focusing on a complete rebuild of the locomotive's boiler. That part of the project is being completed at the Boothbay Railway Museum and should be completed this summer.
No. 7 was built in 1913 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works and ran on the B&SR, and later the Bridgton & Harrison, until 1941 when the railroad was scrapped. At the time, the B&H was the state's last two-foot gauge railroad. Later that year, No. 7 and sister engine No. 8 were purchased by Ellis D. Atwood, a Massachusetts businessman who set up his own two-foot gauge railroad around his cranberry bogs in South Carver, Mass. The Edaville Railroad ran as a tourist attraction until 1992 when the entire collection (which included four original Maine two-foot gauge steam locomotives and dozens of freight and passenger cars) was returned to Maine and set up as a museum on the Portland waterfront. No. 7 remained in Massachusetts for nearly a decade and finally returned to Maine in 2002, where it ran under steam for a year before being sidelined. In 2008, the group began another full restoration of the engine.
The Edaville built the locomotive’s current boiler in 1959 and during this most recent restoration, volunteers repaired the shell and installed a new firebox, dry pipe, flues, and stay bolts. Last week, Monty estimated the boiler would return to Portland in mid-summer. Meanwhile, the new tender tank is about 95 percent complete and ready for the final mounting on the frame.
In the past year, the museum has raised more than $40,000 for the project, however the group still needs another $10,000 to cover the re-assembly of the locomotive. Anyone interested in helping should visit www.mainenarrowgauge.org/winter-fundraising-campaign.
When No. 7 is restored to steam in 12-18 months, it will be the museum's only operating steam locomotive. On March 29, former Monson Railroad No. 4, a 4-4-0T, made its last run before being sidelined due to the expiration of the engine's Federal Railroad Administration certificate. The event included photo runs and a night photo session.
PORTLAND, Maine. – One of Maine's best known two-foot gauge steam locomotives, Bridgton & Saco River 2-4-4T No. 7, is on track to being under steam within the next year and a half. The engine is currently under restoration at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum in Portland.
The nonprofit group has been working on the locomotive since 2008, but suffered a major setback in 2010 when a fire destroyed the museum's engine house. No. 7 was inside the structure at the time and the cab and tender tank were completely destroyed. According to museum Steam Program Manager Jay Monty, those two pieces have been a major part of the restoration, but volunteers have also been focusing on a complete rebuild of the locomotive's boiler. That part of the project is being completed at the Boothbay Railway Museum and should be completed this summer.
No. 7 was built in 1913 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works and ran on the B&SR, and later the Bridgton & Harrison, until 1941 when the railroad was scrapped. At the time, the B&H was the state's last two-foot gauge railroad. Later that year, No. 7 and sister engine No. 8 were purchased by Ellis D. Atwood, a Massachusetts businessman who set up his own two-foot gauge railroad around his cranberry bogs in South Carver, Mass. The Edaville Railroad ran as a tourist attraction until 1992 when the entire collection (which included four original Maine two-foot gauge steam locomotives and dozens of freight and passenger cars) was returned to Maine and set up as a museum on the Portland waterfront. No. 7 remained in Massachusetts for nearly a decade and finally returned to Maine in 2002, where it ran under steam for a year before being sidelined. In 2008, the group began another full restoration of the engine.
The Edaville built the locomotive’s current boiler in 1959 and during this most recent restoration, volunteers repaired the shell and installed a new firebox, dry pipe, flues, and stay bolts. Last week, Monty estimated the boiler would return to Portland in mid-summer. Meanwhile, the new tender tank is about 95 percent complete and ready for the final mounting on the frame.
In the past year, the museum has raised more than $40,000 for the project, however the group still needs another $10,000 to cover the re-assembly of the locomotive. Anyone interested in helping should visit www.mainenarrowgauge.org/winter-fundraising-campaign.
