A network of two-foot gauge railroads linked small rural communities in Maine to the Maine Central Railroad and beyond. These narrow gauge railroads were more economical to build than the standard gauge. They required a minimum of grading, smaller ties and rails, and of course, smaller locomotives and rolling stock. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries the railroads operated over 200 miles of track hauling passengers and freight. Competition from trucks ended their run. The following are three narrow gauge railroads that have been revived. They provide an opportunity for both a unique railroading experience aboard vintage trains and a scenic ride through the beautiful countryside of coastal Maine or the Lakes & Mountains region.
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum
Discover the narrow gauge railroad on your journey back in time at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum. Enjoy the views of Casco Bay and Portland"s working waterfront aboard vintage cars pulled by steam and diesel locomotives. Trains run weekends from Feb19-May 15 and Oct22-Nov 20. Trains run daily from May 21-Oct 16. The museum has a collection of vintage parlor cars, coaches, railroad equipment and other educational exhibits.
Special events include Military Family Day, "Steamin" into Summer" (Memorial Day weekend), "Celebrate America" (July 4), "Workin" on the Railroad" (Labor Day weekend), "Steamfest 2005" (Sept 10), Cool Days & Hot Steam" (Columbus Day weekend), "Harvest Express" (Oct 22-23, 29-30) and "SantaFest 2005" (Nov25-Dec-23). The railroad also runs Guest Engineer Days, giving you a chance to be the engineer on an authentic Monson Railroad locomotive. Call or write for details.
Contact information:
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum
58 Fore Street
Portland, ME 04101
Phone: 207-828-0814
Website: www.mngrr.org
Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway
The WW&F Railway was a narrow gauge railroad operating during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The line ran from Wiscasset in the south, to Albion and Winslow in the north. Its primary business was hauling potatoes, poultry, lumber and mail. Despite changing hands a number of times it continued through 1933 when truck competition and financial crisis finally caused its demise. The Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington is now a non-profit organization established in 1989 to acquire, preserve and restore the operation of narrow gauge railroads and equipment in the Sheepscot Valley. It also established a museum to educate the public on the social and economic impact of the railroads on local communities. All work is done by volunteers, from track work to tour guides.
The museum and gift shop are open Saturdays year round, and Sundays from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. From mid-April through mid-October trains depart hourly from Sheepscot Station.
Contact information:
W.W. & F Railway Museum
Sheepscot Station
P.O. Box 242
Alna, ME 04535-0242
Phone: 207-882-4193
Website: www.wwfry.org
Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad
The SR & RL Railroad is a non-profit foundation dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the original railroad. It was established in 1879 out of a need for local communities to connect northern Franklin County with the Main Central Railroad at Farmington. This provided a way to transport passengers to Rangeley, a resort area, and wood products to southern markets. Narrow gauge lines in the region merged into one company in 1908, becoming the longest 2-foot gauge railroad in the country. With competition from trucks and cars business declined and finally ended by the early 1930s.
Since 1970 a volunteer effort has been mounted to restore part of the railroad, passenger and freight cars and lay rail. Vintage coaches and caboose are now pulled by a replica Sandy River locomotive. The ride and walking tour of the covered bridge site and roundhouse facility lasts around 50 minutes. Experience the sights and sounds of a time gone by as you travel through the surrounding woods and fields. Rides are offered June-October with special "Night Trains" in August and a "Ghost Train" in October. You can see exhibits in the Sanders Station and purchase tickets and souvenirs in the Phillips Freight House, both historic railroad structures.
Phillips Old Home Days ( week including the 3rd Friday in August) is a great time to visit. Trains run Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the railroad room of the Phillips Historical Society is open and you can enjoy special exhibits, eating and dancing. Lanterns provide light for the Saturday "Night Train".
Contact information:
Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad
P.O. Box B
Phillips, ME 04966
Website: www.srrl-rr.org
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