W.W.&F. Discussion Forum

WW&F Railway Museum Discussion => Museum Discussion => Topic started by: Fred L. Kuhns on May 05, 2014, 10:12:14 PM

Title: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Fred L. Kuhns on May 05, 2014, 10:12:14 PM
 Stewart,  Need some help in finding the WW&F location on Facebook.  Fred l. Kuhns
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Brendan Barry on May 05, 2014, 10:39:59 PM
Here you go Fred.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wiscasset-Waterville-and-Farmington-Railway-Museum/147279126870
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Fred L. Kuhns on May 06, 2014, 08:35:37 AM
Brendan, Thanks for the help on the location of the WW&F on Facebook.   Fred L. Kuhns
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 08, 2014, 10:41:25 AM
We are now one month into posting photos from the early days of the museum on the WW&F facebook page.  The posts are made every Thursday and the response has been phenomenal.  So far we've shown the framing of bay 1 and laying of the first rail.

This week we present a special Backward Glance to comemorate Harry restarting the W&Q RR charter which was done 25 years ago today. Two photos are presented showing a look south at the Sheepscot Yard area.  The first view is from the Summer of 1990 while the second image shows the view from the same spot 14 years later.

Much work has gone into the sorting, scanning, dating/captioning and posting of the images and the facebook team appreciates the support of WW&F members and friends with the project.  If the positive comments made on-line and heard during the Work Weekend are any indication of how the photos are enjoyed, the Thursday posts will continue for the rest of the year. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Tom Casper on May 09, 2014, 09:56:57 AM
Start, I follow them on Facebook.  Keep the Thursday flashbacks coming!

Tom C.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 09, 2014, 11:13:36 AM
Hi Tom,  

I'm glad you enjoy the photos.  There's already been over 700 views of the "then & now" photos in less than one day.  Please be sure to [LIKE] the page and posts.

Thanks,

Start
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 11, 2014, 06:40:44 PM
Today:

There's a special Mothers Day story on fb about the railroads Model AA truck.  Please go to the link to find out how the Ford got to Sheepscot and what its nickname is.   
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 13, 2014, 04:49:19 PM
Today, the fb team had some fun with a post called "What If the FS&K had been built and a Sandy River track crew went to Wiscasset".  The post has 4 photos of a SR&RL Model T railcar on the WW&F in Wiscasset, next to the Wiscasset Grain Co, Sail Loft building and Turner Centre Creamery.  The photos feature portions of the new Wiscasset waterfront module made by Peter Barney.  Check it out - and click on each image to see the complete photo.     
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 15, 2014, 05:14:37 PM
Todays facebook post shows two views of Bay 1 from late 1990 or early 1991 as the first roof rafters are going up.  One view is from the edge of Cross Road while the other is from about where track 7 is today.

Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 20, 2014, 06:51:29 PM
The facebook crew has been at it again with more new/old photos.  Log in to find out about the WW&F's original "lifting bay"
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 22, 2014, 08:18:49 PM
Tonight's "Throw Back Thursday" facebook post features a view of the front of the shop from 1991 (including Harry's old blue pickup) with a comparison view from the same spot this week.  The now view shows just how deep the old front wall is inside of the shop addition.  Boxcar 309 is in bay 1 but you can still see some of the old front wall around the car with it's faded yellow paint.    

Bay 1 was the center of operations, shop, museum, kitchen and meeting room from 1990 through 1993.  The next few posts will highlight this fact as well as the start of bays 2 and 3.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on May 23, 2014, 09:30:14 AM
Bay 1 continued as a kitchen right up until the purchase of the house. Many a great museum chef had produced some welcomed meals from there, much to the delight of the volunteers. Thank you Stewart for reviving the memories..
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 29, 2014, 07:53:39 PM
Tonight's facebook post features 3 views of the first WW&F restoration, flatcar 118 being rebuilt by Harry and Zack in 1992 - '93.  The chain hoist in bay 1 was used to get the trucks under the car plus 60' of new track was built out the north door so the car could be rolled outside.  Check it out and [LIKE] it up!   
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 02, 2014, 06:18:25 AM
Photos of engine 9's progress with Team Downey were posted over the weekend.   Alan and Harold worked on a number of wooden parts including the pilot beam, building a new cowcatcher and front foot boards.  The views are from the machine shop and new woodshop that they set up on the second floor. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 05, 2014, 02:05:31 PM
Today's Backward Glance shows museum members installing the sheathing on flatcar 118 during the Annual Picnic in 1993. See if you can ID Zack, Jason and Bruce Wilson.  The next photos show the flatcar in primer paint and the start of framing for bays 2 and 3 of the shop, October 1993.   Enjoy! 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 06, 2014, 06:11:07 PM
The Museum's facebook page layout has been updated.  The most noticable change is that new posts are stacked in a column on the right side and the photographs in the "thumbnail" display are larger than before.  Of course you can still click on each photo (and we hope you do) to see the full image and get a detailed caption.   

As before - The WW&F page is set for public access so you don't need to be a facebook subscriber to view posts, photos and information.

Thanks,

fb team
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Philip Marshall on June 06, 2014, 09:55:21 PM
Thank you, Stewart. The Facebook page is looking good. I enjoy seeing all the photo updates, both old and new.

-Philip
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 07, 2014, 05:41:24 PM
Tonight's "LOCOMOTIVE 9 PROGRESS" report has 6 photos of work on the engine this week.  One view features an historic surprise that was discovered when Alan was cleaning the original front end castings.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 12, 2014, 03:52:05 AM
Another "LOCOMOTIVE 9 PROGRESS" report has been posted with 9 photos of recent work.  Most of it done by Brendan, Rick and Team Downey.

This is the 4th Progress Report so please scroll down if you haven't seen the previous postings.  BTW - The last report has close to 900 views since it was posted Sunday night.  Nice to see so much interest in #9.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bernie Perch on June 12, 2014, 10:12:07 AM
Alan and Howard,

I have been following your progress on Facebook and I admire you guys for first traveling that far to work on the WW&FRy and for your super craftsmanship on the pilot.  I also like that you set up the wood shop.  When I went up there in April, it looked much different and what you guys have done was a definite improvement.  I hope it stays that way.

Alan, you and your Dad are invited to stop here in White Haven for lunch, or dinner and a visit on your way home if your are driving and we are available like you did last year.  Are you going to take enough wood home to make #11's pilot now that you know all the ins and outs of pilot making?

Bernie
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 12, 2014, 03:58:26 PM
Tonight's Backward Glance is a feature on the carpentry crew building the Sheepscot Station replica during the Summer of 1993.  Modern matching photos are included for comparison.

fb team
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 14, 2014, 07:25:38 PM
Tonight the fb team posted the next installment of LOCOMOTIVE 9 PROGRESS with images from the past few days.  There are 13 photos featuring the work on the pilot ... with a special surprise thank-you for the Downeys.

Please remember to "friend" the museum's page and [LIKE] the post(s)  Thanks!

fbt
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 19, 2014, 04:15:35 PM
Todays "Throw Back Thursday" post features the construction of bays 2 and 3 in 1993 - '94. A nice surprise in the photos is flatcar 118 in new Portland Company style paint. There's a 2014 photo at the end for conparison of the north end of the shop building.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 23, 2014, 04:44:15 PM
Your fb crew has posted a new photo essay of work that Stephen Piwowarski and Marcel Levesque did on engine 9 last week.  There's projects with metal and wood ... something for everybody!

Please remember to [LIKE] our page if you haven't done so yet.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: James Patten on June 23, 2014, 06:26:57 PM
Additionally I added some photos from Saturday's NEREX and Mason's groups to Facebook.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 26, 2014, 07:36:20 PM
Tonight's Backward Glance features Sheepscot Station from it's construction in 1993 to the present.  Shown are the building in various colors,  with changes to the exterior and interior.  Today, it is the true showcase of a rural steam-era depot.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 03, 2014, 03:38:49 PM
The Backward Glance for today shows a very important event in the life of the museum.  The photo essay shows the crew laying the first mainline rails in front of Sheepscot station in the Summer of 1993.  It was an exciting time ... and we have come such a long way since then.  Please visit our fb page for a look back 21 years ago.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 07, 2014, 06:27:20 AM
Please check out the latest facebook post called "POSTCARD FROM MAINE"  

Your fb team: Mark, James and Cindy appreciate the support from museum members and friends.  Page [LIKES] are well over 900 and post views have surpassed 6,500. It's a great way to promote the museum so please tell your friends, thanks!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 09, 2014, 12:04:18 PM
The latest Locomotive #9 Progress report has been posted.  If you've never seen Jason welding, nows your chance!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 17, 2014, 06:58:58 PM
Tonights Backward Glance features construction of the Sheepscot freight house in 1995.  The building was based on the Weeks Mills freight house.  There are early construction photos and comparison views from later years.  The last shot shows the original (still-standing) structure at Weeks Mills.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 25, 2014, 12:56:35 AM
Thursdays charter by the German tour group went well and there is a pictorial recap on the museums fb page.  Seven volunteers put in may extra hours to organize and run the event, especially charter coordinatorJ.B. Smith and the engine crew Bob Longo and Jonathan St Mary.  Our guests were quite happy at the end of the day.  Some told us that the "WW&F is fantasitc - it's an amazing railroad".

Please remember to [LIKE] our page in order to follow museum information, news and photos.

fb team
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 21, 2014, 06:27:15 PM
Tonight we begin a special series with photos showing track construction on the WW&F.  Part 1 features photos from 1990 - 2000.  The next offering (next Thurs) will be part 2 with views from 2000 - 2010.  There are many good memories in the images with a good number of volunteers shown working hard.  Some of you are in the shots.  Please check the museums' facebook page for this (and other) news and articles.

Thanks! 

Mark, James and Cindy 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 22, 2014, 05:36:56 AM
SPECIAL REPORT -

The museums' facebook page now has over 1,000 LIKES.  For our non fb friends a [LIKE] means that a person has decided to follow our page so each time a new WW&F post is made it will show up on their news page.  As of this morning there are 1,004 people following our progress as we rebuild a classic Maine Two-Footer.

Many thanks to all our friends.  We hope you will visit Sheepscot soon to see the museum in person.

WW&F fb team  
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: James Patten on August 22, 2014, 06:00:00 AM
Hooray for us!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Marcel Levesque on August 22, 2014, 09:23:36 AM
Throwback Thursdays have been a blast to watch.   Seems just like yesterday...................
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Fred L. Kuhns on August 26, 2014, 07:51:59 PM
  Stewart,  The FB Team needs a great thank you for the fine job of telling the story of our great museum.  Fred L. Kuhns
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 26, 2014, 08:22:20 PM
Thanks Fred,

They do spend quite a bit of time on the posts.  There's choosing topics, picking old photos, taking new shots and writing text and captions.  As soon as a post is loaded to fb, they are working on the next subject.  It's a bit like doing a broadcast!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 27, 2014, 03:14:16 AM
Tuesday evening 8/26/14 the annual Fund Drive wish list went on fb.  This is the first time the projects have been listed, some with photos and amounts of $$ needed.  We'll see how the appeal does compared to the letters that are going in mailboxes this week.  The bottom line is ... please support the museum and our effort to rebuild a classic Maine Two-Footer.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 04, 2014, 08:52:22 PM
The facebook fund drive appeal has paid off so far with funds coming from a non-member, thank you! 

This week there have been a number of posts including:

* Locomotive 9 restoration progress
* News of a WW&F photo in the October, 2014 issue of Trains Magazine
* Steam in September - a notice of #10 running on Saturdays and some Sundays this month
* WHISTLE POST - A news blurb about #10 getting the single chime "hooter" whistle and control rod assembly
* Rebuilding the WW&F - Track Construction ... featuring photos from building the mainline Sutters to Sheepscot Mills and some really new  shots (today) of RC4 and #10 at the end of the new upper yard spur, next to the coal pocket

fb crew
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bernie Perch on September 06, 2014, 08:05:14 PM
I have been visiting the Facebook page and really enjoy looking at the photos.  I do not know how to respond to the comments on Facebook, so I am doing it here.  There was mention of making patterns for the three chime Crosby whistle.  I will not make patterns for this whistle.  It would be a massive project as I made the patterns for the CNJ step top three chime bell (top) and the project involved way over 150-200 hours plus trips to the foundry plus finishing the whistles.  It would also require specialized knowledge in casting the whistle to the thin cross sections required which seems like a lost art or terribly expensive by those who do know how to do it.

I am up to over my head in pattern projects.  I have two to make for CNJ 113, and am working on one for WW&F #11 which is being delayed by the Crosby repair process which has started.

I will be 69 in October and am slowing down and would rather do more goofing off things.  Today I fired up CNJ 113 with the help of one of the younger volunteers.  If he wasn't there, my body and mind would not be capable of making this post.  I am totally beat.  113 is a 95 ton locomotive which walked away with 56 cars last week on the R & N photo freight weekend and has a huge firebox which just wildly consumes wood during fire up.  There is just no more time for other projects.

Bernie
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 08, 2014, 03:24:51 PM
For those who wanted to see photos of the British charter last Thursday, we've posted some on facebook. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 11, 2014, 07:14:40 PM
Take a tour of Sheepscot on facebook tonight ... see if you can identify a couple of photos locations.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on September 12, 2014, 07:49:56 PM
Unfortunately, I do not get to see these pictures usually. I always make time to browse the forum, but not look back through the feeds on facebook. I am not saying it is a bad idea, because each person uses things differently, but I myself would much rather see some of the photos posted here as well.

Mike
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Dwight Winkley on September 13, 2014, 08:44:47 PM
here, here
dwight
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Wayne Laepple on September 13, 2014, 09:06:22 PM
Me, too.

I can do Facebook through my wife's account, but I still like seeing photos here, too.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 14, 2014, 07:34:58 AM
New record number of people reached by the museums' facebook page: over 5,240

Recent individual posts have reached record numbers of people as well.  The topics include -

* "Views around Sheepscot" with  2,612 reached (viewed)

* "The British are Coming" with  1,617 reached

* "Trackwork, 1998-2010" with  1,314 reached

* "Whistle Post" with  1,094 reached

Regarding photos, the images posted on fb are usually not repeated here.  The reason is to steer viewers to both the museums' web site and fb page.  There has been kind of an "unwritten rule"  that different photos are posted on the forum so there is a draw to both sites.  This way the two sites compliment each other.  The photos on here are usually posted by non-fb members so there is a variety of images and information.

It's all about getting more eyes on museum news and event information.  I hope this helps.

Start
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on September 14, 2014, 04:02:53 PM
Ok. Please don't post my photos on facebook then. Would not want to violate the unwritren rule. I am just saying, a few pictures posted here as a teaser would encourage people to visit the fb page. As of today, I still have not seen the pictures from this week on facebook. I have yet to take the time to find an easy way to find them.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ira Schreiber on September 14, 2014, 04:18:47 PM
Post them on both places so everyone has a chance to see them.
If you find duplicates, there is always the DELETE button.

IMHO
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 14, 2014, 04:29:24 PM
Well, James has posted photos to both sites on occasion, he may be the only one who does.  Cindy doesn't post to the forum.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: James Patten on September 14, 2014, 04:59:20 PM
One of the posts (I think it was the annual fund update) I copied photos from posts here of Mike and Brendan.  I was lazy, didn't have any photos of mine, and wanted some photos for the post, which always seems to increase interest.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Brendan Barry on September 14, 2014, 05:54:08 PM
Here's the last batch of photos from face book. The museum's facebook page is public so you do not need a face book account to look at the page.

https://www.facebook.com/147279126870/photos/pcb.10152436817031871/10152436799401871/?type=1&theater
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 14, 2014, 06:25:14 PM
Thanks for the link B,

Note: To view additional photos in the album please click [next] at the top right corner of the image.  This works well on a laptop, not sure how well it works on a droid or iphone since things are a lot smaller and some icons vary.  Our research indicates that more people view fb from their phone/tablet whereas more people view the forum from a laptop.  That's one reason the older posts on fb are a bit tougher to access for some.

Start
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Brendan Barry on September 18, 2014, 08:37:40 PM
Latest batch of face book photos.

https://www.facebook.com/147279126870/photos/pcb.10152450017176871/10152450000336871/?type=1&theater
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 25, 2014, 07:27:06 PM
Tonight, more photos of trackwork are up.  The post is in two parts with the first half being shots of building track to Alna Center and the second half shows work from today at Top of the Mountain.  Of course there are ToM photos here on the forum too, posted yesterday. 

We hope you check out both sites!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on September 25, 2014, 07:30:18 PM
Nice series of shots Start. Thanks
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Brendan Barry on September 25, 2014, 10:26:48 PM
Last two batches of Facebook photos.

https://www.facebook.com/147279126870/photos/pcb.10152462963111871/10152462949821871/?type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/147279126870/photos/pcb.10152457678391871/10152457663536871/?type=1&theater
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 02, 2014, 07:11:13 PM
There has been so much happening at the railroad this week that there are two new posts on fb showing prep for the Fall Work Weekend.  There is also a photo essay of the work done when the track crew reached Alna Center with the mainline and built the siding.  That was almost 10 years ago, Columbus Day weekend, October 2004. 

You can click on the link on the first page of this thread for easy access.  Please [LIKE] it up! 

Thanks, fb team.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 23, 2014, 08:48:42 PM
Tonight's facebook post is "Original Station/Tool house Returns"  The article features photos and information of when the old tool house was obtained from Wiscasset and brought back to Sheepscot in 1996.  There are also articles about the move in the WW&F newsletters: March/April and May/June 1996 issues which may be viewed right here on the forum in the Newsletters thread.

FYI - At the end of tonights' fb post is a soggy update on the car storage building.

Start
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 07, 2014, 08:55:10 AM
Last night's facebook post is the 12th update on LOCOMOTIVE 9 PROGRESS. The top news is the hydrostatic test.  As of this morning there have been over 2065 people see the report.  Also, the museums page now has 1,206 [LIKES] which means that many people see every WW&F news and history post.  Thanks to everyone who follows the WW&F on facebook and here on the forum.

As always, you can get to the latest fb post by clicking on the link on the first page of this thread.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Fred Morse on November 07, 2014, 02:01:24 PM
Once you've found us on facebook come and join us this Sat. building a car shed and have some beef stew for lunch to keep you warm.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 13, 2014, 05:12:01 PM
Tonight's post is a tribute to Julius Stuck.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 20, 2014, 08:15:27 PM
This weeks post is about when steam returned to the WW&F.  There are two dates for the event: 1994 and 1998.  Please check out the museums fb page to decide which one you think is correct!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 25, 2014, 07:15:06 PM
A Special Report on #9 has been posted.  It's a photo essay on the first steam test of the locomotive.  You may access the report by clicking on the link on the first page of this thread.

Happy Thanksgiving from the WW&F fb team.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 26, 2014, 06:23:58 PM
Tuesday was quite a day with the steam test on engine 9.  Word spread fast through the groups of narrow gauge and steam fans that the WW&F was making history. The internet has become a big part of getting our message out and a good example is the reaction of viewers on facebook. A number of new records were set with the latest #9 post. Here are a few stats as of tonight.