When No. 7 is restored to steam in 12-18 months, it will be the museum's only operating steam locomotive. On March 29, former Monson Railroad No. 4, a 4-4-0T, made its last run before being sidelined due to the expiration of the engine's Federal Railroad Administration certificate. The event included photo runs and a night photo session.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Maine Eastern Railroad to Host MEC 470 Fundraiser 4/12/14
The Maine Eastern Railroad has partnered with the non-profit New England Steam
Corporation to offer a public Touch-a-Train open house event on Saturday, April 12,
2014, as a fundraiser for the restoration of Maine Central steam locomotive #470.
Held at the Maine Eastern’s roundhouse in Rockland, ME, the Touch-a-Train event will
be a rare opportunity for the public to visit a working railroad maintenance facility. The
event is family-oriented, and children are encouraged to come and enjoy the sights and
sounds of American railroading. Visitors may climb aboard and explore the cab and
engine room of a -vintage FL9 diesel locomotive (built in 1957), recline in the comfortable
seats of a 1940s Maine Eastern passenger coach, and learn about railroad snow removal
operations while standing inside the Maine Eastern’s 1946-vintage snowplow.
Visitors will also be able to explore the Maine Eastern’s operating turntable, built in 1921,
and the 1922-vintage wooden roundhouse. The railroad’s dining car will also be on site,
selling beverages and snacks as visitors walk through.
The event coincides with the Maine Rail Group’s first annual Maine Rail Fair, being held
on the same date at the nearby Owls Head Transportation Museum. Visitors are
encouraged to visit both events and experience all aspects of Maine railroading.
Admission to the Touch-a-Train event will be free. However, the non-profit New England
Steam Corporation will be collecting donations towards the restoration of Maine Central
steam locomotive #470. The locomotive, currently on display in Waterville, ME, will be
operated on the Downeast Scenic Railroad after restoration is completed and will have
the opportunity to operate on the Maine Eastern, as well. Any and all donations, no
matter how small, can make a difference in the speed and success of #470’s restoration.
For more information about the New England Steam Corporation and its mission to
revitalize #470 and steam railroading in Maine, please visit www.newenglandsteam.org
or contact the organization at newenglandsteamcorp@gmail.com.
Corporation to offer a public Touch-a-Train open house event on Saturday, April 12,
2014, as a fundraiser for the restoration of Maine Central steam locomotive #470.
Held at the Maine Eastern’s roundhouse in Rockland, ME, the Touch-a-Train event will
be a rare opportunity for the public to visit a working railroad maintenance facility. The
event is family-oriented, and children are encouraged to come and enjoy the sights and
sounds of American railroading. Visitors may climb aboard and explore the cab and
engine room of a -vintage FL9 diesel locomotive (built in 1957), recline in the comfortable
seats of a 1940s Maine Eastern passenger coach, and learn about railroad snow removal
operations while standing inside the Maine Eastern’s 1946-vintage snowplow.
Visitors will also be able to explore the Maine Eastern’s operating turntable, built in 1921,
and the 1922-vintage wooden roundhouse. The railroad’s dining car will also be on site,
selling beverages and snacks as visitors walk through.
The event coincides with the Maine Rail Group’s first annual Maine Rail Fair, being held
on the same date at the nearby Owls Head Transportation Museum. Visitors are
encouraged to visit both events and experience all aspects of Maine railroading.
Admission to the Touch-a-Train event will be free. However, the non-profit New England
Steam Corporation will be collecting donations towards the restoration of Maine Central
steam locomotive #470. The locomotive, currently on display in Waterville, ME, will be
operated on the Downeast Scenic Railroad after restoration is completed and will have
the opportunity to operate on the Maine Eastern, as well. Any and all donations, no
matter how small, can make a difference in the speed and success of #470’s restoration.