STEAM TEST ON #9, photos and captions -

9,648 people have viewed the post. An all-time record, the next highest post was a #9 update that received 2,929 views.
264 people have liked the post. This does not include [likes] for individual photos, that number is much higher.
68 positive comments have been made on the post.  This does not include comments posted on individual photos which total in the hunderds. (Note: Please see the Few Stories thread for some of the comments.)

Museum main facebook page totals -

1,354 [Likes] for the general page which means that 1,354 people follow us and see every post that we make.
14,346 Page views.  This number is the total number of individuals that have seen our page in the last 6+ months.


Every museum member and friend should be proud of the work the WW&F is doing with #9 and other museum projects.  The amount of attention by people from all over the world says volumes about what we are doing in Alna.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: James Patten on November 28, 2014, 10:50:16 AM
This morning there are 10,000+ page views on the #9 thread.  Wow!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Keith Taylor on November 30, 2014, 01:30:24 PM
This weeks post is about when steam returned to the WW&F.  There are two dates for the event: 1994 and 1998.  Please check out the museums fb page to decide which one you think is correct!
The 1994 date is also the time the first "STEAM LOCOMOTIVE" returned to Sheepscot.
At the annual picnic I had set up some portable track for one of my 3 - 1/2" gauge live steam locomotives.
It was fired up and ran all afternoon.

Keith
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 01, 2014, 03:23:53 PM
Hi everyone,

Been away for Thanksgiving and forgot my laptop (it was like going back to he 1980's) so I haven't been watching the forum or facebook.  A nice surprise upon logging into fb this afternoon is seeing the new numbers for the Steam Test on #9 post from last Tuesday.  
The latest:

* 11,752 people have viewed the photos and information post on #9 being steamed up the first time.

* 1,455 people have [liked] the museum facebook page which means that 1,455 people see every message we post on their own news page.

* 14,798 people have viewed our page in the last 6+ months.

Not bad, thanks everyone!

Start
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stephen Piwowarski on December 01, 2014, 03:28:01 PM
That's amazing Stewart.  Facebook has become an incredible PR workhorse for the museum and it seems to have great potential even beyond what we're doing now from what I've heard. Hopefully the increased visibility = more riders, visitors, and people spreading the word about the WW&F!

Thanks for the hard, but fun work!
Steve
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 03, 2014, 07:27:34 AM
Thanks Steve,

Look for some new things on fb, including better announcements and broader promotion of special events such as Victorian Christmas.

The bottom line is always to build more interest in the WW&F and Maine Two-Foot railroads plus increasing our membership.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 17, 2014, 05:44:47 PM
The Victorian Christmas event post has done very well with the fb boost post option, numbers are better than 5,500 people seeing the post as of tonight.  Also, a report on last Saturday's mixed train has been posted.  The extra ran to AC to test #10's reworked exhaust nozzles and stack extension.  See Brendan's fine photos in the #10 work thread for more info on the improvements.

Start
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 20, 2014, 08:10:37 PM
Please see the museum's facebook page for two nice posts with photos and information about today's record breaking Victorian Christmas event.

Your fb team got real chilly getting some nice shots  ;D
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 12, 2015, 08:55:16 PM
The fb team is at it again!  Check the page for another #9 update ... we're up to report #14.  You'll also get a look at our two steam lokies 16 years ago  ;D
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on January 13, 2015, 04:32:13 PM
Thank you fb team for that update. Always nice to look back
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 28, 2015, 10:45:10 AM
The Sheepscot crew hosted a birthday party last Saturday the 24th and the visitors found the railroad on facebook.  Thanks to our volunteers Steve Z., Fred and Zack for setting up caboose 320 for the party and telling first time visitors about the museum.  From that event and everyone who helped at the Big E Show, our fb page has gotten 22 more likes in a week.  The normal addition of likes (which is people following us) is about 1 every three days so the birthday party and Big E crews really came through.  We now have 1,667 people following us on fb, thanks!!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 05, 2015, 07:50:35 PM
Tonight's "Backward Glance" is a photo essay on construction of the Sheepscot water tank in 2006-2007.  The replica of the Head Tide tank is a well used structure when steam is afoot on the narrow gauge.  There is a short news piece at the end of the post, highlighting improvements in the machine shop.  You may use the link posted on the first page of this thread for access to the WW&F fb page.

fb team
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Steve Smith on February 06, 2015, 10:35:36 PM
The item on Facebook indicates work on the water tank began in 2006, but it actually began in 2005. On the first day I went to Sheepscot to volunteer, Saturday, April 16, 2005, Fred Morse greeted me and I asked if there was something I could work on. He said I could go up the track to where Zack and some others were digging the shallow excavation for the base slab of the water tower, and I was happy to go up there and join in.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 07, 2015, 08:49:08 AM
Thanks Steve and Happy Anniversary.  You've been with the WW&F nearly 10 years!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Fred L. Kuhns on February 07, 2015, 09:55:02 PM
 Stewart, On the Facebook some days ago there was a picture of a water tank building and section house (model). Was the models of the WW&F railroad buildings? If so, I was thinking the section house might be built as crafts center for Alma.  The large window in the gable would let in a great deal of natural light. The size could be on the order of 12' x 16' or 12' x 20'. The DOD would have to determine whether this is something that would fit into the museum greater plan. Thanks again, for the great work of the FB gang ,love all the pictures and information provided.  Fred L. Kuhns   
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 07, 2015, 10:37:12 PM
Hi Fred,

Yes, the photo you saw was taken at the Big E Amherst Show.  The model buildings were part of a large WW&F based layout that was in the Mallary Building near the railcar display.  Some of the modelers are members of our museum and have recreated scenes along the WW&F. 

Thanks for the comments and suggestions.  There are a number of Board members on the forum so they will see your ideas.

Stewart
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 13, 2015, 07:34:09 AM
Last night we posted a batch of photos taken around the museum over the last 25 years.  There is no theme so the shots are of a wide variety of subjects with a few surprises.  Please have a look when you get a chance.

News:  The WW&F fb page now has over 1,700 likes which means that over 1,700 people follow us and see every post we put up.  Thanks and onward to 1,800

fb team

Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 21, 2015, 06:25:21 PM
The latest two posts include a look back to when caboose 320 was built in 1998 and more news about #9's restoration.  You may access the posts by clicking on the facebook link that Brendan posted on the first page of this thread.

Mark, James and Cindy
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 05, 2015, 02:54:58 PM
Today's fb post is a showcase of museum volunteers and their duties from 1990 to 2015.  At the end are some news photos showing progress in the cellar of the Percival house.  We hope you [LIKE] it!

fb team
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 12, 2015, 07:03:17 PM
Tune in tonight to see a rare occurrence that happened the day the roll top desk was delivered to Sheepscot depot. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stephen Piwowarski on March 12, 2015, 09:50:46 PM
Did you find a ring in that roll top desk?

Nice pic, by the way!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 13, 2015, 07:00:04 AM
No ring but we did find a tin of Dapper Dan.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 02, 2015, 09:43:28 AM
This week - 

Look for a special post on the museum's fb page.  The photo gives a perspective of the communications technology that was used in Wiscasset homes the last time engine #9 was in service.  As always, you may click on the fb link on page one of this thread.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 03, 2015, 11:27:08 AM
Many photos of #9's new whistle (in various stages) were posted last night.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 16, 2015, 06:24:49 PM
Check fb tonight for photos of #9's whistle test fitted on the steam dome, valve chests set up and progress on the Eames vacuum brake cylinder.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 19, 2015, 06:23:34 PM
Tune in to our fb page to see some of the interesting (and historic) items we recovered from the mill building.  Some will come in handy.

One clue: the turntable carpenters are very happy.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 26, 2015, 05:46:17 PM
See the WW&F facebook page for shots of the track work at TOM.  Of interest is the installation of a piece of original WW&F rail at the end of the siding.  The piece was found in the woods when we cleared the site a few years ago.  We used a few recovered original spikes to hold that piece of rail in place so we now have rail in service that felt the weight of the original engines and rolling stock.  Harry would be proud.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 27, 2015, 06:06:09 AM
As of this morning the WW&F Railway fb page has now been liked by over 1,800 people.  This shows how many people see every post of news, photos and historical information we make.

Also - The Work Weekend Report (that went up less than 12 hours ago) has already been seen by over 6,000 people.  Thanks to everyone who has worked to get the WW&F message out.

fb team:

Mark, James, Jason and Cindy
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 28, 2015, 03:33:32 PM
Take a look at fb for Part 2 of the Spring Work Weekend projects.  You'll see a variety of jobs being done and volunteers doing them! 

So far the Work Weekend reports have been seen by nearly 10,000 people.  Thanks to everyone for getting the word out.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bill Sample on April 29, 2015, 11:00:00 AM
Thanks to the F B Team for paving the way to get the word out!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 30, 2015, 03:30:36 PM
Please check the fb page tonight for a look back at the Spring Work Weekend from 2000. That's when we built Sutter's Crossing at the power lines.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 07, 2015, 06:25:33 PM
Tune in tonight for a look back to 1935 and how sad news was turned around.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 14, 2015, 08:54:04 PM
Check fb tonight for a review of more interesting items that came from the shingle mill. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Fred L. Kuhns on May 14, 2015, 09:26:42 PM
 Stewart,  The pictures of the last few weeks show great progress on the engine, along with track work, restroom and garage painting, car barn walls being made ready for the roof trusses, and the shingle mill being moved to the museum.  The Facebook team is doing a great job of spreading the word on the museum.  I always look forward to Thursdays and the weekly report.  Fred L. Kuhns  
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 21, 2015, 07:13:46 PM
Tonight's post shows coach 8 arriving in 2005 and some news photos of the car getting brake work by the Downey's.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 28, 2015, 08:54:43 PM
The Thursday night post was delayed due to storms and power outages in Alna but we managed to put more photos up (thank goodness for generators). 

Check out the fb page for a look at all the work the Downey's have done fabricating new parts and building new brake systems for coaches 3 and 8. The work required both trucks to be rolled out from under the cars.  Coach 8's new brake setup has the south brake wheel braking both trucks, the new system worked very well last weekend.  Harold and Alan's work over the last few days has been on coach 3 and is outstanding.  Many thanks to Team Downey!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 31, 2015, 07:03:32 PM
A special report is posted about the car storage building.  Have a look to see Fred's unique system for delivering plywood to the top crew.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 05, 2015, 05:58:29 AM
Check the fb page for a look at the first train meet at TOM last Saturday.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 11, 2015, 07:57:42 PM
Tonights post features views of the charter we ran on Tuesday for the Friends of the RR Museum of Pennsylvania.  As always, you may access the facebook page via the link posted on page 1 of this thread.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 12, 2015, 06:01:59 AM
BTW - As of this morning the museum's fb page now has over 1,900 likes.  This means that over 1,900 people follow us and see every post we make.

Thanks to everyone who has promoted the WW&F on line!!   ;D
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 18, 2015, 06:52:09 PM
Tonight's post is a recap of today's school charter as well as news about the section house project and progress on #9.  One addition to the locomotive's lubrication system may be a surprise to some.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 23, 2015, 05:51:33 AM
Check the fb page for a special report on the "wedding weekend".  Members Annie and Steve were married at the Alna mtg house and had their reception party at Sheepscot.  A special train ran Saturday evening.  As a gift to the museum, the couple along with their friends built a replica of the Whitefield section house along the upper yard spur. 

Another highlight to the weekend was a visit from the Willy's-Overland-Knight auto club.  The group brought an assortment of antique autos (19 teens into the 1930's) which were displayed in front of the shop.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 25, 2015, 06:29:27 PM
The latest two posts feature: 

*  A link to a 1960's era film shot at Pleasure Island that shows our #10 in a few scenes.

* News on a railcar charter Wednesday by Chris Guenzler from TrainWeb.com

* Updates on the construction of the replica Whitefield section house, with a surprise.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Carl G. Soderstrom on June 25, 2015, 11:04:35 PM
Is there going to be a piece of cardboard replacing the glass in the window as in the old photo?
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 28, 2015, 09:21:37 PM
Carl,

That's probably tin replacing the window pane and we don't think Zack wants to break glass to be hystaric historic.

Check the fb page for photos of the great shingle mill caper.  Watch as the Mill Mice remove and load all the parts for the shingle mill.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Carl G. Soderstrom on June 29, 2015, 11:03:05 PM
I have ripple glass from 1917 - hard to get there from here.
Also some knob & tube wiring parts if you are interested.

Be careful cutting that old glass - it tends NOT to follow the score lines like new glass.

I don't know if a water cutter will do a better job - intuitively it will.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 02, 2015, 06:46:13 PM
Tune in tonight for a rare look at the Wiscasset turntable which is what our future Sheepscot tt will be based upon.  There is a Portland Company plan for the bridge.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Fred L. Kuhns on July 02, 2015, 08:45:36 PM
 Wonder what is the length of the two wooden side rails on the turntable, are they all one piece? The material looks to be large and well bolted together.   Thanks,  Fred L. Kuhns
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 09, 2015, 09:00:38 PM
The post tonight features news of the Russia Iron boiler jacket for #9 that arrived today.  The locomotive has never had a boiler jacket for the 20 years she has been at Sheepscot so we're all excited about seeing the new iron pieces.  Jason made a long road trip to Ohio for the 38 piece jacket and the parts look great!  Check out the post to see the first couple of sections installed.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stephen Hussar on July 10, 2015, 03:57:32 PM
Great pictures, Stewart! Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10153107236456871&id=147279126870
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 10, 2015, 07:43:00 PM
Hi Stephen,

That's a nice complement coming from a lense artist like you.

Thanks,

Stewart
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 13, 2015, 06:20:47 PM
* Tonight we posted a special report on the Ice Cream Social. 

* Last Thursday's post about #9's new boiler jacket has now reached over 3,000 people.

Thanks to all the Two-Foot fans on the forum and facebook!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: James Patten on July 13, 2015, 06:46:12 PM
I'm glad you got photos of it, Stewart.  I wanted to but didn't get a chance.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 16, 2015, 07:11:02 PM
Tonight's post is a group of news photos including a never before possible view taken near the water tank and a #9 boiler jacket update.

Enjoy!

fb team
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 22, 2015, 06:46:46 AM
Recent posts and their coverage as of Weds, July 22nd:

* Shingle Mill news - seen by 1,142

* Turntable Project - seen by 1,608

* Locomotive #9 progress - seen by 3,088

* Ice Cream Social report - seen by 1,285

* News Views, updates on the section house, "Barry Lane", car shed and #9's boiler jacket - 3,534
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 23, 2015, 06:13:42 PM
Tonight's post features Then & Now views of the Whitefield section house.  The now shot from today has news that the roof has been finished and the front staging removed.  Both photos show the buildings from the same angle.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 30, 2015, 05:34:57 PM
The Thursday broadcast features unique views of the WW&F paint booth plus news about new equipment and improvements to the Percival house driveway.

As of today our facebook page has 2,006 likes which means that 2,006 people follow museum news and get every message.  It's a big mile post, thanks to everyone who helps promote the "narra gage" !
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: James Patten on August 05, 2015, 07:30:54 PM
Our Facebook page now has over 2000 likes!  Last year at this time we had just under 1000, so we doubled our likes in slightly less than a year.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 06, 2015, 08:46:16 PM
See tonight's post to find out what happened this week.  The 50/50 paint experiment on #9's domes has a surprise ...
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 10, 2015, 07:16:34 PM
Check facebook for photos of the Annual Picnic.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on August 10, 2015, 07:22:00 PM
Nicely Done Stewart. Glad you captured my shipping info
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bill Reidy on August 10, 2015, 08:00:45 PM
Very nice.  Thanks, Stewart.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 12, 2015, 03:34:14 PM
Our facebook members listed by country and count:

United States -       1,685
United Kingdom -    95
Canada -                38
Australia -              34
Brazil -                   22
Germany -              14
Italy -                    12
Argentina -             11
Netherlands -          10
Spain -                    9
Sweden -                 9
New Zealand -          9
France -                   9
Hungary -                8
India -                     7
Switzerland -            6
Belgium -                 6
Mexico -                   5
Portugal -                 5
Denmark -                5
Iraq -                       4
Philippines -              3
Iran -                       3
Slovenia -                 3
Isle of Man -              3
Indonesia -                2
Czech Republic -        2
Pakistan -                  2
Finland -                    2
Austria -                    2
Poland -                    2
Greece -                    2
Ireland -                    2
Moldova -                  1
Syria -                       1
Lithuania -                 1
Venezuela -               1
Bosnia - Herzegovina  1
Bulgaria -                  1
Tunisia -                    1
Ecuador -                  1
Costa Rica -               1
Dominican Republic    1
Taiwan -                    1
Serbia -                     1

As of August 12th, 2015

 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: John McNamara on August 12, 2015, 03:59:11 PM
Very interesting. The high numbers for US, UK, Canada, and Australia are more or less as expected, but I'm surprised that Brazil is 50% more than Germany.

By "Facebook members" I presume you mean "Facebook followers."

-John
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Philip Marshall on August 12, 2015, 05:06:39 PM
That *is* very interesting.

I wonder, why so few in Ireland? One would think the Welsh and Manx enthusiasm for narrow gauge railways would exert some influence across the Irish Sea, but apparently not.

And why so many in Iraq and Iran? That's very peculiar.

And notably absent from the list is *Japan*. I know there are lots of Japanese railfans (some friends of mine included!), so maybe it's a language issue?

Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 13, 2015, 06:05:57 AM
John,
The stats are from the managers report on the museum's facebook page.  The list shows facebook members that have their own account/page that [LIKE] our page.   Yes, that means they have joined our page to follow every post.  Each person who creates a facebook account fills out a page with info on things such as your country of origin and primary language.  We can tell from the bios that there are members who live in a  country but are originally from another place. 