For more information about the New England Steam Corporation and its mission to
revitalize #470 and steam railroading in Maine, please visit www.newenglandsteam.org
or contact the organization at newenglandsteamcorp@gmail.com.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
POSTCARD VIEW: Bangor & Aroostook #203 at St. Francis, Maine 1910
Vintage postcard view of a Bangor & Aroostook steam train at St. Francis Maine. The engine is #203, built in 1893 by Manchester Locomotive Works. The engine was rebuilt in 1921, and finally scrapped in 1930.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Maine, NH Denied Federal Grant for Long Bridge Rail Line
(SOURCE: Seacoast Online - Deborah McDermott)
Maine and New Hampshire
transportation officials learned this week that the states did not receive a
$25 million federal grant to build a rail line as part of the Sarah Mildred
Long Bridge
replacement project.
Joyce
Taylor, chief engineer for the Maine Department of Transportation, said Friday
the states still intend to go forward with plans for the rail line, which would
carry nuclear waste in and out of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
The Long Bridge
is the No. 1 red-listed bridge in New
Hampshire and is nearing the end of its useful life.
Taylor said, at this point, she doesn't
know how the two states will make up the difference or whether those
discussions will result in a delay in construction. Work is expected to begin
on the $160 million replacement in fall 2014.
"We
were very hopeful, but we knew going into it that Maine's had a lot of success with TIGER
funding," she said, referring to the federal Transportation Investment
Generating Economic Recovery grant for which the states had applied. "This
is pretty rare money, so we knew it wasn't for sure."
The
federal Department of Transportation on Thursday awarded $474 million in the
2013 round of TIGER grants. Maine received $6
million for a breakwater replacement in Eastport, and New
Hampshire received $1.4 million for improvements to 42 miles of
the Northeast Rail Corridor between Rochester
and Ossipee.
The two
states sought a grant for the Long
Bridge rail line because
federal highway money cannot be used for rails. TIGER funding is one of the few
means to fill the funding gap, state transportation officials have said.
According
to MDOT spokesman Ted Talbot, Maine and New Hampshire
transportation commissioners Dave Bernhardt and Chris Clement have already
spoken about the issue, and more meetings are scheduled with top transportation
officials as they "work to identify how we can close that gap."
The U.S.
Navy has indicated it doesn't intend to budget money for the rail line. To
date, no other use is made of the rail.
"We
just have to regroup," Taylor
said. "Both states need this bridge."
Thursday, May 2, 2013
“A Day in the Life” National Train Day at Maine Narrow Gauge PORTLAND ME
“A Day in the Life” – National Train Day Celebration
Celebrate your love of trains by joining us for “A Day in the Life” – A National Train Day Celebration. The museum will be a hub of activity May 11th for a celebration of railroads and train personnel. Activities include demonstrations on hand and whistle signals, coupling the train, and throwing switches. As a special treat we are offering rides on the Pump Car. Visitors can stop in the Engine House to glimpse restoration of Monson Steam Locomotive #4 in action!
The museum will offer activities for children and a view of some new exhibits on display. Fun for the whole family!
Additionally, Maine Operation Lifesaver will be on hand at the museum to offer activities and videos that raise awareness about railroad safety.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
March '13 a Bad Month for Pan Am...
March has been a bad month for Pan Am Railways.
First, 15 tank cars filled with crude oil derailed in Mattawamkeag, ME on March 7th. Thankfully, only 3 gallons of oil contaminated the area, and this oil was reported to be only residue from the outside of the cars.
Later that same day, eight loaded coal cars derailed in Nashua, NH, two of which were on a bridge. The Bridge Street grade crossing was blocked for about 40 minutes. This derailment interested local railfans due to the marooning of Norfolk Southern heritage unit #1070, painted in Wabash livery, in New Hampshire. That unit finally headed back into Massachusetts on it's way home on March 14th.
Lastly, on March 12th, four boxcars derailed just south of Verso Paper Mill in Bucksport, ME.
Hopefully the rest of March will be free from any more derailments!
MORE READING:
http://bangordailynews.com/2013/03/07/news/penobscot/freight-train-pulling-oil-tankers-derails-in-mattawamkeag
http://nashua.patch.com/articles/coal-cars-derail-on-bridge-street
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/996213-469/crews-expected-friday-to-move-derailed-coal.html
http://bangordailynews.com/2013/03/13/news/hancock/pan-am-train-goes-off-the-rails-in-bucksport/
First, 15 tank cars filled with crude oil derailed in Mattawamkeag, ME on March 7th. Thankfully, only 3 gallons of oil contaminated the area, and this oil was reported to be only residue from the outside of the cars.
Later that same day, eight loaded coal cars derailed in Nashua, NH, two of which were on a bridge. The Bridge Street grade crossing was blocked for about 40 minutes. This derailment interested local railfans due to the marooning of Norfolk Southern heritage unit #1070, painted in Wabash livery, in New Hampshire. That unit finally headed back into Massachusetts on it's way home on March 14th.
Lastly, on March 12th, four boxcars derailed just south of Verso Paper Mill in Bucksport, ME.
Hopefully the rest of March will be free from any more derailments!
MORE READING:
http://bangordailynews.com/2013/03/07/news/penobscot/freight-train-pulling-oil-tankers-derails-in-mattawamkeag
http://nashua.patch.com/articles/coal-cars-derail-on-bridge-street
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/996213-469/crews-expected-friday-to-move-derailed-coal.html
http://bangordailynews.com/2013/03/13/news/hancock/pan-am-train-goes-off-the-rails-in-bucksport/
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Upcoming New England Model Railroad Shows
27th Annual Model Railroad Show
Whitefield Lions Club
February 16th, 2013
10:00AM - 3:30PM
National Guard Armory
Adults...$4.00
Under 12...FREE
Family...$9.00
More Info:
Steven Laundrie
207-582-1410
5th Annual Model Train Show
April 7th, 2013
10:00AM - 3:00PM
Adults...$6.00
Seniors (60+)...$5.00
Ages 5-17...$1
Under 5...FREE
More Info:
Phyllis Drescher
203-265-0223
February 24th, 2013
10:00AM - 3:30PM
Auburn Elks
Admission: $5.00
Children Under 12...FREE w/ adult
More Info:
Ralph A. Kimball, Jr.
508-755-1873
Bay State Model Railroad Museum Spring Open House
March 2nd & 3rd, 2013
11:00am to 4:00pm
Adults...$5.00
Children (5-12)...$3.00
Children (Under 5)...FREE
More Info:
617-327-4341
Essex Junction, Vermont
March 16, 2013
10:00AM – 4:00PM
$5.00 for adults
$1.00 for children between 6 and 12 years old
FREE for children under 6.
Special admission of $5.00 per family with an active military identification.
More Info:
Ron Piro
Essex Junction , VT 05452
802-878-1135
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Waterville Maine Looks For Someone to Rescue Maine Central Locomotive #470
It is clear, however, that the city does not have the $1 million or so it would take to fix it up, according to City Manager Michael Roy.
"It's an important part of the city's past but unfortunately, with all the other demands on the city, we don't see where we're going to have the resources to do anything with it," Roy
The locomotive was the last steam engine used for passenger service on the Maine Central Railroad. It made its final trip through Waterville -- from Portland to Bangor
The 470, built in 1924 by American Locomotive Co., was a gift to the city on Oct. 28, 1962, by Maine Central Railroad on its 100th anniversary.
In 2004, railroad enthusiasts tried to support an effort to restore and preserve the engine, saying it was the last representative of the indigenous steam locomotives that once powered industry, commerce and passengers throughout Maine
The engine had deteriorated because of exposure to harsh weather, unsupervised visitors, vandals and thieves. Rust had eaten through the engine's cylinder jacks, the cab was severely rusted and it was stripped of gauges, valves, windows and its wooden interior.