Philip,
I too am surprised that there are no members in Japan since I have met visitors that have traveled from that country.  One fellow, Dr. Katsuma (sp?) is a friend of John's that has come to Alna a number of times.
 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 21, 2015, 05:49:26 AM
Last night's post features news views about the Wiscasset kids charter from Tuesday and an update with photos of #9's vacuum brake system.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 27, 2015, 06:07:41 PM
See the museum's fb page tonight for a #9 update.  There's lots of photos from this week plus a surprise from the 1890's.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 31, 2015, 05:20:30 PM
Check fb for an update on the car shed.  Fred has been busy ...
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 03, 2015, 06:45:01 PM
Tonights post features news from this week including delivery of railroad ties that will allow construction of 1/3 of a mile of new track.  There's also a rare photo of something never seen at Sheepscot before.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 10, 2015, 04:00:54 PM
Tune in tonight for a look at some of the changes to the displays in the museum part of the freight house.  There's a nice tribute to the planned locomotive #11 and some interesting original items from the WW&F.  The second half of the post shows the latest work on the car storage building.  One of the photos has been a big hit on another fb page that is dedicated to old Ford trucks, see if you can guess which photo has been [liked] by members of that group.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 15, 2015, 04:32:37 PM
Our page has been liked by 2,100 people which is the number of followers who see every post we make.  Thanks to the loyal members and friends of the WW&F Railway for watching our progress both here and on facebook.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on September 15, 2015, 05:58:14 PM
Actually, depends on how "busy" the facebookers page is. If I have a few friends post a bunch of stuff, I really have to search for the Museum post. You making the announcement here helps me find it.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 15, 2015, 08:11:28 PM
If it gets buried on the news feed page, you can go right to the WW&F page.  Especially on Thursday night.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 17, 2015, 06:18:53 PM
Check fb tonight for a report on the Mass Bay RRE charter last Saturday.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 28, 2015, 08:25:54 PM
There are two new fb postings with photos of the Fall Festival.  One is by the train crew and the second is from the Alna Center crew.  The kid photos are super, everyone had a good (old fashioned) time!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 01, 2015, 06:05:59 PM
Tonight's NEWS VIEWS show a number of things around Sheepscot including: the new power pole, Fall foliage, progress on #9's tank and using the bull riveter for switch frog assembly.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 05, 2015, 07:03:02 PM
Check fb tonight for a report on an interesting find while Brendan cleaned #9's tender tank.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 08, 2015, 06:07:06 PM
Tonight's post features a look at all the projects that got attention today including the car shed and upper yard.  About a dozen members worked all day to get things ready for the FWW. 

We look forward to seeing everyone over the next 4 days.

fb team
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 11, 2015, 07:22:51 PM
Check fb tonight for a photo essay on the Fall Work Weekend, days 1-3.  Much has been accomplished so far and it's hard to list every project but we have a nice collection of photos including views of #9, the car shed, the upper yard trackage, Whitefield section house and a shot of our new boxcar, B&SR #67.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 13, 2015, 06:34:47 PM
Thanks for the information Philip.  The Fall Work Weekend post has gotten over 3,000 views in two days showing the level of interest in the work we are doing.

Tonight a special article was posted with old photos and additional information on B&SR car 67.  There's a surprise at the end too!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on October 13, 2015, 07:43:23 PM
Thanks Start. Very nice.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 15, 2015, 07:09:27 PM
Tonight's broadcast highlights work done this week including 90' of new rail to get the woods track started.  There's a few Fall scenery shots thrown in to show that we don't just photograph trains.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Paul Uhland on October 15, 2015, 11:40:48 PM
Fabulous photo essay! Huge amount of work done.
That overtime, two-man woods track team should get hero medals!
Adding back doors to the car barn is a great idea, especially for access to planned restoration work in there.
Will ridge vent louvers be added to gable ends? That roof will generate lots of heat.
What color will the car barn be painted? Same as restrooms and MOW garage?
What's next...TOM north trackwork or turntable/roundhouse?
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ira Schreiber on October 16, 2015, 06:55:47 PM
The BOD makes those decisions, but the building is purposed for storage, not restoration.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: James Patten on October 16, 2015, 07:12:58 PM
The car barn will free up much needed space in the car shop for restoration work, or new construction, or whatever.

This fall we may be able to dig the pit for the center of the turntable (depends on our excavation equipment health), and this winter the mid-week work focus will be on creating castings for the turntable.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Paul Uhland on October 17, 2015, 02:07:40 PM
Sorry. Somebody mentioned that restoration might be done in the car barn. The shop is the obvious place for it.
Cheers.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 22, 2015, 03:38:17 PM
Tonight's broadcast features work done on #9 this week plus a surprise at the end!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Paul Uhland on October 23, 2015, 12:37:51 AM
Am amazed at how much CB interior light there is via those skylight strips.
The place looks super, as does #9.
Marcel's work is Smithsonian quality!

Almost time for a barn dance!  ;D

Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 25, 2015, 07:27:55 PM
A short (but important) #9 update was posted tonight including shots of the vacuum brake pots and a photo with something strange.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 29, 2015, 06:04:21 PM
Tonight's post features a couple of things we rarely do:

(1) Post a photo album.

(2) Go out of town on a field trip. 

Take a look to see where our #9 ran as a young pup.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 05, 2015, 06:48:31 PM
It's been a very busy week.  Check fb tonight for photos of #9 work, much switching, a new floor in the section house and some newly arrived rolling stock.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 08, 2015, 06:26:25 PM
Tonight we posted a photo of #9's gauges in place.  Wes Carpenter did a beautiful job restoring and calibrating the loco/steam gauge and Eames vacuum brake gauge.  The vacuum brake gauge has not been on the engine in many years and it's good to see it back in the cab.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 12, 2015, 04:31:23 PM
Another update is up tonight.  Check the views to see new rail laid along the woods track ... and it's already full!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 17, 2015, 08:38:30 PM
We posted another Backward Glance yesterday.  Have a look to see what 1900 era scene we kinda re-created while switching the new car shed two weeks ago.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 19, 2015, 04:24:11 PM
Check the museum's fb page tonight for more progress on #9 and other projects.  The news photos include three "firsts"
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 23, 2015, 09:28:15 PM
A special post tonight features news and photos of the latest work on #9 including a hint of the unique (first time at Sheepscot) work to be done tomorrow.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 30, 2015, 04:20:07 PM
Check fb tonight for a quick update on #9 including views of the new tail ladder and more cab/window work.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 03, 2015, 09:32:13 AM
Today's post features photos of #9 outside for the first time since extensive cab and tank work.  Included are two unusual photos and an explanation of the many controls on the backhead.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 06, 2015, 12:14:35 PM
See the facebook page for a photo essay of the steam up of #9 and extra passenger train to AC.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: James Patten on December 07, 2015, 07:10:01 PM
So far 19,239 people reached, 233 shares, and 73 comments for the first post of #9 under steam (one of Stephen Hussar's pictures from Alna Center) and 21,601 people reached, 258 shares and 27 comments for Stewart's photo essay.  I think our biggest hit.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 07, 2015, 07:55:56 PM
Thanks James.  Here's a bit more from the facebook managers report tonight -

*  #9 Posts (news reports) in the past week have reached:  42,648 people

*  WW&F Page [LIKES] = People who follow us and see every post:  2,492  (215 were added this week)

*  Stephen Hussar's photo of #9 at AC ( this is our new wall paper shot at the top of the page) has gotten 19,596 views.

*  The photo essay of #9 returning to steam and pulling the first passenger train to AC has gotten 22,818 views.


 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 10, 2015, 06:47:41 PM
Tonight's post has a few more shots from the first run of #9 as well as some oddities.  We don't think this post will be as hot as last Sunday night's photo essay that got over 23,000 views but there's some good stuff in there.  Check it out!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 13, 2015, 03:35:48 PM
Check fb tonight for a feature on the WMTW Channel 8 news team coming to Sheepscot.  The first few photos show #9 in yard service working on the upper yard spur for the first time.  See who did a masterful interview with Norm Karkos.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bill Reidy on December 13, 2015, 04:44:04 PM
...See who did a masterful interview with Norm Karkos.

Oh my...
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 13, 2015, 09:44:25 PM
New mile post tonight:

The total number of people who [LIKE] our page, (which means they follow us) and see every post we make is ...

drum roll please  2,526

Thanks to everyone for their support and we hope you visit the museum in 2016!

We hope you become members too  ;D
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 17, 2015, 10:28:14 AM
Today's post features a photo essay on the first freight pulled by #9 in about 90 years.  The WW&F ran mixed trains in the 1930's so we're not sure when #9 last had a freight.  It may have been a coal drag on the KC in the 1920's. 

The last few images show another (not-seen in decades) addition to the cab. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 20, 2015, 05:49:27 PM
A photo essay of our Victorian Christmas event has been posted.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 03, 2016, 03:48:50 PM
The first "News Views" of 2016 went up today. Included is a photo of snow fighting equipment from 90 years ago.

Facebook news: 

We have a new record number of people following our page, over 2,700 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 07, 2016, 12:24:08 PM
The Thursday post features a look at the turntable project that is slated to begin this year.  Photos are recent as well as 100+ year old views from Wiscasset and Albion.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 14, 2016, 02:32:55 PM
Today's post features an update on work being done to engine 10 and boxcar 67.  There's a surprise at the end.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 17, 2016, 05:43:10 PM
Another detail shot of the Wiscasset turntable has been posted.  This photo shows the wooden stringers that are under the rails on the tt bridge.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 21, 2016, 02:20:48 PM
Today's post has a feature on the plow extra that ran on Monday.  Other news includes photos of the tree clearing at TOM and work on #10.  As usual, there's a surprise photo in the report.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Kevin Madore on January 28, 2016, 11:01:35 AM
Hi Stewart,

WRT the snow train shot on the FB page, why is the plow being pulled behind the consist?   That plow appears to be designed to buck drifts that would bury little #5.  I would think that it should be at the front of the consist, not the back.    Does this photo depict how they typically operated?

BTW, I am amazed at how much #5 looks like #10 in this photo!   Neat shot.   Wish there were more like it.    I think a flanger car would be a great addition to the museum's collection some day.

/Kevin
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Keith Taylor on January 28, 2016, 12:15:54 PM
I see that you now have to "log in" to Facebook in order to view the WW&F pages.
As I have no intention of joining Facebook I will now be unable to view the photos posted there.
Could these photos now be posted on this forum as well as on "social media?"

Keith
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on January 28, 2016, 12:18:22 PM
Hi Keith,

I'm also a member of the non-Facebook club. However, I can read (and view photos) our public Facebook page just fine. Be sure you use this link:
https://www.facebook.com/Wiscasset-Waterville-and-Farmington-Railway-Museum-147279126870/ (https://www.facebook.com/Wiscasset-Waterville-and-Farmington-Railway-Museum-147279126870/)

-Ed
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: James Patten on January 28, 2016, 12:32:01 PM
Periodically Facebook changes around your settings, just to keep you on your toes, I guess.  This may be one of them.  One of us will take a look at it today, and see if that's a setting that has been turned off or not.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Harold Downey on January 28, 2016, 12:43:55 PM
I get the "log on" dialog all the time.  Just hit <Esc> and it goes away.

Harold
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Keith Taylor on January 28, 2016, 01:30:25 PM
Hi Keith,

I'm also a member of the non-Facebook club. However, I can read (and view photos) our public Facebook page just fine. Be sure you use this link:
https://www.facebook.com/Wiscasset-Waterville-and-Farmington-Railway-Museum-147279126870/ (https://www.facebook.com/Wiscasset-Waterville-and-Farmington-Railway-Museum-147279126870/)

-Ed
Ed I still get not logged in using that address.
Keith
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Keith Taylor on January 28, 2016, 01:31:57 PM
I get the "log on" dialog all the time.  Just hit <Esc> and it goes away.

Harold
Thanks Harold! That works a treat!

Keith
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 04, 2016, 03:28:17 PM
Today's post features a look at our crew working the museum tables at the ARS Big E Railroad Show as well as some attractions in the other buildings.  We chose a variety of exhibits to show the type of things found at the show including a couple of surprises.  Enjoy the tour.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Duncan Mackiewicz on February 05, 2016, 09:36:11 AM
For what it's worth, Facebook has now blocked the "free" link to the WWF postings. Is there another "back door" to the WWF area of Facebook? Otherwise, anyone who wishes to view Stewart's postings will be forced to join Facebook or forego the postings.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Jonathan St.Mary on February 05, 2016, 09:54:36 AM
I just ignore the banner that says to connect, log in or sign up.  Scrolled down past the banner, and clicked on the pictures.  Everything showed fine for me.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wiscasset-Waterville-and-Farmington-Railway-Museum/147279126870

Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 11, 2016, 04:26:29 PM
Today's post features photos of Winter projects including car barn door construction and shingle mill engine repair plus a look at what guests at our Spring Photo Excursion will witness.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 18, 2016, 11:43:34 AM
Locomotive #9 turns 125 this year.  Check our fb page for a look at #9 back in 1891 when she was SRRR #5 the N.B. Beal.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 25, 2016, 10:53:23 AM
Today's post is a report on the progress made on a number of projects this week.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 28, 2016, 02:58:05 PM
Today we posted the second photo in the "Backward Glance" series that commemorates the 125th birthday of #9.  The series will follow our #9 from new on the Sandy River in 1891 up through 2016.  The latest image shows SRRR #5 in the Summer of 1893 after a rebuild by the Portland Company.  The repair was due to #5 being in an accident near Farmington in December of 1892.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 03, 2016, 11:56:46 AM
The WW&F in Artwork is today's subject.  We feature railroad images done by talented artists for the museum.  Most of the prints are available in the gift shop.

BTW - The previous post featuring a photo of SRRR #5 in 1893 reached 7,000 people.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 05, 2016, 10:08:36 PM
As of tonight we have 2,900 page "LIKES" which indicates the number of people who follow our fb page and see every post we make.  Many thanks to everyone who supports the WW&F both on line and in person. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 06, 2016, 07:32:56 PM
Another "Backward Glance" photo of our #9 went up today, showing the engine in freight service in 1892.  This view is the next in the continuing series highlighting the history of the locomotive leading up to it's 125th birthday in May.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Jeff Schumaker on March 06, 2016, 08:25:27 PM
When will we get to its Kennebec Central days? ???

Jeff S.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 06, 2016, 10:08:16 PM
Yes
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 10, 2016, 10:54:02 AM
Today's post features updates on a number of projects including the turntable, car barn and unusual views of the tool house.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Fred L. Kuhns on March 12, 2016, 12:27:10 PM
 Stewart, The tool house new shingles will make the whole area look first class. The BOD will find the funds because the crew that worked on the Whitefield section house can't wait to get started. The new shingles will mirror the beauty of the Whitefield section house. Thanks for the up dates on Facebook. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 12, 2016, 03:36:39 PM
Thanks Fred.

 As we stated on fb, there is a plan to reshingle the sides of the tool house but we don't know when the project will be done since (as usual) there are many projects in the works such as boxcar 67 and the pending extension of the mainline north of TOM.  Thanks for watching our fb page and we hope you continue to enjoy it.

Stewart
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 17, 2016, 11:19:06 AM
Today's post shows progress with the boxcar #67 project.  Photos show new lumber, wheel and truck work plus a view of #67 in Bridgton in 1930.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 20, 2016, 03:59:30 PM
The latest "Backward Glance" photo has been posted, it's SRRR #5 around 1900 with straight lettering on the tender which is the livery the engine had until the 1908 consolidation of the Franklin County pikes into the SR&RL.  The Sunday afternoon historic posts have done well, with some of the images getting over 7,000 views.  They, along with the Thursday news posts have gotten over 3,000 people to follow our page.  Nice milepost.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 24, 2016, 05:46:32 PM
Tonight's broadcast introduces the "21 Campaign" to raise funds to build new boilers for #10 and then #11.  Shown are photos and plans of the old and new boilers.  Upgrades and changes are seen in the comparison of types. At the end is a surprise ... photo of an extra that ran yesterday.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on March 24, 2016, 06:55:46 PM
I really found that post confusing, and lacking explanation. Is there a way to post the whole announcement on Facebook?
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 24, 2016, 07:57:11 PM
Tonight was the news post that #10 needs a new boiler with reference to #11 in the future.  We did not ask for $$ tonight because a special  fund drive post with a link to the donation site will be put up next week.

Later edit: We added a line explaining that a link to a fund drive site will go up next week.  The site is not ready but should be all set sometime next week.  We will let everyone know and post a link on here as well.  Tomorrow's photo excursion guests will receive a "21 Campaign" packet explaining the situation with #10 and plans for #11.  Also, a 21 Campaign display panel was set up with #10's frame so visitors can see the new boiler plans and changes to the locomotive.   
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on March 25, 2016, 08:18:48 AM
Thank you Start
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 27, 2016, 03:30:18 PM
A Special Report on the photo charter went up today. Most of the shots were taken by the crew when they had a minute to spare.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 31, 2016, 08:30:23 PM
Tonight's fb post is another nice old photo of our #9 when she was Sandy River #5.  The image shows #5 on a work train with flatcar loads of gravel.  It may be the earliest photo of the 5 in company service, circa 1898.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Carl G. Soderstrom on April 01, 2016, 12:55:28 AM
Had trouble with fb - wanted me to sign up or log on - hitting ESC would not remove it.
Started with half page would scroll higher and lower then covered whole page.
Can that be fixed?

Thanks Jonathan
Hitting the very light X made it cover only half the page and did not move as I was scrolling.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Jeff Schumaker on April 03, 2016, 04:41:13 PM
Had trouble with fb - wanted me to sign up or log on - hitting ESC would not remove it.
Started with half page would scroll higher and lower then covered whole page.
Can that be fixed?

Thanks Jonathan
Hitting the very light X made it cover only half the page and did not move as I was scrolling.

I noticed the same thing today. I suspect it's FB's doing. I did notice that the "white space" went away if you clicked on the series of photos.

Jeff S.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 04, 2016, 06:34:58 AM
There have been a few issues with fb that we've been working on.  There are over 3,100 people subscribed to our page so new posts can get a little slow for loading depending on your isp.  Two new posts went up last night, the announcement for the Spring Work Weekend and the latest Backward Glance.  They were posted within seconds of each other (not planned that way) but there should be no problem viewing either/both posts.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 07, 2016, 10:52:32 AM
Check our fb page today for updates on a number of projects plus a look at a very nice donation from one of our favorite volunteers.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Fred L. Kuhns on April 07, 2016, 07:56:21 PM
 Stewart,  The report on the car barn and the Whitefield section house makes my day, really like how the doors look on each building. The donation is something special did it come with the snow plow.   Fred L. Kuhns             
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 07, 2016, 08:53:20 PM
Hi Fred,

Yes, the truck has had the snow plow since new so it is donated as complete.  It runs well, only 50,000 miles.  That's less than my 6 year old Ranger!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Carl G. Soderstrom on April 07, 2016, 11:33:04 PM
Whomever got the fb page fixed (even if it is only for today)  THANKS!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ira Schreiber on April 09, 2016, 09:09:26 AM
Thanks to Fred & Sharron  Morse and their generous donations.
They are truly the spirit of the WW&F.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Dave Buczkowski on April 09, 2016, 04:49:04 PM
The generosity is also from Fred's better half, Sharron. They're a team.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 10, 2016, 05:43:50 PM
Tune in tonight for a look at our #9 when she had a real bad day at Brackett's Woods back in 1917.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Kevin Madore on April 10, 2016, 07:25:13 PM
Hi Stewart,

I have found that Facebook now blocks public access to business and organization sites such as the museum's.   If you don't have an FB account....and I don't, access is restricted.  Going to the URL, FB begins by blocking part of the page and demanding either a login or a sign-up.   As time goes on, the blocker basically eats up the entire page, making it nearly impossible to view the content.   Another user was correct in that if you can click on a photo, the blocker will go away, but the moment you go back to the main FB page for the museum, access is once again blocked.

Personally, I think that in the process of trying to force people like me to given them phone numbers and e-mail addresses, the Facebook people are also hurting their existing subscribers by cutting out a substantial portion of their potential audience.    Who knows, with brilliant moves like this, they could have a future just like MySpace....LOL!

/Kevin   

Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 10, 2016, 08:58:46 PM
Hi Kevin,

Sorry you are having trouble.  Did you log in using the link posted on page 1 of this thread?  That should get you past the screen that fb sets for non-subscribers.  The museum's page is on the public side (although some controls have changed) so I wonder if going through our link would resolve the problem. 

Stewart
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Kevin Madore on April 10, 2016, 09:28:03 PM
Hi Kevin,

Sorry you are having trouble.  Did you log in using the link posted on page 1 of this thread?  That should get you past the screen that fb sets for non-subscribers.  The museum's page is on the public side (although some controls have changed) so I wonder if going through our link would resolve the problem. 

Stewart

Hi Stewart,

If you mean the link posted by Brendan, yes, that is the address that I am going to.   It opens looking just great, but within seconds, half the page is blocked with the login/sign-up "curtain" that Facebook has recently imposed.   I could understand them doing that for people's personal FB pages, but for a business, government organization or charity, it makes no sense.....other than to try and force people to give them personal information.   If that is their intent, it is rather arrogant of them.   I guess their sales technique is that if we don't take the bait, they try and shove it down our throats.....or other places.  :o)

/Kevin
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 11, 2016, 06:34:27 AM
Kevin,

Thanks for the additional information, we'll see if we can block that new curtain.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Brendan Barry on April 11, 2016, 05:28:56 PM
The sign up/log in ad only seems to appear on internet explorer.  I tried on Chrome and Firefox and you do not get the ad.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on April 11, 2016, 08:52:21 PM
The Facebook login curtain of doom happens on Chrome for me.

Facebook wants to own us all... I will not surrender!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 12, 2016, 07:09:30 AM
Don't worry Ed, you've already seen the all pictures!  ;D
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 14, 2016, 06:09:28 PM
The Thursday night news features photos of our first truckload of rail arriving today.  The museum purchased about 1 track mile of 60 lb rail which will be here in time for the SWW.  An additional mile of track may be available from another location and updates will be posted.

BTW - Tonight's post also has a surprise at the end, have a look.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 17, 2016, 06:09:21 PM
The "Backward Glance" tonight features the last photo we have of SR&RL #6 on the Sandy River line.  The image shows the locomotive in front of the burned out Phillips roundhouse.  Our #9 survived the February, 1923 fire by being in steam, ready to roll out the door.  After some minor repairs the engine served the Franklin County pike another 1.5 years until being sold to the KCRR in November of 1924. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 21, 2016, 05:04:01 PM
Todays "News Views" features -

* Vacuum train brake work on #9.
* Track work in the upper yard.
* Work Weekend prep and a couple other projects. 

You'll also see what happened to the poor shop man who put a scratch in #9's boiler jacket ...
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Jason M Lamontagne on April 21, 2016, 06:46:05 PM
Joe, there is no scratch (that I know of).

If it were a real grave we'd have made it deeper...

See ya
Jason
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on April 24, 2016, 12:12:06 PM
[Mod note]
A discussion regarding the scratch is now buried in "Whimsical Weirdness and Foolery."
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Wayne Laepple on April 24, 2016, 12:18:25 PM
I was waiting for that to happen.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 24, 2016, 06:06:05 PM
Tonight's "Backward Glance" photo is KCRR #4 on the Randolph turntable about a year after the locomotive arrived from the SR&RL in 1924.  Have a look at the post to find out what the KCRR paid the Phillips boys for the engine.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 29, 2016, 06:12:21 AM
Check fb today for a special report on Thursdays Photo Excursion and a post announcing the "21 Campaign" to raise funds to build two new boilers.  Follow the link for information and to make a donation to this important campaign.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 01, 2016, 05:50:33 PM
Tonite we re-posted the "21 Campaign" notice with an easier link to the donation site than the previous post.  We hope our 3,100+ fb friends will consider helping with the project to build two new boilers for the WW&F Railway.

Thank you.

Your WW&F fb team.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 05, 2016, 02:19:26 PM
The Thursday broadcast features views of the many projects that got attention during the SWW.  Tune in to see many of our friends at work as well as a couple of surprises!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 08, 2016, 12:15:53 PM
The "Backward Glance" today is a view of our #9 when she was #4 on the Kennebec Central.  The locomotive was only active on the KC for 5 years (1924 - '29) so the photo, taken at Randolph is fairly rare.  This post is the continuing story of our #9 and how she just kept "booming" around, eventually serving 4 railroads. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 11, 2016, 05:43:21 AM
Update posts for the "21 CAMPAIGN" will be posted every Tuesday so please log in to see them and share them with your friends. The 5/10 post features a timeline of shop work for the next couple of months.  Spreading the word about this important project will allow more people to see what we want to accomplish for #10 and 11 and how we will get there.

Many thanks to everyone who has already donated.  Whether it's $2.10 or $21.00+ each contribution is important and appreciated.

21 Campaign Team
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 13, 2016, 05:59:43 AM
The Thursday May 12th broadcast is a feature favorite that we have not done for a while.  Tune in for a "Then & Now" look at the Whitefield section house plus an important update on the 21 Campaign.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bill Baskerville on May 13, 2016, 08:45:17 AM
As noted on Facebook, take note of the nice straight track into Bay 1 of the Car Barn and the gentle curve into Bay 2.  Missing in the 'Now Photo' is the great section crew who accomplished that during the SWW.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 13, 2016, 10:30:52 AM
Hi Bill,   Just in case you missed the earlier post with highlights of the SWW, the May 5th news has pics of our gang ballasting and running Big Joe in the north yard.  One view shows the crew as seen through the section house window.  Yes, the track looks good super!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 19, 2016, 06:37:07 PM
Tonight's post features "Riveting News" with still photos, descriptions and a video link showing the operation of our pneumatic riveter.  An added bonus is updates with photos of boxcar 67's draft gear and #9's new vacuum train brake pipe.

The riveter will be a big help with building new boilers for #10 and 11.  You can help advance this work with a donation to the 21 Campaign.

Thanks!!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Fred L. Kuhns on May 22, 2016, 02:38:38 PM
 Stewart,  Thanks for the great video and pictures of the pneumatic riveter in action. Will all the rivets be reinstalled in the old smoke box?
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 22, 2016, 07:28:19 PM
The "Backward Glance" tonight is from ... last month!   Check in to see an unusual view of #9 at TOM thanks to Dennis Livesey.  Also continue to look at the 21 Campaign page for news as well as the latest fund raiser total.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Carl G. Soderstrom on May 24, 2016, 11:50:09 PM
Did you get the riveter to start better? Sounds like a stuck spool valve.

A friend that uses a lot of air tools recommends Marvel Mystery Oil as air tool oil
says it tastes better too (oil in air from exhaust). 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Jason M Lamontagne on May 25, 2016, 04:15:22 PM
This riveter is old and doesn't utilize a spool valve.  The hammer, one piece with the rivet die and weighing about 20 lbs, manually trips a toggle which causes the air connections to switch ends. 

It's the air valve button that this toggle pushes which gets sticky.  It's pretty much already worked out of it.

See ya
Jason
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 26, 2016, 06:46:07 PM
Tonight's broadcast features a photo essay of Wednesday's steam up of #9 with testing of the new vacuum train brake system on coach 8.  The post shows the amazing amount of work that Jason, Jonathan, Phil, Eric, Randy, Brendan and a host of other volunteers put into the system.   

Other news includes photos of the new turntable stringers that arrived today as well as a neat surprise visit yesterday by some young film makers.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Kevin Madore on May 27, 2016, 10:40:16 AM
Facebook is tightening the screws.....

This morning, I tried looking at several Facebook Pages, including the WW&F's.   From what I can see, non-subscribers now cannot even look at the photos.  I can see the albums, but when I click on them, I see nothing but black pages....no photos.   As of today, Facebook appears to be useless if you don't have an account.....and right now, I don't happen to want an account.

I sent a message to Facebook, but unfortunately, I think that until current subscribers start to complain, this incredibly arrogant attitude is not likely to change.   In taking this approach, Facebook is denying their current subscribers....such as the WW&F Museum....access to a segment of viewership that is probably quite large.   If I were a subscriber, I'd be upset with that policy.

As a non-subscriber, my impression of Facebook is that they are determined to shove their product....to be politically correct.....down all of our collective throats.   I don't know about everyone else, but that sort of attitude makes me less and less likely to ever want to associate with them.

/Kevin
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Harold Downey on May 27, 2016, 11:32:46 AM
It is still working okay for me.  I get a log on banner, but when I click on the picture, it displays fine. (Firefox, Win7)

Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on May 27, 2016, 03:02:40 PM
For what it is worth, Facebook is free
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 02, 2016, 06:00:02 PM
This week's post features a Then & Now photo tour around #9's old home in Phillips when she was SRRR #5 / SR&RL #6. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Carl G. Soderstrom on June 07, 2016, 12:44:01 AM
Is that a lumber door on the end of SR&RL boxcar #59?

Now that the museum is proposing to do the foundation work on the turntable,
(looking at the SR&RL & the one in Willamantic) what kind of retaining wall is proposed?
A block shaped like a "T" rail, Segmented like SR&RL might stay in place better using less(?) material
than than a continuous pour. Or make something that looks like ties out of concrete, pegged so they
do not move & don't rot?

Just 4 half pennies if ideas. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Philip Marshall on June 07, 2016, 01:23:26 AM
Is that a lumber door on the end of SR&RL boxcar #59?

In the SR&RL literature the end doors on boxcar 59 are usually described as grain doors.  They were used for loading loose grain, presumably via some kind of chute or blowpipe, but also sawdust, and yes, lumber.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Carl G. Soderstrom on June 07, 2016, 11:48:26 PM
Thanks

Worked for an outfit that made grain (and fertilizer) handling equipment.
The early stuff for boxcars was through the side door with special paper
and board bulkheads. Seems a long way to shovel grain to other end.

Another question: What is tied to the front of the locomotive snow plow?
Looks too light to be a push bar. Double heading?   Pulling backwards?
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 09, 2016, 06:32:28 PM
Tonight's post includes more information on "Extra 65 South" which was setting the dairy car out at Wiscasset on Weds.  Our crew enjoys hearing "you are called for a dairy car set out at Wiscasset" each Spring.  Have a look, especially to see who we do NOT want visiting the exhibit. 

Also, as we often do ... look for a surprise at the end!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 16, 2016, 08:32:13 PM
Our feature tonight is a set of century old photos taken in Alna.  Most show the railroad and some show the people who rode or shipped goods on the narrow gauge.  The last image is not in Alna but it's one of our favorites from back when the WW&F was doing fairly well.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on June 17, 2016, 05:25:07 PM
Excellent work as usual FB team
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 22, 2016, 09:16:11 PM
Tonight we reached a new mile post for our facebook page as there are now 3,300 people following the WW&F.  Thanks to everyone who has promoted the facebook page which helps further our mission to rebuild Maine History.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 24, 2016, 06:46:24 AM
The Thursday evening post has updates on #10, Boxcar 67 and the turntable.  One item of #10 news will be a surprise and will make us want to get started on the boiler even sooner!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 01, 2016, 12:53:14 AM
The June 30th post features a visit to the Boothbay Railway where the new boilers for #10 and #11 will be built.  You'll also see a turntable update with Brendan exhibiting his carpentry skills on the main stringers.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 08, 2016, 06:32:20 AM
Last night's post is an update on the turntable project.  Our weekday crew including Brendan, Randy, Leon, Megan, Phil and Jason have done well with the rebar frame for the center pedistal as well as building the wooden concrete form panels.  A few photos of the plans and original Portland Company turntable in Wiscasset are included.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Dave Buczkowski on July 08, 2016, 08:40:34 AM
Hi Stewart;
It's a nice update on what has transpired so far on the project. Gail pointed it out to me before I had a chance to look so you've even got her following our FB page! Nice job as you and Cindy always do!
Dave
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 08, 2016, 10:24:08 AM
Thanks Dave and please thank Gail as well.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 11, 2016, 03:54:53 PM
Sunday night we posted a photo of #9 in the shed at the Ramsdell's farm.  The 45 year old image has reached 15,130 people as of this afternoon, a new record for a single post.  Another mile post with the museum's facebook page is that 3,400 people [LIKE] our page which means they see every post we make.  These impressive numbers are from everyone spreading the word about our museum and what we have accomplished.  This happens with conversations (always the best way), WW&F newsletters, the web site and on facebook.  We hope these numbers will continue to help the 21 Campaign as well.

Many thanks to our members and friends for supporting our work to recreate Maine history. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 12, 2016, 06:20:48 PM
A new record for the Sunday "Backward Glance" post.  The 1971 photo of #9 in Ramsdell's barn has reached 17,040 people.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 14, 2016, 06:54:15 PM
Tonight is an update on the big dig as well as boxcar 67.  Regarding the turntable pit, the latest photo (taken this afternoon) is already outdated.  Tune in to find out why.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 22, 2016, 08:33:45 AM
This week's News Views has updates on -

* The turntable project.
* A group from the Wiscasset Area Parks & Rec. visited Sheepscot on Tuesday.
* An historic flatcar load that will be part of the special all WW&F photo train during the Annual Picnic.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 28, 2016, 08:14:16 PM
Tonight's News Views includes -

* Turntable project update.

* Parts for the flanging machine.

* Boxcar #67 progress and a view of the car on the B&H.

* A special find for the planned locomotive #11.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 01, 2016, 06:33:06 AM
Yesterday's Backward Glance is a special photograph showing Alice Ramsdell standing on the front of engine 9 in 1961. It was the 25th anniversary of the locomotive being saved and taken to her farm.  At the time, the engine was 70 years old.  The image is an historic view in the life of Alice and her engine.

The history continues -

On Saturday, August 13th locomotive #9 will pull a special train with all the original WW&F rolling stock to honor #9's restoration and 125th birthday.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 05, 2016, 05:54:41 AM
The Thursday evening post is in two parts: There is an event post about the "Special Winter Steam" in January.  The second part is a "THEN & NOW" highlighting Weeks Mills, look through the post to see today's Sheepscot connection.   
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 07, 2016, 08:14:52 PM
Check the fb page tonight for a preview of the 2017 WW&F Calendar.  It will be available at the picnic this weekend, still just $15. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 11, 2016, 07:07:35 PM
The Thursday broadcast features updates on the turntable project as well as a photo essay of a special steam charter for a Maryland tour group.  Scroll to the end for a look at "shy #10"
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 15, 2016, 06:03:41 PM
A special report on the picnic was posted tonight, there are many photos of the goings-on including a couple of surprises.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 18, 2016, 08:28:30 PM
Tonight's post is an update on the turntable project as well as a rare northwest view of the Albion turntable from 90 years ago.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ira Schreiber on August 20, 2016, 10:33:04 AM
I keep getting a Facebook error message.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 20, 2016, 08:28:57 PM
Ira, What browser are you using?
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ira Schreiber on August 20, 2016, 09:44:00 PM
AOL
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Pete "Cosmo" Barrington on August 20, 2016, 10:26:16 PM
That explains it.  :P
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 21, 2016, 04:19:18 PM
Check fb tonight for a very different Backward Glance ... Sheepscot like most have never seen it.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 26, 2016, 05:31:18 AM
The Thursday broadcast features photos from a trip to Phillips Old Home Days with a ride behind Monson #3.  See everything that has been fixed up and repainted for the Narrow Gauge Convention in two weeks.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 28, 2016, 06:27:17 PM
The Sunday evening post is a "News Views" with updates on:

The turntable project

Boiler plate flanging machine

TOM track expansion

Saturday's Ice Cream Social

An interesting find on the railroad
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 01, 2016, 06:58:39 PM
Tonight's post is a preview of some scenes that National Narrow Gauge Convention attendees will see next week.  The last few photos of the post are images of the turntable progress that was made today.  Much was accomplished and the site looks quite different.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 04, 2016, 07:18:00 PM
The Sunday evening post is a blub about the railroad's activities this week as well as an update on the turntable with some recent (this evening) photos.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 06, 2016, 07:08:31 PM
Some convention week scenes from Monday and Tuesday have been posted tonight, included are a couple of turntable update shots.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 08, 2016, 07:53:29 PM
Convention week scenes from Wednesday & Thursday have been posted.  There were hundreds of people at Sheepscot today and we heard good comments about our operation.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 12, 2016, 07:06:54 PM
A Post Convention report went up tonight with views of some of the equipment that ran at Boothbay as well as a look at the latest progress on the Sheepscot turntable.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on September 12, 2016, 07:53:49 PM
Thank you from those of us that didn't have a chance to visit them..
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: James Patten on September 12, 2016, 08:36:58 PM
I didn't get to ride them, but on Monday Labor Day at Boothbay Railway Village the B&SR coach 11 and F&M coach were out of the barn "on the ready track."  The railcar and railbus were both visible as well.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 14, 2016, 02:52:45 PM
The latest fb posts:

* WW&F Home page - The post convention report with photos + a turntable update.

* 21 Campaign page - Wonderful news of an $18,000 gift from the estate of Dave MacDonald towards the 21 Campaign.  Dave's kindness through his will brings our fundraiser total to over $43,500 for the building of a new boiler for locomotive #10 followed by #11.  This is a big step but more funds are needed to secure enough to order the boiler plate stock.  Please consider a donation towards the solid cause of steam preservation.

* Membership - There are now over 3,600 people following our page.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 22, 2016, 04:37:37 PM
The NEWS VIEWS post tonight includes updates on:

* Section house - new grade work for the jigger track.

* Turntable - plotting the center bearing rail and end rollers.

* Locomotives - boiler desgns for #10 and 11 are all set.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 25, 2016, 05:57:57 PM
The Sunday even post is a photo essay on the Fall Fest and a short update on the turntable project.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 30, 2016, 06:46:17 AM
Last night we posted more news about the January Photographers trains.  Along with valuable information is a rare look at our #9 when she was in Winter service in Franklin County.  The interesting note is that every piece of equipment in the old photograph still survives in 2016.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 02, 2016, 06:21:17 PM
The Sunday Evening post features turntable news plus a behind the scenes look at what keeps the shop crew working.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 06, 2016, 11:40:41 PM
The Thursday news is a look at all the projects that got attention this week.  The work will amaze and there's a surprise!  The Fall foliage isn't bad either, it's great time to be at Sheepscot.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 09, 2016, 06:12:26 PM
Check the fb page tonight for a photo essay of work on the turntable over the last three days.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Paul Uhland on October 09, 2016, 09:38:51 PM
Stewart...Spectacular fb coverage of Operation Turntable, complete with 40 cheering observers! Many thanks. Can't wait for the first official spin.
Its obvious the desire is to get it into service ASAP, satisfying those craftsmen who built and are installing it, as well as WW&F staff and us appreciative "away" observers, the final, dramatic chapter in its awaited arrival.
2016 FWW will undoubtedly go down as the most productive ever.  :D

A couple things...
*Has anyone contacted Trains and Railroad And Railfan mags with info of this very rare occurrence of US turntable construction these days, particularly involving unique-to-most, two-foot gauge Maine railroading?