Some work was done to spiff up the engine, but ultimately, interest fizzled.
Jennifer Hickey of Waterville
She said Friday that at first there was a lot of enthusiasm around helping to restore and preserve the engine.
"The people were all very well-intentioned; however, they just did not have the capability to follow through with it," she said. "Colby College
Now, when she drives past the engine, which is just north of the new Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, her heart sinks.
"It just really makes me sad and really disappointed that we haven't been able to do anything and keep the train in the respect that it really deserves," she said. "It's just such a piece of history."
Parks and Recreation Director Matt Skehan, who is helping to advertise and coordinate the sale or restoration, said the city sent out requests for proposals to have the locomotive removed or restored, with an initial response deadline of Aug. 1.
That deadline has been extended to Oct. 5, Skehan said.
Bidders were asked to send their proposals in sealed envelopes marked "470 Steam Engine" to Waterville Parks & Recreation, 6 Wentworth Court , Waterville
The bids will be reviewed by a committee charged with determining the best and most feasible plan for the city and the engine, according to the request for proposal.
More information about the engine and other specifications is available on the Parks & Recreation page at www.waterville-me.gov.
Skehan, a member of the Friends Committee, said the engine is in deplorable shape.
"It's dangerous and it's in awful condition," he said. "Our insurance representative from Maine Municipal was here in the spring and he said there were several red flags that went off when he saw the engine, including all the open holes in it."
Skehan said the representative said if someone stuck a finger in one of the holes, he could lose it.
The city erected signs at the engine to warn people of the danger.
"It's just a really tough economy to be trying to raise money and there are a lot of other causes and organizations out there that are very worthy," Skehan said. "It's really hard with this steam engine and we don't really see any money coming down the pipeline immediately."
Skehan said he even though he has spoken to some people who have expressed interest in buying the engine and some who are interested in fixing it up, he has received no written proposals.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Belfast ME Ends Railroad Lease in Anticipation of Pathway
SOURCE: BDN Maine - By Tom Groening
BELFAST , Maine
The city owns the 3-mile portion of the 33-mile-long right of way that lies within Belfast
City Manager Joe Slocum told city councilors earlier this month that under the terms of the lease, the city had to notify the preservation society of its intent by Nov. 1. If it failed to do so, the one-year lease would automatically renew for another year.
The city has been working for several years to establish a pedestrian path on the railroad right of way. Though state funding for the project has been secured, Gov. Paul LePage’s recent decision to push back the selling of bonds until next year has affected the city’s plans to build the walkway.
No time has been set for construction to begin, Jennika Lundy, assistant to the city manager said Tuesday.
Slocum plans to meet with representatives of the preservation society next week to discuss terms of a new lease. Lundy said a new lease might take the form of a month-to-month arrangement, giving the city flexibility should it be possible to begin construction on short notice.
Joe Feero, president of the Brooks Preservation Society, said the move did not surprise him.
“I understand it,” he said Tuesday. “It’s not a shock to me.”
The group wants to keep operating trains along the stretch from the harbor northwest along the Passagassawakeag River
“The goal for us has always been to work with the city,” he said.
At the same time, he said the railroad wants to run along the river for as long as it can, since the trail work has not been scheduled.
This summer, the railroad ran excursion trips on weekends from the old upper bridge area on High Street north Belfast
Feero calculates the railroad carried 6,755 passengers this year, up from 2,255 last year. Included in this year’s count are 30 bus tours that each brought about 50 people to the city to ride the train. The total number also includes 3,000 people carried to the Common Ground Country Fair in Unity.
Feero cited a study that shows the railroad contributes about $1 million annually to the local economy.
Mack Page, a former employee of the B&ML Railroad who in recent years built a siding at the City Point part of Belfast
The city must initiate the process of railbanking before removing rails and ties and building a pathway. That process is undertaken through a provision of federal law, seeking approval from the Surface Transportation Board.
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