*Also, a suggestion to prevent future turntable damage, particularly to the stem wall casters...carefully level the entire "pit" area under the bridge's reach, fill it with a shallow "lift" of ballast or gravel, then stake, with rebar, a two or three-tie-high retaining wall around the 'table's perimeter, which will also serve as a low "fence", and help prevent soil rundown onto the ballast, such as been done at other 'tables.

*Even though I expected the car barn's new color to match the restroom and garage buildings' gray, it looks terrific, and is now a twin of the shop building.  Congrats to hardworking Annie and helpers.
Any reason they apparently did not finish the west wall?    ;)

 
 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on October 10, 2016, 03:26:19 AM
Rain on Sunday Paul. No painting in the rain.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Paul Uhland on October 10, 2016, 03:09:39 PM
Pesky rain. At least the hurricane decided to stay away.  ;)
Am sure Annie's Gang will "git on it agin," ASAP!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 10, 2016, 07:07:10 PM
Tonight a special report was posted about #9's first spin on the turntable and first trip pulling a mixed train to ToM facing north.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 13, 2016, 05:37:16 PM
The Fall Work Weekend report has been posted, have a look at the projects and people who made them happen.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 16, 2016, 04:46:15 PM
Three different WW&F pieces have now been on the turntable and we highlight one of them on tonight's post.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 20, 2016, 07:43:44 PM
The Thursday "News Views" highlights progess on a number of projects including continued work on the turntable.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 23, 2016, 07:12:40 PM
The Sunday Evening Post features more views of our hard working volunteers putting stain on the car barn and shows what things looked like today with a surprise at the end.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 27, 2016, 06:24:53 AM
The Thursday news (posted a bit early) features the return of Car 65 to Sheepscot and the first use of the Woods Track by a full sized freight car.  A vintage photo and an operations view are included to show how #65 will play a part in our January Photograhpers trains.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Fred L. Kuhns on October 28, 2016, 04:49:47 PM
 Stewart, The picture of Car 65, with the Car Barn in the back ground really shows the effort put forth in staining during the work week end.  Fred L. Kuhns
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 03, 2016, 10:27:39 AM
Thanks Fred.

Today's post is a look at what may be the final Mass Bay P&W excursion on the P&W and Valley RR.  There were at least 6 WW&F members on the trip.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 06, 2016, 05:17:35 PM
The Sunday evening post is a photo essay of projects at Albion Day.  Thanks to Dave and Phil for setting things up and providing a nice lunch for us.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 10, 2016, 06:30:48 PM
Tonight's NEWS VIEWS features progress on the car barn and north yard this week.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 13, 2016, 05:09:56 PM
The Sunday evening post is a Backward Glance that features a photo of the shop building from 1990 with a matching view from 2015.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 17, 2016, 06:07:31 PM
Tonight's post highlights the work done this week on the turntable, north yard tracks and archives.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Richard Gilman on November 18, 2016, 11:08:21 AM
Ed
The Facebook page has been down for several days now. Do you know when it will be back up?
Dick Gilman
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on November 18, 2016, 01:56:45 PM
I noticed the same thing, but I'm also not a member of Facebook. Anyone else having this issue? Stewart?
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Alan Downey on November 18, 2016, 02:09:28 PM
Facebook user here: I haven't had any issues. Not sure what that means.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bill Reidy on November 18, 2016, 02:29:29 PM
I currently don't see any issues with the page, but I did notice Facebook was having an issue with another Facebook page this morning.  That page is also working now.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 18, 2016, 03:12:08 PM
The page has been working fine for us, we check it 3 - 4 times a day after a new post to answer questions and have gotten right in.  There may have been a regional problem with the broadband.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on November 18, 2016, 03:21:10 PM
Hmm...

I'm still getting "Sorry, something went wrong. We're working on getting this fixed as soon as we can." when I load the page in either Chrome or Internet Explorer on my PC.

I can load the museum Facebook page using my mobile phone.
I can load the 21 Campaign Facebook page using Chrome on my PC.

Very weird.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Harold Downey on November 18, 2016, 03:25:42 PM
OK, I did a test.  If I am logged into facebook, the WW&F page loads fine.  Then l logged out, and it doesn't work.  I get the "sorry something went wrong" message.   I also tried looking at the page using a Firefox private window, and I get the same message.

Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 18, 2016, 04:24:13 PM
Ok we will check the settings on our page, otherwise there could be a problem with the fb server.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bill Reidy on November 18, 2016, 06:18:54 PM
I'm voting the problem is with some change Facebook made, not with the settings for our particular page.  I was checking the Facebook page for Boston University Academy at work (where I do not log into Facebook) and got the same error as Harold described.  At home, where I am logged into Facebook, the BUA page loads fine.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Tom Casper on November 19, 2016, 11:03:59 AM
Sounds like they changed the privacy setting.  It no longer is "public".

Tom C
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 20, 2016, 05:23:51 PM
The settings on the page have not changed, the public option is still set so we hope everyone can access the page.

The Sunday evening post features news on the Miller School charter we ran last week as well as progress on the turntable and car barn.  There will not be a Thursday post as we hope everyone will have a Happy Thanksgiving with their families.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on November 20, 2016, 05:47:05 PM
The museum FB page is still not loading for me; sorry.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Steve Smith on November 20, 2016, 10:25:18 PM
Doesn't load for me either. I'm not about to open a Facebook account. Thanks anyway, Stewart and Cindy (and anyone else who works on the Museum page) for all the great pix I did see while I could.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Tom Casper on November 20, 2016, 10:45:48 PM
Steve, you can make up a fake one for all they care if u only want to view pics.

Tom C.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 20, 2016, 11:07:51 PM
All the public settings were reviewed and reset tonight so if the problem continues it must be from changes made by facebook.  We will keep checking to see if there's anything else we can do.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ken Fleming on November 20, 2016, 11:11:38 PM
Works for me.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Carl G. Soderstrom on November 21, 2016, 11:45:05 PM
Still can not view VisageVolume Looks like they are banning non Members.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Carl G. Soderstrom on November 23, 2016, 01:38:28 AM
Was able to view tonight Yaa :D
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on November 23, 2016, 09:52:57 AM
Yes, it appears our "public" Facebook page is now public again. Another reason to give thanks this week!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Philip Marshall on November 23, 2016, 12:26:11 PM
One of my perennial complaints as a Facebook user is the company's continuous "tinkering" with its formats and settings. While I understand the creative impulse that no doubt motivates this activity, it can be really disorienting for the rest of us who are forced to adapt to these constant little changes.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Steve Smith on November 23, 2016, 11:50:11 PM
Philip, I'm convinced those irritating changes are done by the same people who periodically strike our local supermarket and change the locations of everything. ;)
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bill Baskerville on November 24, 2016, 10:00:24 AM
Philip, I'm convinced those irritating changes are done by the same people who periodically strike our local supermarket and change the locations of everything. ;)

Steve, I am with you on the supermarkets.  Of course it couldn't be that I am getting 'old' and 'forgetful'.

Happy "Turkey-day" to everyone.  I am thankful that we have our wonderful Railway Museum, all the heritage equipment and most of all, all the wonderful people who share this interest.

Bill
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 01, 2016, 03:23:19 PM
The Thursday post includes updates on the flanging machine, views of our new milling machine and some rare night photos.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 04, 2016, 02:56:38 PM
The Sunday post is a beautiful photo that is a preview of Victorian Christmas as well as what we will see during the special events in January.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 06, 2016, 08:34:14 AM
Milepost -

As of this morning there is a record number of people following our fb page.  The new total is 3,800.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 08, 2016, 08:05:40 PM
Tonight's post shows some of the Victorian Christmas prep that has been done in the past week.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 11, 2016, 08:18:05 PM
The Sunday evening post is the festive green poster for Victorian Christmas.  Please share it to your page if you are on fb. 

Last Christmas we had 60 volunteers helping and we hope to see many of you on Saturday, thanks! 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 15, 2016, 06:22:37 PM
Tonight's post shows the historic B&SR passenger car that arrived at Sheepscot this week.  The photos and story explain how BRV loaned us coach 11 for Victorian Christmas and the January Photo special.  The story goes on to explain how the car will go back to BRV in 2017 to be rebuilt into it's original configuration as B&SR 3 door baggage/RPO/express car #30.  The car, built by Jackson & Sharp in 1900 is a close match to the 3 door combine on the W&Q/WW&F.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: John Kokas on December 15, 2016, 07:51:15 PM
I'd say that this would be the ideal car for the 1st "replica" passenger build.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Kevin Madore on December 16, 2016, 08:03:15 AM
Wow, pretty car!  I have a distinct feeling that this car will be a godsend at VC if the weather forecast holds up.  The snow is supposed to come in right around dawn and the temp is supposed to be around 11F (it is -4F right now at KIWI (yikes!)).  They are calling for 3-5".   I am thinking of grabbing a hotel room tonight in Brunswick.

It's gonna look like Christmas tomorrow!

/Kevin
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 18, 2016, 11:38:50 AM
The Sunday news post features views of our Victorian Christmas event.  Thanks to everyone who helped make the day a success.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 18, 2016, 03:11:44 PM
A message from the museum's fb page:

An open letter to the WW&F membeship.

I thoroughly enjoyed following your postings throughout 2016 and like your Victorian Christmas photos.  I trust you all had a good day if a little cold.  From the UK I follow many global railway sites and I find your regular postings excellent and informative, they maintain a constant interest in the WW&F.  They show your enthusiasm, ambition and the results of considerable dedicated work and I'm sure serve as an inspiration to other such railways.

I wish you all the very best wishes for Christmas and every success in 2017.  I personally look forward to following the new year with you.

John Gardner 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 21, 2016, 09:11:42 AM
The Victorian Christmas photo album that was posted on Sunday has been well received.  The post has been viewed by over 12,000 people making it one of the most popular WW&F news posts of all time.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 22, 2016, 06:49:34 PM
The WW&F Christmas card was posted today.  It's a look back at Winter operations 93 years ago and last weekend during Victorian Christmas.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 29, 2016, 11:22:19 AM
Today's post is a "Backward Glance" at some of the key projects of 2016.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Kevin Madore on January 03, 2017, 11:01:36 AM
This morning, RailPictures.net elected to feature one of my Victorian Christmas shots on their Facebook Page, which typically generates a lot of views.   The shot has been up on the site for less than 12 hrs and already has over 4,000 hits and a couple of hundred likes.   The image of #9 and her train pulling into Alna Center in the snow is probably one of my favorites of all time from this event. 

Here's the link to the RP Facebook Site:  https://www.facebook.com/RailPictures.Net/ (https://www.facebook.com/RailPictures.Net/)

And the actual image: http://www.railpictures.net/photo/601575/ (http://www.railpictures.net/photo/601575/)

Happy New Year all!   Looking forward to the photo event later this month!

/Kevin Madore
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ira Schreiber on January 03, 2017, 12:38:10 PM
Kevin.
Words fail me to praise the photo.
 I will also mention all the goodwill you bring to the WW&F Railway.
Thank you.
Ira Schreiber
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 06, 2017, 01:26:54 PM
Yesterday's post is a rare view of engine #7 coupled to #2 in the Wiscasset yard in 1930.  The photo shows both engines in steam, possibly ready to double head a train to Albion.  The interesting thing is that once the planned #11 is in service the view with a Baldwin 2-4-4 coupled to a Portland Company 0-4-4 on the WW&F can be replicated.  Contributions to the 21 Campaign will help advance this dream.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bob Holmes on January 07, 2017, 08:53:16 AM
That photo is stunning!  It really encapsulates what the Museum is all about.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 09, 2017, 09:19:04 AM
The Sunday evening post is a look back 19 years ago when Monson #3 first came to the WW&F.  Things around Sheepscot were different in 1998 but you can see how everyone enjoyed having the engine visit, it was the first steam on the WW&F in 60 years.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 12, 2017, 12:19:24 PM
The Thursday news post has photos of Monson #3 arriving, boxcar #67 progress and new parts for our engine #10.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 12, 2017, 05:36:59 PM
As of tonight we have a new number of people following the museum fb page.  New total is 3,900
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 13, 2017, 05:22:05 PM
Check fb tonight for a sneak peek at what the photograhpers special will look like.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 15, 2017, 07:23:57 PM
The Sunday evening post is a photo essay on the Maine Two-Foot Winter weekend #1.  Many people made this event a success and you can see it in the photos.  Most of the images are candid shots taken before the actual scenes were set up so they are a bit different than the beautiful images that the real photographers took.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 16, 2017, 03:42:48 PM
Another positive thing from the MTFW weekend, we picked up 20 more followers on facebook.  Some of the photographers posted images on their fb pages which have been shared by others, giving us more good press.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on January 17, 2017, 09:02:15 PM
Victorian Christmas hours for 2017 need to be fixed, unless of course we are running for 23 hours, in which case Santa will need a nap. ????
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 17, 2017, 09:16:18 PM
Adult beverages may have been involved in those posts.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: James Patten on January 17, 2017, 09:27:38 PM
I posted all the events in 2017 for basically 24 hours, until such times as the time of the event is figured out.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on January 17, 2017, 09:30:46 PM
Ok, just noticed it and wanted to make sure we were scheduling enough crew..
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 18, 2017, 09:26:13 AM
Check fb for a list of upcoming events as well as another wonderful photo from the MTFW last Saturday.  Snowfall today should give the ground a new coating for photos this weekend.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Kevin Madore on January 18, 2017, 09:54:28 PM
Hi Stewart,

The John Collins photos on the museum FB page are undoubtedly the best I have seen from last weekend.  I see from his page that he's a professional photographer and it shows in the composition and the processing.   I especially like the B&W shot of the two engines side by side at AC Station and the back-lit view of the northbound, 2-engine train at Albee's both are very nice.   I wonder if he has a site where I could see more....I mean other than "Snap Face" or some other social media site?    I'm not much into social media.   ;D

One question came to mind:  On the 2-engine mixed, I am wondering why Monson #3 is the road engine vs. having the WW&F #9 up front?   Since the train is portraying a WW&F Mixed, I thought I would see Number 9 closest to the camera.   I am betting that there's a technical reason why the 3 was up front.

Thanks!  Looking forward to this weekend!

/Kevin Madore
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 18, 2017, 10:09:53 PM
Hi Kevin, 
Thanks for the comments.  Yep, John's photos are beautiful.  I don't know if he has a photo/web site, we pull (share) photos from his fb page with permission.  You'll see more of his work on our page in the next couple of days.  As to the placement of locomotives on the two engine train I'll defer to Jason and the operations guys for an answer.

See you this weekend.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Jason M Lamontagne on January 19, 2017, 06:27:17 AM
Hi Kevin,

The pull/push operation is predicated on the reenactment of the flying cut off at Alna Center.  Since the focus there is on the pushing locomotive, we wanted the WW&F loco there.  That scene is planned for mid Sunday morning; catching the entire large train in the morning light at albees, while planned, is really circumstantial opportunism (just came up with that phrase...).

See ya
Jason
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 19, 2017, 04:16:48 PM
All this week we are putting MTFW photos up so stay tuned.  Today's photo is a stunning view of our two engine train at Albee's.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Kevin Madore on January 19, 2017, 05:17:42 PM
Hi Kevin,

The pull/push operation is predicated on the reenactment of the flying cut off at Alna Center.  Since the focus there is on the pushing locomotive, we wanted the WW&F loco there.  That scene is planned for mid Sunday morning; catching the entire large train in the morning light at albees, while planned, is really circumstantial opportunism (just came up with that phrase...).

See ya
Jason

Hi Jason,

Thanks!  Until I watched the video, I wasn't aware that you were planning a flying cut-off like that.   I'm not sure I have seen that type of operation demonstrated anyplace else. 

Hoping for good weather this weekend.   As noted, I really like the back-lit John Collins shot of the northbound train.   That's scene is so different from anything I've ever shot at the WW&F.

/Kevin Madore
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 20, 2017, 08:48:49 AM
Today's post is a timeless photo of the Monson train southbound at Albee's. 

Facebook has been on fire this week with photos from the MTFW event.  As of this morning, images on the WW&F page have been viewed by 15,069.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 22, 2017, 08:09:59 PM
The Sunday evening post is a recap of the MTFW with candid photos by the crew.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 23, 2017, 07:58:35 AM
Thanks to a boost from MTFW attendees we are close to 3,950 people following our facebook page.  What's interesting is that some of the new members are looking not only at our recent photos but posts going back 7 years, seeing what we were doing back then. 

Thanks for the support from WW&F members and friends.  We look forward to reporting more great news in 2017.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on January 23, 2017, 09:27:50 AM
You have been posting on Facebook 7 years? My how time flies, or stands still in our case
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: James Patten on January 23, 2017, 09:51:15 AM
Originally it was just Mark Edry posting (thanks, Mark, for getting us going on that).  Later Stewart and I became the primary local managers, although Stewart (using Cindy's FB account!) does most of the work (thanks Stewart!).

I too find it hard to believe that we've been doing FB for 7 years.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bill Sample on January 23, 2017, 07:55:54 PM
Stewart and James (and the others) thanks for all the time and effort you put into this - it's such an important link for those of us from away.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 02, 2017, 12:15:09 PM
The Thursday news post has updates on a number of projects including:

* 21 Campaign - New boilers for #10 and #11

* Boxcar #67 - Progress with frame construction, installation of diagonal bracing.

* Coach #8 - Conversion of the coach to a combine with parts of the wall and bench removed.

* Coach #3 - Temporary removal of a small section of external sheathing to inspect joinery details. The work provides information for restoration of the historic coach as well as construction of a new J&S style coach.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 05, 2017, 12:40:05 PM
The Sunday Post is an image of the WW&F featured on the cover of the latest Voie Etroite magazine.  Thanks to our member, Chris Walker in the U.K. for submitting the article.  It's great to have WW&F members and friends in the U.K. and Europe!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Philip Marshall on February 05, 2017, 05:45:26 PM
The Sunday Post is an image of the WW&F featured on the cover of the latest Voie Etroite magazine. 

Which means we now have the attention of the Francophone narrow gauge community -- excellent news!

It looks like there was a Maine Two-Foot article in the December-January issue as well, entitled "Maine Travel Guide" (Carnet de voyage dans le Maine).

http://www.voieetroite.com/ve2.htm (http://www.voieetroite.com/ve2.htm)
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 05, 2017, 06:01:23 PM
Hi Philip,

Thanks for the additional information and link.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 06, 2017, 09:00:00 AM
As of this morning the WW&F has 4,042 people following our Facebook page.  New members are mostly U.S./english speaking but include people from France, Greece and Japan.  Part of the increase in membership is due to our posting beautiful photos from the Maine Two-Foot Winter event.  We can track it by the interest (likes) and comments that are posted with those images.  Another venue was meeting new people at the Amherst Railway Society's Railroad Show at W. Springfield. Our sales tables and Don Sanger's WW&F in HoN2 got a good bit of attention. The most recent international exposure is the article in Voie Etroit magazine that we posted yesterday.

The record number is a result of everyone who has donated their hard earned funds, spent time at Sheepscot or worked on museum projects at home.  Thanks to one and all.   

Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Wayne Laepple on February 06, 2017, 02:17:49 PM
There is also an article pending in "Narrow Gauge World," published in England and circulated world-wide.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 09, 2017, 10:37:35 AM
The Thursday post features a beautiful photo of #9 by John Collins.  Engines #9 and #3 will star in Saturday's charter event with snow cover so things will look different than they did last month.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 12, 2017, 08:47:20 AM
The Sunday post is a view of #9 with a southbound mixed at Humason Brook from last month by John Collins.  The fb team will go through photos from Saturdays Mass Bay RRE charter and post them this week ... stay tuned. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 16, 2017, 06:48:26 PM
The Thursday post is a photo essay of the Mass Bay RRE charter last Saturday plus a look at Sheepscot after 2' of snow fell this week.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Wayne Laepple on February 17, 2017, 01:59:23 PM
Lovely photos, Stewart. Thanks for posting. We've only had a few inches of snow in Lancaster, Pa. so far this season. Crocuses and daffodils and snow drops are coming up, and the snow geese are about two weeks ahead of their usual schedule. Maybe an early spring this year.....
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Keith Taylor on February 17, 2017, 02:27:38 PM
Lovely photos, Stewart. Thanks for posting. We've only had a few inches of snow in Lancaster, Pa. so far this season. Crocuses and daffodils and snow drops are coming up, and the snow geese are about two weeks ahead of their usual schedule. Maybe an early spring this year.....
You are just saying that to make us here in Lincoln County, Maine feel bad!

Keith
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bill Reidy on February 17, 2017, 06:03:18 PM
I remember two years ago about now, when we have four feet of snow on the ground here just southwest of Boston, so I feel the pain.

Only 31 days 'til spring!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bob Holmes on February 17, 2017, 07:35:05 PM
I truly don't understand why all of you are so anxious to look forward to spring.

Winter is Wonderful!  Especially on the WW&F!!!! 

Just look at the amazing experiences from Victorian Christmas to the two photographers weekends (where else anywhere will you get those kinds of pics for our railroad) and the just completed MassBay charter.  Those photos of winter cold and steam are priceless to us as a museum.

Enjoy winter while it's there and then enjoy the spring when it comes around again (just don't make it happen too quickly).

Bob
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on February 17, 2017, 09:24:43 PM
This is perfect weather. No bugs and no mud..
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Jason M Lamontagne on February 17, 2017, 09:48:32 PM
I enjoy winter also.  The sky seems a deeper blue, and the brightness of snowcover can be uplifting.  Grateful for all our seasons...

See ya
Jason
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ira Schreiber on February 18, 2017, 12:16:20 AM
While here in Denver it has been in the 60's and 70's as well as one day near 80* Record highs on three days in the last week.
What winter?
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: John McNamara on February 18, 2017, 12:08:33 PM
Hey Ira,
"Record Late Season Snows Close Denver, 5,000 Flights Canceled"
Just thought you'd like a heads-up on next week's news. ;D
-John
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ira Schreiber on February 18, 2017, 02:11:32 PM
You were peeking.

Actually next weeks forecast to be more of the same.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 19, 2017, 02:45:35 PM
The Sunday post is a look back at last month's MTF event.  Winter is a great time to photograph steam action at the WW&F. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 23, 2017, 11:26:20 AM
The Thursday news post features views of the boxcar #67 project and photos of coach #8 becoming combine #8.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on February 26, 2017, 01:22:21 PM
The Sunday post is a study of a day in the life of a narrow gauge brakeman starring Bryce Weeks. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 02, 2017, 03:02:42 PM
The Thursday news post features updates on the combine #8 and boxcar #67 projects as well as views of the site prep for the container we are getting.  Be sure to scroll to the end to see Dwight's chair.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 05, 2017, 05:24:00 PM
The Sunday Evening Post is a "what if" look at a night photo shoot at ToM that never happened.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 09, 2017, 03:53:11 PM
The Thursday post features tools used by the original WW&F as well as today.  Some were marked but most were not.  One of the most common items is the hand lantern which was used in many jobs from engine and train crew to shops, yards and stations.  Tune in to see what original things remain and what is still being used in 2017.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 09, 2017, 04:02:17 PM
As of today:

Thursday March 9th, there are over 4,100 people following the WW&F Railway page.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 12, 2017, 02:07:26 PM
The Sunday Post features a look at 4 of the WW&F's flag stop shelters.  Three of them have been rebuilt, tune in to see where they were and how they are being used today.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 16, 2017, 10:20:22 AM
Today's post has photo updates on a number pf projects.

We can say we have:

* March Madness - 15" of snow from Tuesday's storm.

* Brackets - Installed by Brendan for the new volunteer log book shelf in the Percival House.

Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 19, 2017, 04:53:31 PM
The Sunday post looks into the mystery of the origin of the second Sheepscot flag stop shelter.  See what you think!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 21, 2017, 09:14:46 AM
Check fb for a special Tuesday post featuring a Mike Massee video from the photo charter.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 23, 2017, 01:57:43 PM
The Thursday post features a look at American Express agency business on the W&Q/WW&F.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Hunt Dowse on March 23, 2017, 06:59:25 PM
Great pictures and descriptions!  Thanks for all of the FB posts, Start.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Fred L. Kuhns on March 24, 2017, 10:41:16 PM
 Stewart, The FB post about the stations along the railroad provide hours of enjoyment. Thanks again to the FB crew.  Fred L. Kuhns
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Paul Uhland on March 25, 2017, 11:41:20 AM
Thanks for showing WW&F's former stations and some history to a guy who has never been north of Boston.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 26, 2017, 01:35:45 PM
The Sunday post is a look at progress with Boxcar #67, Combine #8 and the storage container.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on March 30, 2017, 05:51:58 PM
Today is the post with details of our plans to build a replica J&S 1894 era coach to match W&Q/WW&F coach #3.  Tune in to see some views of coach 3 as it was 123 years ago.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 02, 2017, 03:35:38 PM
The Sunday post is a view of #9 leading a train down "The Ladder" with back lit steam.  Tune in to see this great John Collins photo.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 06, 2017, 02:14:36 PM
It's been a cloudy wet week in Alna but the shop crew has been doing some great inside work.  Check fb for updates on boxcar #67 and combine #8.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 10, 2017, 06:30:03 AM
The Sunday post is the news blurb about the NRHS awarding the WW&F it's Railway Heritage Grant for additional work on our Eames Automatic Vacuum Brake System.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 13, 2017, 05:54:28 PM
It's been a very busy week at Sheepscot, check the fb page for photo updates on a number of projects.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 16, 2017, 03:09:28 PM
The Sunday post features an Easter event photo album with a boxcar #67 update at the end.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 20, 2017, 05:33:19 PM
Tonight's post features scenes of the shop crew using the flanging machine today to bend the first plate for #10's backhead.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 21, 2017, 01:35:44 PM
Here's an indication of the level of interest in our project to build new boilers:  

The news and photos of the shop crew flanging the first firebox plate went up last night and over 6,200 people have seen the post.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: John Kokas on April 21, 2017, 03:02:32 PM
I hope some video will be shot of the flanging process and posted.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 23, 2017, 09:39:10 PM
The Sunday evening post features a 100+ year old photo taken in Wiscasset of the bridge walk where everyone crossed the WW&F freight line on the bridge.  The rare view was taken prior to the construction of the Turner Centre Creamery so you see more of the trestlework.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 27, 2017, 11:02:22 AM
The Thursday post is a look at project progress as we kickoff the Spring Work Weekend.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 30, 2017, 08:03:13 PM
Check fb tonight for the first part of the photo essay on the Spring Work Weekend.  So many things were accomplished that we're covering the event in two parts.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 04, 2017, 06:13:06 PM
The Thursday post is part 2 of the photo essay on the SWW.  We covered some of the smaller projects this time with a surprise at the end.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 08, 2017, 06:32:15 AM
The Sunday post is a classic view from the B&SR showing our coach #3 in the consist.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 11, 2017, 01:21:18 PM
The Thursday post compares news from the early 20th century with similar news from 2017. 

Other facebook news: We now have over 4,300 people following our page.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 14, 2017, 12:37:04 PM
Tune in today to see where part of the fb team went yesterday.  Hint: think "rock pile".
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 18, 2017, 06:41:16 PM
Check today's post for updates on:

* Engines #3 and #9

* Boxcar #67

* Flatcar #118

* Equipment flatcar #1015

* Car barn

It's been a very busy week.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Joe Fox on May 19, 2017, 06:48:39 AM
I know it requires more time, but has anyone thought of advertising normal operation days on facebook? For example next Thursday or Friday put out the word that steam will be running on Saturday & Sunday of Memorial Day weekend? I notice other operations do this and it seems to get people interested and remind followers that trains run more than for special events. Many of our special event riders still think that Alna Center is the end of the line.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 20, 2017, 06:23:59 AM
Hi Joe,

Good idea. We have thought of doing an "ad" to promote steam operations for Memorial Day weekend, just have not decided on what to post.  Thursday is usually a news post so we may do it as a news piece.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 22, 2017, 08:02:38 PM
The Sunday blub advertises that steam will be running this Saturday and Sunday for Memorial Day weekend. Please [LIKE] and share.  Check out the nice B&W photo too!
 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 25, 2017, 01:19:19 PM
Today's post has updates on projects:

* Boxcar #67

* Equipment car #1015

* Coach #8

* Monson #3

As well as a view of our nice new culverts.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: John McNamara on May 25, 2017, 04:06:38 PM

As well as a view of our nice new culverts.

I am reminded of the "Concerto for Horn and Hardart," the decriptipn of which asks the listener to note the "melodious sound of the Hardart." The Wikipedia entry for this piece is most illuminating.  ;D
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bill Reidy on May 25, 2017, 05:22:57 PM
Today's post has updates on projects:...

As well as a view of our nice new culverts.

I'm sure Stewart's Facebook posts have brought us many nice new narrow gauge converts.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bob Holmes on May 25, 2017, 06:38:47 PM
This was an exceptionally broad selection of the amazing progress in just the last week!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 29, 2017, 07:38:07 PM
The Sunday evening post is a Memorial Day weekend photo album with a couple of news photos at the end.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 05, 2017, 11:29:52 AM
Our Sunday news post is about a special charter last Friday for the MacBain family who donated to the 21 Campaign.  It was nice hosting them, touring, switching and running trains on a relaxed schedule.  The news photos include coach #8 being turned so the rolling door in on the east side.  It's the first time a coach has been on the turntable.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bob Holmes on June 05, 2017, 07:14:10 PM
Terrific series of pixs.  Thanks Start...
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 11, 2017, 09:33:09 PM
Check fb tonight for a look at the Miller School charter from last Friday as well as photo updates on the progress with boxcar #67.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 19, 2017, 07:48:33 AM
The Sunday evening post features a video of Alan Downey and Rick Sisson operating the flanging machine as they work on #10's firebox plate.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 22, 2017, 05:13:44 PM
Have a look today for updates on a number of projects plus a view of what Summer in Alna is like.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 25, 2017, 05:06:42 PM
The Sunday evening post features a video of the Mason's train leaving Sheepscot back on June 18th.  See if you can spot some of the lively crew members as the train rolls by.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 26, 2017, 09:30:10 AM
As of this morning, June 26th, there are over 4,400 people following the WW&F page on facebook.  Thanks to everyone for promoting the museum's page including the volunteers who give shop/yard tours on weekends and tell visitors about our web site and fb page.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 29, 2017, 03:25:35 PM
Today's post is a beautiful Stephen Hussar photo taken at AC.  The old-timey view advertises our running steam on Saturday and Sunday and invites people to visit the WW&F where we are rebuilding a rare part of Maine history.

Worth noting is that the video we posted last Sunday of the Mason's train leaving Sheepscot received over 9,500 views.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 02, 2017, 04:39:50 PM
The Sunday post is a look at projects and operations over the previous week.  Have a look to see who had a "hot time".
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 09, 2017, 08:24:26 PM
The Sunday post has news photos from the Ice Cream Social, shop floor project and a special charter last week with a group from Texas.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 11, 2017, 08:49:29 PM
Today we posted a short video titled:  "Yard Tour on RC4"  If you've never seen the south yard from the railcar, now's your chance.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 13, 2017, 06:28:47 PM
The Thursday post features a look at our recent purchase of an historic brass oiler for #10.  Just as we were fortunate to find a rare antique for #9, another rare unit came up for sale this year and a number of dedicated members pooled funds to bring the oiler to Sheepscot. This will be a nice addition to #10 to help apply oil in hard-to-reach places.   
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bill Reidy on July 13, 2017, 06:59:54 PM
That's a great photo essay on the lubricator, Stewart.  Typical of the content you post on Facebook.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 16, 2017, 06:33:04 PM
Our "Backward Glance" tonight features a view of the WW&F trestlework in Wiscasset circa 1965.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 20, 2017, 04:58:17 PM
The Thursday post is a look at some of the on-going projects as well as the first published photos of a new critter.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 24, 2017, 10:30:15 AM
Well, we did it.  We now have 4,500 people following our facebook page.  Thanks to everyone who promotes the on line resources of the WW&F.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on July 24, 2017, 12:13:41 PM
May I offer a challenge - not directed to the Facebook team, but to all of us.

4500 is an impressive following, considering that just a few years ago we had no real facebook effort whatsoever. Can we all try to promote our railroad further with our circle of Facebook friends? To put it in perspective, Maine Narrow Gauge RR & Museum has 6150 followers; Boothbay Railway Village has 5470 - can we do better?

I quickly checked some "big names" in railroad museum facebook pages - Steamtown: 17,300; Combres and Toltec: 31,800; Strasburg RR: 67,300; and Edaville has a whopping: 88,290! This is not to discourage us, but show what can be possible.

Of course, much of this is visitor driven; but more followers create more visitors, which in turn create more followers...

We could also use more reviews on TripAdvisor and Yelp, if you are so able. Please be unbiased when writing reviews.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on July 24, 2017, 12:49:24 PM
Look at all those though. There are more standard broad guage fans than narrow gauge, and far more Thomas fans than that. We have a following that is either following because they love the RR, love the Museum, are local, or just love trains. 4500 is a very inpressive number. Turn that number into actual members and supporters, and you will have something. And also need a new Membership Secretary ????
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bob Holmes on July 24, 2017, 05:46:25 PM
Mike, I know you've done an amazing job as Membership Secretary.  I also suspect your talents are better focused in the future on ROWMOW, etc.

SO, please give us a senses of what the Membership Secretary job entails (in some detail including # of hours per week).  Does it have to be locally based?

That would give the rest of us some order of magnitude of what needs to be considered if one would be interested.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: James Patten on July 24, 2017, 06:30:10 PM
The Membership Secretary reports to the Treasurer (me).  The job entails tracking donations from members and non-members; setting up memberships; mailings for thank-yous, new members, reminders for renewals, and ding letters for delinquents; sending member addresses to our newsletter publisher for printing on the newsletters; and reporting the donations/etc to the Treasurer for recording.

Later this year I am hoping to move our membership software online, so that duties could be split between individuals (ie, split the list in pieces).  I think Mike usually spends about 5-8 hours/week on it (I'll let Mike tell you the exact amount) most weeks, except in September when the annual fund drive drops and volume increases 10-fold.  This is where having the software online would be most helpful.

Having a local-based person is nice, because you can talk face to face with the Davises (who get and sort the mail), myself, and others.  I would be OK with someone based in New England, but further than that I think it would get more difficult.  I think you need to be a somewhat proficient typist (even of the hunt-and-peck variety), organized, and not uncomfortable around computers.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Paul Uhland on July 24, 2017, 08:46:46 PM
Hey...somebody definitely needs to relieve Mike of his duties as Membership Secretary. Besides long-time duties as a local volunteer fireman, and family man, he is a prolific project planner, mechanical inventor/fixer, equipment operator, culvert fix supervisor, problem-solver and government negotiator at WW&F, MORE than enough responsibilities.
  
Good to hear museum membership details will be computerized soon, will definitely streamline and hopefully simplify keeping track, so to speak, of us supporters by the "new" guy.  ;)
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on July 24, 2017, 08:51:50 PM
4500 is a very impressive number. Turn that number into actual members and supporters, and you will have something.

I wasn't trying to downplay what we have achieved - and I admit it may be unfair to compare us to many of those operations. (I remain shocked at Edaville's Thomas-Land's numbers, though.) I was just trying to raise the point that getting us known on all "social media" platforms (Facebook, TripAdvisor, Yelp, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, etc.) is something that anyone can do, and it has a direct bottom line effect on our museum's visibility.

I'm also reminded of the various shopping sites (Amazon Smile, iGive, Goodshop, and others) that donate portions of their sales back to non-profits. We are signed up with all of them (and may be adding a new one.) This is "free money" for the museum by using those sites, and it doesn't cost the user anything extra.

And this is coming from someone who doesn't have a Facebook account  ;D
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Paul Uhland on July 24, 2017, 09:54:08 PM
Points of comparison...larger Cumbres & Toltec employs many more people than WW&F, has an official, active, volunteer support group of hundreds that do annual maintenance and restoration of buildings and mostly non-revenue rolling stock, has several clerks running their reservation department,  pays fulltime steam loco and car mechanics at two terminals, maintenance crews are out on the 64-mile route during the C&TS May-to-October season.

But...their government-mandated, bi-state commission has not learned to direct their short-term ad people to where C&TS's larger market lies: a hot, humid summer Texas, Arizona,  instead of sparse locals, and riders from a Colorado area loaded with standard and narrow gauge trains.  ???
Mediocre ridership remains static.

Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on July 25, 2017, 05:33:43 AM
I am still impressed with our 4500 followers. That is a remarkable achievement in the short time the Facebook team has stepped up their game. We noticed it last (2016) Easter when the Easter event numbers doubled. That was a result of Facebook. It is a super tool for getting the word out, and has gotten results. Keep it up team. 5000, here we come.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: James Patten on July 25, 2017, 06:06:50 AM
FYI - the membership database has been computerized for the last 16 years, but on a local machine only. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 25, 2017, 07:12:16 AM
I am still impressed with our 4500 followers. That is a remarkable achievement in the short time the Facebook team has stepped up their game. We noticed it last (2016) Easter when the Easter event numbers doubled. That was a result of Facebook. It is a super tool for getting the word out, and has gotten results. Keep it up team. 5000, here we come.

Thanks Mike. Here's a bit more info: The 4,500 represents people who are facebook members and are signed up to follow our page.  This means they see every post we make.  The posts are actually seen by more than just the "followers" and viewership can increase depending on the type of news and photos.

Examples of posts from the last few weeks -

* The railcar 4 yard tour video reached 6,733 people.

* Video of the Mason's train leaving Sheepscot yard was seen by 9,903

* Our special July 4th weekend notice reached 10,868. 

Along with viewership is the number of "shares" which is when members copy our post onto their own page to be seen by their group of friends.  The Mason's train video was shared 63 times which makes it available to many more people.   
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stephen Piwowarski on July 25, 2017, 04:44:06 PM
We could also use more reviews on TripAdvisor and Yelp, if you are so able. Please be unbiased when writing reviews.

We need the Facebook page to be directly linked to tripadvisor and vice-versa. This will enable people who visit our Facebook page, many of whom are already great supporters and friends of the Railway to easily write a review. We should set a goal for ourselves of having at least two new tripadvisor reviews each week. I am willing to set this up.

Steve
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bob Holmes on July 25, 2017, 06:04:00 PM
Go for it.  I am working on my TripAdvisor review tonight...
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 25, 2017, 06:49:27 PM
The TripAdvisor - facebook link is a great idea.  Thanks Steve.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 27, 2017, 05:02:01 PM
The Thursday post features a series of photos of the progress the Mike has made on the first washout north of TOM .  There's also a look back 123 years at how the W&Q did earthwork.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 30, 2017, 06:45:26 PM
The Sunday evening post is a look at the Weeks Mills freight house with photos from 1905 and 1965 with comparison "matching" photos to the Sheepscot replica.  The neat thing is that the original Weeks Mills building still stands in 2017, the 1965 color view shows much of the original paint.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 01, 2017, 07:24:30 PM
Check fb tonight for a special post that studies the track and buildings at Weeks Mills.  There are a number of historic images along with recent photos of the remaining railroad structures.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 03, 2017, 06:32:25 PM
The Thursday post covers today's filming of a documentary (which will be an hour program) about the restoration of #9.  Three film crews from Blair Media in Thompson, CT shot video, stills and drone footage of #9 working at various places along the line. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 06, 2017, 04:07:41 PM
The Sunday evening post is a short (and rather unprofessional) video of #9 working northbound through Alna Center.  See if you can pick out the unwanted visitor.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on August 06, 2017, 05:24:35 PM
Looked like you had more than one
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 06, 2017, 06:16:43 PM
Yep.  They were busy up there, only took a minute for them to find me.  That's one of the reasons the video is called 60 Seconds Over Alna.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 08, 2017, 07:10:47 AM
July and August are the biggest months for tourists traveling to Maine and the first two weeks of August are usually the busiest.  Last Sunday was an example with about 100 passengers riding our trains.  Now that we are a week into August here are some indicators from Facebook as to the level of interest the public has in seeing the WW&F:

Facebook usage as of 8:00 o'clock this morning -

* Page followers have gone from 4,500 to over 4,600 since early July.

* The most recent post, the video "60 Seconds Over Alna" has reached 24,426

* Tracking the number of people who have seen our posts in the last 7 days which includes the Alna video, a 21 campaign update and the report on the documentary film crew from Blair Media visiting Sheepscot, the total is 33,662
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 10, 2017, 06:40:34 PM
The Thursday post features a first ever type of historic photo for a museum first ever event which will be the WWI re-enactors camp at Alna Center.  This will be a special display to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Great War.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 11, 2017, 06:04:10 PM
The 2018 WW&F calendars are in and will be for sale in the gift shop starting Saturday, August 12th.  The calendar features beautiful B&W and color photos by our own Stephen Hussar.  The price is $15 +tax.  Limited supply, get yours today.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 14, 2017, 11:13:39 AM
The first set of photos from the Annual Picnic, World War I weekend have been posted.  It was a super event with the re-enactors  encampment at Alna Center.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bob Holmes on August 14, 2017, 06:05:43 PM
Great pics and a great event.  Do they want to do it again next year?  As someone said earlier, let's plan to promote it further ahead of time.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 14, 2017, 09:39:01 PM
Members of the WWI group told us that they enjoyed setting up the camp and being part of the picnic weekend.  A number of them mentioned coming back next year, details would have to be worked out to give better notice.  2018 will be the 100th anniversary of the major part of WWI involvement for the U.S. so it would be nice to host another encampment.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Glenn Christensen on August 14, 2017, 10:47:40 PM
Hi Guys,

I have read a number of articles this past year that WWI seems to have become a largely "forgotten conflict."
 
It would seem then, that cooperative events like this most recent encampment are important for that reason alone - not to mention other equally valid ones - like interpreting the railroads being operated by the Government for the duration of the WWI.

Are there state-wide or region-wide organizations that would interested in making something like this an annual event?  Would they have vehicles like trucks or ... tanks?

I would be willing to assist with the planning and coordination.


Best Regards,
Glenn
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 15, 2017, 07:19:04 PM
Check fb tonight for a special photo album from last weekend, we think you'll enjoy it.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 18, 2017, 04:05:18 AM
The Thursday post is a video of #9 working up grade out of the "Camp Siding" at AC during the World War I event.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 24, 2017, 11:42:03 AM
The Thursday post has photos from this week:

(1) the shop floor project.
(2) switch stand work.
(3) the new "tie yard"
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 27, 2017, 07:30:24 PM
Our Sunday evening post features a video of #9 being turned.  See Bryce Weeks invite visitors to help "give it a spin" ... his appeal brings family members to both ends of the bridge.  There's lots of smiles  :D  :D
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 30, 2017, 10:57:43 AM
As of this morning, the turntable video from Sunday evening has reached 12,576 people.  Recent Facebook posts as well as museum visitors hearing about our web site and fb page have increased the number of people following our page to 4,714.  Thanks to everyone who promotes the WW&F by electronic means or by good old face to face contact (which we still consider best). 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 06, 2017, 10:48:13 AM
Please check Facebook today for a special report on the acquisition of an historic B&M pony truss bridge for the Trout Brook crossing.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 06, 2017, 11:26:30 AM
BTW - Donations to the Trout Bridge project may be made via the paypal donate button on the museum's website www.wwfry.org   Please make a note that the donation is for the Trout Bridge project.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 10, 2017, 04:55:57 PM
The Sunday post features updates on:

* September Steam - #9 is busy training new enginemen and ash cats.

* Track - Creation of the new "Morse" tie yard at ToM.

* Shop - Update photos of the floor prep including track installation and electrical work.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 12, 2017, 05:53:36 PM
An article was posted tonight about a visitor last Sunday who came to ride the train.  She told us the last time she rode the WW&F was in 1930.  See the "Few Stories" section for more details and the Facebook page for a photo of Bee with her train ticket.  It was wonderful to meet "Bee" and a special surprise for us.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 14, 2017, 05:17:33 PM
The Thursday evening post is a recap of the projects worked this week.  Along with the well publicized shop floor with photos from tonight, another long-planned project was done.  The freight house floor was insulated on Wednesday morning, yes, the same time as the floor pour.  Wednesday was a crazy day at Sheepscot. 

The freight house insulation project goes back quite a few years and was completed on Wednesday.  This will make the building easier to heat at Victorian Christmas.  The by-product of the job was having to clean out everything from under the freight house.  The best find was the 1894 W&Q era discharge pipe from the Coopers Mills tank building (or possibly from Head Tide).  The pipe has been under the building for about 25 years and was brought out into the light on Tuesday.  Check the page to see this important artifact as well as some rare old photos of the Coopers Mills building from 1961 that show the pipe still in the building.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Jeff Schumaker on September 14, 2017, 05:32:53 PM
Was there a cattle guard under the freight shed?

Jeff S.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 14, 2017, 05:59:49 PM
Yes, the three cattle guards were still under there, had to explain what they were since many volunteers have never seen them.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bill Baskerville on September 14, 2017, 09:12:28 PM
Start, I know what a cattle guard is, but how about a picture of ours?  Where were they located?
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 14, 2017, 09:28:26 PM
Hi Bill,

I'll get some photos while they are still outside, one is kinda bent up.  They came from Albees farm up somewhere past Alna Center.  They still have sharp edges on the points so I'm not sure if they will be displayed anywhere or put back under the freight house. Albion has a set which are in better condition.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: James Patten on September 15, 2017, 06:09:54 AM
You know we've been around a while when "cleaning house" we discover treasures we'd forgotten we had.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 15, 2017, 06:24:50 AM
You know we've been around a while when "cleaning house" we discover treasures we'd forgotten we had.

We thought the same thing when we discovered the water tank discharge pipe.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Jeff Schumaker on September 15, 2017, 09:08:11 AM
Hi Bill,

I'll get some photos while they are still outside, one is kinda bent up.  They came from Albees farm up somewhere past Alna Center.  They still have sharp edges on the points so I'm not sure if they will be displayed anywhere or put back under the freight house. Albion has a set which are in better condition.

I have memories of rescuing one back in 1994 or 1995.

Jeff S.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 17, 2017, 07:40:05 PM
Regular volunteers will enjoy the Sunday evening post as it shows a clear way for a train to move to the Woods Track from the north yard.  Have a look to see why RED = GO.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Kevin Kierstead on September 19, 2017, 03:57:46 PM
regarding the north yard (woods track) switches:
if the north yard switch on the main line shows red for divergent, making the woods track now the "main line", shouldn't all the following switches show red for each selected, divergent track from it?
a close view of the pic seems to show the opposite. please clue me in.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 19, 2017, 04:59:21 PM
Hi Kevin,

The woods track is just a spur that feeds the loading area in the n/w corner of the parking lot. It and the north yard are never considered main line trackage regardless of switch position.  Here's how you reach the woods track with a locomotive or railcar:

* Switch #1 - You are working south on the original mainline and diverge into the north yard spur at the mainline switch.  You will see a red target indicating that the switch is set for you to proceed into the yard. 

* Switch #2 - The next switch takes you off of the main stem of the yard track the feeds bay 1 and the run through track. Throwing this switch (shows red) gives you access to the rest of the yard.

* Switch #3 - This switch gives you the choice of accessing bay 2 or 3 of the car barn.  If set for bay 3 it will show red.

* Switch #4 - The last switch which comes off the bay 3 lead.  When it is lined for the Woods Track, it will display a red aspect.

As you can see, every one of the switch stand targets will show a red aspect when they are all lined for the engine reach the Woods Track.

Hope this explains the set up.  The best way to understand all the switches is to see them in person, we hope you can visit Sheepscot sometime for a tour.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 19, 2017, 05:01:23 PM
Tonight we posted an ad for the Fall Festival.  We are trying something new with a Tuesday "promo" post each week highlighting events at the museum.  Please share these with your friends for maximum coverage.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bob Holmes on September 19, 2017, 06:31:32 PM
To whoever is doing the period switchstand conversions, BRAVO!  These are relatively (?) simple cosmetic changes that add immensely to authenticity.  Hopefully, we can convert the entire railroad soon.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 24, 2017, 06:41:39 PM
The Sunday evening post is an update on all the fine work Mike Fox has been doing north of ToM.  The photos start at EoT and go north, the last picture features a surprise find.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Al Michelis on September 25, 2017, 09:40:21 AM
I really appreciate that you put descriptions on the photos. Most people don't and you are left wondering what that was about.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 29, 2017, 08:01:16 AM
The Thursday post is an in-depth look at the Trout Brook bridge site. There are modern photos along with pictures from the 1905 Mason's Wreck.  The modern photos (from this week) show an interesting discovery at the south abutment location.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 29, 2017, 05:02:08 PM
There's a Special Report on fb tonight with photos showing completion of the fill work at the first washout.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on October 01, 2017, 05:52:22 PM
Tonight we start an exciting new idea in our social media presentation. One of our newest volunteers has written an engaging series of stories about the bridge project - it's origins, history, and reconstruction. It is part of our "Narrow Bridge Ahead (https://fundrazr.com/NarrowBridgeAhead)" campaign to raise money for the placement of the bridge.

The first "introduction" posting is on tonight's Facebook page, and the series will run on Sundays for the next several weeks.

Please "like" it, and (more importantly) share it with your Facebook friends and like-minded enthusiasts. We want to get the word out about our exciting project and give everyone the opportunity to partner with us as we cross Trout Brook with a historic boxed pony truss bridge.

Reminder, our official Facebook Page is:
https://www.facebook.com/Wiscasset-Waterville-and-Farmington-Railway-Museum-147279126870/ (https://www.facebook.com/Wiscasset-Waterville-and-Farmington-Railway-Museum-147279126870/)
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Joe Fox on October 02, 2017, 08:51:08 AM
One very important piece missing from this story is the National Society and Preservation of Covered bridges has donated the bridge, and contractor to help with the bridge. However, that does not include transportation of the bridge, or site prep.

Please lets not continue to forget this small detail.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on October 02, 2017, 09:24:41 AM
There is credit given to the NSPCB at the footer of each episode. The details of their part of the project will be covered as the story unfolds.  We've even uncovered additional interesting connections.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Joe Fox on October 02, 2017, 11:16:09 AM
Ok, thank you. I just wanted to be sure every reader understands. The way the first part was written made it seem like we were only working in partnership with them, and overlooked the part where the bridge was donated.

And I know it is mentioned in the fundrazr page, but I think it is worth mentioning any time the bridge is mentioned, in much the same way we refer to Humason being rebuilt by Engineering Core.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stephen Piwowarski on October 02, 2017, 11:26:51 AM
I've made a small wording edit in the post to accommodate Joe's request. It doesn't change the content, but it does add that point of clarification.

Steve
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Alex Harvilchuck on October 02, 2017, 12:20:25 PM
There are 12 parts to the story, it's not a stand alone post. Today was an intro to the whole concept of the story.

Trust me, there's lots of good credit throughout for everyone helping the Museum, but please, let the story unfold. Don't be the person who jumps to the back of the book. ;)

I will tip my hand with the episode titles so everyone can see what is ahead...

1.   Mr. Howe and his Truss Bridges
2.   Not all Covered Bridges are Fully Covered
3.   The Tale of Mason’s Wreck
4.   B&M Railroad Builds a Bridge
5.   Weak, Wobbly & Frail
6.   Trail of the Presidents
7.   One Man’s Vision of Restoration
8.   Burning Your Bridges
9.   Head Tide or Bust!
10.   Phoenix from the Ashes?
11.   Westward Ho! …Without the Duke
12.   Return of the Bridge 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Joe Fox on October 02, 2017, 12:27:24 PM
Not jumping to the back of the book, just trying to make sure credit is given where credit is due as we have already been mentioned for this very thing once already. If it were to happen a second time our gracious donor may think otherwise of our wonderfull organization because of a few minor overlooks. It is key, when a key contributer donates, to make sure they understand fully how appreciative we are of the donation, and get mentioned any time the item is mentioned. Especially in this scenario where without them, we would not have a bridge.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Alex Harvilchuck on October 02, 2017, 12:46:51 PM
To fully enjoy the story you need to look across the Museum's presence across Social Media: read the Facebook post, look at the pictures on Instagram and read the Tweets on Twitter.  It is an integrated Social Media marketing campaign.

A lot of effort has been put in by a bunch of people to try something new and modern. What we need is everyone to spread the word through Social Media and have everyone read and contribute to the campaign! We are trying to reach out to people who the Museum normally does not reach.

Even the "big boys of narrow gauge" - C&T, D&S or Tweetsie aren't doing integrated, cross-platform social media campaigns like this. Extra special thanks to the BoD for agreeing to the proposal.

Like Ed said, we thank our partners profusely in each and every episode. They feature highly in the latter episodes.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Alex Harvilchuck on October 02, 2017, 12:58:47 PM
On a lighter note, the first episode was originally titled "Mr. Howe and his Truss", but that didn't come out very well when read a second time....  :o  :-[

The story tries to be entertaining to read, with Trout Brook-sized cliff hangers (i.e. small) at the end of each episode. Think of it like an episodic Flash Gordon serial on Facebook coupled with Twitter-based Burma Shave signs. Alas, Ming the Merciless is not included... but we do have an unknown pyromaniac as a convenient villain....   :)
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Alex Harvilchuck on October 02, 2017, 01:03:12 PM
Here's the footer text on each of the 12 episodes:

The Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington (WW&F) Railway Museum "Narrow Bridge Ahead!" Campaign (https://fundrazr.com/NarrowBridgeAhead) is asking for $50,000 in donations by 31 December 2017 for site preparation and erection of "Moose Brook" bridge to carry the Museum's reconstruction of the two foot, narrow gauge WW&F Railway across Trout Brook in Alna, Maine. The bridge, originally constructed near Gorham, New Hampshire (NH) in 1918 on the Berlin Branch of the Boston & Maine Railroad, is a historically-significant example of a Howe Boxed Pony Truss bridge, one of only five surviving examples of such a design. This effort is being performed in conjunction with the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges and the National Park Service, Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) program.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: John McNamara on October 02, 2017, 04:30:32 PM
Don't forget us old fogies in the printed media. ;) A two-page spread on the bridge appears in the September/October WW&F Newsletter, now available to members in the Newsletters section of this forum, and eventually to be in your US Mail box.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bob Holmes on October 02, 2017, 07:13:13 PM
When I was a child and our family was driving across the US from Denver to points east (Ohio, Delaware, etc.) on single lane roads in Iowa, the Burma Shave signs were the most eagerly anticipated sights in an otherwise boring slow drive.  We even memorized a lot of them!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bob Holmes on October 02, 2017, 07:20:52 PM
Alex, might I suggest you change the footer slightly as follows:

...in conjunction with (and with generous support from) the National...
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ira Schreiber on October 02, 2017, 07:29:54 PM
Train wrecks few
Reason is clear
Fireman never hugs
The engineer
Buy Burma Shave
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Alex Harvilchuck on October 02, 2017, 07:56:01 PM
Alex, might I suggest you change the footer slightly as follows:

...in conjunction with (and with generous support from) the National...

Technically the funding is being provided via HAER. It is a grant that the Civil Engineering Department @ CWRU applied for in conjunction with NSPCB. Thus your proposed modification isn't wholly accurate. Additionally you have double the with(s)!

"conjunction" is defined by Webster as: the act or an instance of conjoining :the state of being conjoined :combination
    working in conjunction with state and local authorities


"conjoining" is defined by Webster as:  to join together (things, such as separate entities) for a common purpose

IHMO, this is an accurate reflection of our endeavor with all parties working together for a common purpose. We are conjoining our collective efforts to save the Moose Brook Bridge.

But you'll read more about that as you enjoy the story.... as a wise mentor once said .. "Patience, grasshopper."  8)
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Joe Fox on October 02, 2017, 09:53:43 PM
Regardless, my main concern has been corrected. Especially not knowing if people are going to read the full fundrazr page, or every story post. The key is to mention it at times when it fits, such as this initial post.

It is easy to overlook small things, which is why we are all here to help each other out. But sometimes, it is the unintentional small things that get people in trouble. (Things like where certain kinds of engines are restricted is a good example, but thats a good work weekend story for inquiring minds)
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 03, 2017, 07:01:24 AM
Data that is provided by Facebook to page managers indicate that over 80% of viewers are accessing the museums page via phones or tablets.  The statistics show that if 12 photos are posted, the first 4 get the most views.  Likewise, if a news story has 3 paragraphs, the first one gets read the most.  Videos are another example.  There is a two minute video of #9 being turned and the average play time with phone users is 19 seconds.

The good thing about social media is that it reaches thousands (we have 4,800 fb followers).  The bad thing is that people view a post on average for 45 seconds to a minute.  The lesson is that news and/or stories posted should cover key information in the first paragraph.  If a series of photos accompanies an article, the best photo (even if out of sequence) should be posted as a headline image.  Cindy and I write news articles, check/edit the information, select photos and run them through photo shop, post the piece and then go back to each photo to set captions.  All the work is done on two laptops and it's a challenge to condense things for a viewing on a small screen but that's what our audience is using.   
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bill Baskerville on October 03, 2017, 08:07:35 AM
Start,

Good info about our public and the viewing habits of the younger generations.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 03, 2017, 10:19:06 AM
The Tuesday post features photos of the Fall Festival and the Apple Harvest Moonlight Evening Train.  The Fall Festival brought 300 visitors and the evening event added another 100 so it was a very busy day.  Lots of work by many volunteers made the a day success.  See if you can spot our mystery guest known as "Gagnon, zee Moose Callair" Hint: The same person will be guiding track crews as we build new siding and mainline track this weekend.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bob Holmes on October 03, 2017, 07:27:37 PM
I am not finding the footer text on the Facebook page.  Am I missing it?
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on October 03, 2017, 07:41:03 PM
Hi Bob,

Alex is referring to the footer that will be part of each of the story postings - starting next week. Each week will be a different "episode" in the chronicles of the Bridge's history, along with that of the WW&F. I have seen it already and it will be very interesting and engaging. More importantly, it's designed to be shared with enthusiasts beyond our railroad - with the goal of raising awareness and funds.

Find me at the Fall Work Weekend and I'll give you more details if you wish.

-Ed
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Steve Smith on October 03, 2017, 10:29:05 PM
Start, thanks for the description of the process you and Cindy employ for the posts to the WW&F website.

It reminded me of reading many years ago about newspaper reporters being instructed to get the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and WHY right up front in each report.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on October 04, 2017, 05:33:22 AM
I have seen first hand the reach that the Facebook efforts have. We have gotten several donations through the links on Facebook, from the 67 to the 21 Campaign, and now the Narrow Bridge campaign. These posts are reaching people we never could with our other methods.

Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Alex Harvilchuck on October 04, 2017, 07:12:40 AM
I am not finding the footer text on the Facebook page.  Am I missing it?

You are, I posted the text to this thread ...

Here's the footer text on each of the 12 episodes:

The Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington (WW&F) Railway Museum "Narrow Bridge Ahead!" Campaign (https://fundrazr.com/NarrowBridgeAhead) is asking for $50,000 in donations by 31 December 2017 for site preparation and erection of "Moose Brook" bridge to carry the Museum's reconstruction of the two foot, narrow gauge WW&F Railway across Trout Brook in Alna, Maine. The bridge, originally constructed near Gorham, New Hampshire (NH) in 1918 on the Berlin Branch of the Boston & Maine Railroad, is a historically-significant example of a Howe Boxed Pony Truss bridge, one of only five surviving examples of such a design. This effort is being performed in conjunction with the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges and the National Park Service, Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) program.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 05, 2017, 08:42:18 AM
The Thursday news post features photos of the Trout Brook bridge parts arriving yesterday afternoon.  There are large and small pieces including a set of metal signs describing the history and technology of the bridge.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Alex Harvilchuck on October 08, 2017, 06:14:22 PM
The first Episode of A Bridge Story is on the Museum Facebook page, and the series will run on Sundays for the next 12 weeks.

Our story starts in the mid-19th century New England … Episode 1: Mr. Howe and his Truss Bridges (https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10155194911021871&id=147279126870)

Please "like" it, and (more importantly) share it with your Facebook friends and like-minded enthusiasts. Tweet about it too!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bob Holmes on October 08, 2017, 06:35:29 PM
Good job altering the footer a little....!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Alex Harvilchuck on October 09, 2017, 07:07:17 AM
Good job altering the footer a little....!

No problem, it clarifies the funding stream - our tax dollars at work preserving engineering history.

Once everything is installed we ought to offer to host an NSPCB meeting so they can all see the restored bridge.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 10, 2017, 08:51:07 AM
The Tuesday 10/10 post features photos of the FWW.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 12, 2017, 08:56:55 AM
The Thursday post is part 2 of the FWW report along with news photos of the progress with the Trout Brook bridge span.

BTW - The first FWW post was seen by over 7,450 people.  Thanks to everyone who helps spread the word about the museum and our progress.

Cindy & Start
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 19, 2017, 08:19:07 AM
NEWS VIEWS this Thursday features updates on some of our smaller projects as well as photos of the school field trip we hosted last week.  Have a look to see what we asked the kids to say instead of "cheese" when we took their picture.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bill Baskerville on October 19, 2017, 09:58:12 AM
Start,

I see on Facebook that you found some more yellow paint to finish the new "Tie Terror".

Bill
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Fred L. Kuhns on November 18, 2017, 06:29:02 PM
 The work over the last several weeks on the bridge, rock on the woods track, repair to the tool shed and general clean up form the big wind storm. Plus planning for the Christmas trains gives each member of our great museum a great appreciation of all the work done by our local volunteers. Love the new roof on the tool shed. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on November 21, 2017, 01:43:14 PM
Congratulations to Stewart and Cindy (and the rest of the FB team) for reaching 5000 likes!

This is a major accomplishment for our continued PR and fundraising efforts.

Great job!
Title: Re: Facebook results:
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 09, 2018, 05:00:24 PM
Here are some numbers on how many people have seen our page recently with WW&F news.  The numbers vary by post.



* News Views - Bridge and other project news posted on April 26th:   9,393

* Spring Work Weekend - Projects update posted on April 30th:   3,716

* 2018 Season begins - Posted on may 1st:   6,022

* How The World Sees The WW&F - Posted on May 3rd:   9, 640

* WW&F receives grants for the bridge project - Posted on May 8th:   2,580
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on May 10, 2018, 03:37:55 PM
Meanwhile, the Facebook page has reached over 5300 likes & followers! Great job to Stewart, Cindy, and the rest of the Facebook team!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on October 04, 2018, 09:56:56 AM
This just in...
5900 Followers on Facebook! Whoohoo!

I am convinced that these efforts have had a direct and measurable impact on our overall ridership and promotion of special events. Great job team WW&F!
Title: Re: Following the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on June 30, 2019, 07:27:07 PM
News and event posts in 2019 have done well with our FB viewers.
Here are some numbers as of 8:00 pm tonight, Sunday, June 30th:

* People following the WW&F Railway page:  7,684

* An example of the number of people reached by a post that was put up last week:

The title  "Why Visit the WW&F Railway" seen by 84,236


Thanks to everyone who contributes restoration photos and upcoming event news to the page.
 

 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Wayne Laepple on June 30, 2019, 08:01:13 PM
I look forward every week to Stewart and Cindy's outstanding reports on Facebook. They strike a perfect balance between news for us folks from away and informative and entertaining information for the rest of our viewers. I also commend the quality of the photos posted, though sometime I think they lean a bit toward Ford trucks of a certain age.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: John Kokas on June 30, 2019, 08:08:53 PM
Wayne,  my intel/spook contacts inform me that skewing to old Ford Trucks is really a Facebook algorithm. Beware big brother is watching!  :o
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on July 02, 2019, 06:47:02 AM
New Record - Over 100,000 people reached by a single post.

Thanks to our Forum readers for spreading the word about the Facebook page.

After mentioning the "Why Visit the WW&F" FB post here on the Forum, the number of people who viewed the Facebook post went from 79,870 to 102,024 (as of this morning). 
Reaching over 100,000 with a single post is a new record for the WW&F.  The volunteers who produce the Newsletter, Forum and FB posts appreciate your support.

Of course the best communication is still speaking in person with friends about what the railroad and our fellow volunteers mean to us.   

Thanks for helping!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 25, 2019, 06:08:14 PM
Thanks to everyone who promotes the WW&F with our excellent newsletters, web site, Facebook page or most importantly by speaking to friends or acquaintances in person.

Our 30th Anniversary year is turning into a real milepost for the museum. Not only do we now have over 1,200 members but as of this month there are over 8,000 people  following our news posts on Facebook. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on August 25, 2019, 10:31:15 PM
Let's put the "8000 followers" on Facebook in context.

I went through this thread to track the growth of our FB following.
In rough (mid-year) numbers, they look like this:

2013: < 900 (Before Stewart and Cindy started managing the FB page.)
2014: 1000 Followers
2015: 2000 Followers
2016: 3500 Followers
2017: 4900 Followers
2018: 5600 Followers
2019: 8000 Followers

Yes, we are seeing EXPONENTIAL growth of our Facebook following - nearly doubling every year. (Up 3100 from 2017)

In 2017, I did a comparison of other FB pages, here are there stats:
Maine Narrow Gauge:
2017: 6150; 2019: 9491

Boothbay Railway Village:
2017: 5470; 2019: 7335

Steamtown:
2017: 17,300; 2019: 27,385

Cumbres and Toltec:
2017: 31,800; 2019: 40,241

Edaville:
2017: 88,290; 2019: 111,200

In short, NO ONE ELSE is seeing exponential growth in their Facebook following. Note that we are now more popular on Facebook than Boothbay Railway Village.

This is no small accomplishment - and has had direct, measurable results in our ridership and exposure to the rest of the railroad preservation community. Thank you Stewart and Cindy (and the rest of the FB team) for making this possible!

Congratulations!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bill Baskerville on August 26, 2019, 08:22:58 AM
Well done Start and Cindy.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Dave Buczkowski on August 26, 2019, 08:50:44 AM
I hear many complements on the FB page. The key is frequent updates which Stewart and Cindy do. And they are relevant. FB is a thankless master and our FB Team does an excellent job as the numbers prove.
Dave
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: ALAIN DELASSUS on August 26, 2019, 05:00:00 PM
Congratulations Stewart and Cindy  for the amazing  job you have been doing on fb since 2013.  No wonder WW&F fb has so many followers with all the neat  photos and newsy captions you post every week. They allow the WW&F  friends  and visitors to follow the hectic life of the association and the work of its commited volunteers on a day to day basis  .For the far away members like me the WW&F fb perfectly completes and illustrates this discussion forum. It's all due to WW&F fb that I discovered that endearing two-footer and its commited volunteers. And it's all due to the fb team  kind replies  to my numerous questions about the WW&F Ry Museum on fb messenger in October 2017 that I decided on being a member. Thank you so much you both and keep it up.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bob Holmes on August 26, 2019, 06:45:21 PM
I agree.  Start and Cindy do a really creative job on FB, which for the most part is NOT a creative medium.  While most post ego-centric and boring pictures of their kids and their vacations, S&C continue to tell our story in a fascinating way.  No wonder the followers have grown so much...
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on October 10, 2019, 12:25:30 PM
8,000!

Yes, we just got our 8,000th "Like" on Facebook. Well done to Cindy, Stewart, and the rest of Team Facebook!

This is already a great start to what will be a historic Fall Work Weekend.

Congratulations all.
 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: ALAIN DELASSUS on October 10, 2019, 01:01:04 PM
Congrats again ! You both are a wonderful team .Those figures make me dream  AMTP fb only 1664 Likes and 1735 followers since 2015.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on October 28, 2019, 07:01:35 AM
The WW&F Facebook page celebrated it's 10th birthday this week by reaching 8,590 followers.

Thanks to everyone who promotes the museum. The goal has always been: (1) Get people interested in what we are doing. (2) Invite them to visit the railroad. (3) Provide a good meaningful experience with tours, train rides and visiting the gift shop.  (4) Speak with them about becoming members.   
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on October 28, 2019, 07:42:54 AM
Thank you to the Facebook team. Hard to believe it has been 10 years already.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 12, 2020, 09:33:33 AM
The level of interest in the upcoming Grand Reunion has been impressive. The WW&F, MNG and ML&MW bringing all 5 original Maine Two-Foot gauge locomotives together for the first time has been noticed by narrow gauge fans and historians across the US and around the world.  A good example is the response to the news post about B&SR #7 arriving at Sheepscot last week.  As of this morning the post has been viewed by over 24,500 people.     
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: ALAIN DELASSUS on January 12, 2020, 11:57:35 AM
 fb is an amazing media system to publicize everything when you know how to use it  and the WW&F fb team definetly knows . Well done and thank you so much to keep the world posted of what's up on the narrow gauge through your nice and numerous pics and comprehensive blurbs and captions. I do know it's a rather demanding work  but very rewarding.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Al Michelis on January 12, 2020, 05:58:41 PM
Another thing that they do, which I very much appreciate, is caption each image.  The lack of captions is prevalent on FB, and very annoying.  A picture is worth a thousand words only if you know what the picture is about.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Wayne Laepple on January 21, 2020, 08:43:29 PM
Major, major kudoes and props to Stewart "Start" Rhine for his outstanding coverage of the weekend's Grand Reunion on Facebook. Several of his posts received over 500 likes, and who knows how many views. Our Facebook presence is the envy of many other museums and it's all thanks to Stewart and Cindy. Well done!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: ALAIN DELASSUS on January 22, 2020, 10:12:42 AM
 I second Wayne. I wish the AMTP fb would be as popular.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on January 22, 2020, 09:45:30 PM
10,000 Followers

Wow. Just Wow.
In just a few years, we have gone from having minor Facebook mention, to having 10,000 people see each of our posts in their daily news feed.

This is one of the reasons we had record ridership in 2019, and have nearly sold out all 225 seats on our "Steam and Sleighs" trains for this Saturday.

Well done team Facebook - led by Stewart and Cindy.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Dave Buczkowski on January 22, 2020, 10:10:06 PM
Way to go Stewart and Cindy! We reached 10,000 followers because you keep it fresh and relevant. Updating the site as often as you do is not easy. Like rust, you never sleep. We owe you a lot for attracting so many followers. Now, on to 20,000!
Dave
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: ALAIN DELASSUS on January 23, 2020, 01:08:04 PM
I've already said it it's all due to Cindy and Stewart that I joined the association. The WW&F fb is like a magnet once you log on to it you are hooked up. It's a   demanding backstage activity but the fast growing follower number is definetly very rewarding for them both.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 30, 2020, 06:52:44 AM
Here's a quick report of how the museum's Facebook page has done with viewers during the month of September:

* People following the WW&F Railway page:  11,521
* People who have made comments or posted a "like" for a post:  31,033
* People who have read our news / event posts and viewed our photos:  54,148

Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on September 30, 2020, 07:17:59 AM
Thanks for the update Stewart. FB has become a very valuable asset to us. Thank you and all other FB contributors for the behind the scenes efforts that are done daily
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on September 30, 2020, 07:54:24 AM
The situation this year has made our on-line presence more important than ever so our web site, FB page and the ticket booking service has gotten a solid work out.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on September 30, 2020, 08:31:50 AM
In September, we also surpassed 11,000 "likes" on the Facebook page.

To put that in perspective, here is a list of the 5 most liked railroad attractions in northern New England, according to Facebook:
#52,068 - Clark's Trading Post
#27,772 - Conway Scenic Railroad
#27,115 - Mt. Washington Cog Railway
#11,082 - WW&F
#11,015 - Maine Narrow Gauge
Then EVERYONE ELSE!

Love it or hate it, Facebook is the most important tool we have for reaching those interested in railroading, as well as families and individuals looking for something interesting and fun. The FB team tries to strike a good balance in engaging these two audiences - and the results speak for themselves.

Meanwhile, trains are sold out for the next TWO weekends, and selling briskly through the end of October. When I ask passengers how they heard about us, the vast majority respond "Facebook."
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: ALAIN DELASSUS on September 30, 2020, 11:38:12 AM
Well done again fb team. Given the situation it's of a paramount importance to show the world that not only WW&F has kept the lights on but it's preparing the future. fb is an amazing tool to promote and publicize anything  under the sun provided that you know how to handle it and you both know it, to put it midly. Although AMTP fb team have uploaded  posts and photos  almost every week since May,  there are only 2282 followers and that number keeps steady. But like WW&F most visitors have heard about AMTP via fb.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on November 29, 2020, 03:12:11 PM
Thanks to everyone who promotes, discusses or brags about the museum.  The newsletter (on-line & hard copy), website and FB page have been  good outlets for WW&F news during this difficult year. 

Special thanks to our FB followers, November has been a good month with our news posts reaching 76,033 people.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 03, 2021, 10:40:44 PM
We finished 2020 on a high note -
 
Our page is now followed by over 12,600 people.
In the last 30 days our posts have been seen by 101,159 viewers. One update containing shop news was seen by 34,637 people.

This is a big plus for the museum, we will continue with more quality news, photos and event posts in 2021.

Thanks everyone!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Dave Buczkowski on January 04, 2021, 09:07:38 PM
And thank you Stewart! You can take most of the bows for those numbers.
Dave
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on January 04, 2021, 09:22:19 PM
For those keeping score, here is the updated list of the 5 most liked railroad attractions in northern New England, according to Facebook:
#52,079 - Clark's Trading Post
#29,069 - Conway Scenic Railroad
#28,994 - Mt. Washington Cog Railway
#12,273 - WW&F
#12,150 - Maine Narrow Gauge
Then EVERYONE ELSE!

FYI, MNG had temporarily bumped us out of 4th place (thanks to a visit from a cardboard cut-out of a famous roundhouse cat.) But, Stewart's last couple of photo posts went "viral", leaving MNG in the Dirt.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Graham Buxton on January 04, 2021, 09:59:37 PM
For those keeping score, here is the updated list of the 5 most liked railroad attractions in northern New England, according to Facebook:
#52,079 - Clark's Trading Post
Curiously, "Clark's Trading Post" now seems to have changed their name to "Clark's Bears": http://clarksbears.com/attractionsTrain.php

Per Wikipedia:
Quote
Clark's Bears, previously named Clark's Trading Post,[1] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark%27s_Bears#cite_note-clarks-bears-union-leader-1) is a visitor attraction in Lincoln, New Hampshire (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln,_New_Hampshire), United States, in the White Mountains (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Mountains_(New_Hampshire)). It is known for its trained bears (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_black_bear)[2] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark%27s_Bears#cite_note-Burmon-2) and for the White Mountain Central Railroad (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Mountain_Central_Railroad), a 30-minute, 2.5-mile (4.0 km) steam-powered train ride.
Clark's Bears includes several museums:
 
  • Americana Museum - collections of American historic items including steam and gas engines, early household appliances, advertising and products
  • 1884 Pemigewasset Hook and Ladder Fire Station -horse-drawn fire engines, wagons and firefighting equipment
  • Clark History Museum - History of Clark's Trading Post and the Clark family
  • Florence Murray Museum - includes antique games, guns, swords, souvenir china, typewriters, railroad memorabilia
  • Avery's Garage - a replica gas station with early motoring memorabilia, vintage motorcycles and antique automobiles
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark%27s_Bears
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on January 04, 2021, 10:55:26 PM
I really don't see a competition with other museums and attractions as we are all in the same business.  The main goal of our page, (and it's a team effort) is to present news and information about the WW&F.  With dedication and consistency we keep people interested in the work we are doing in rail preservation.  Railfans and historians want a classic Maine Two-Foot experience.  Families want entertainment along with  education for the kids. Our page provides a look at the railroad that hopefully interests people from both groups. 

The Facebook team's aim is for viewers to (1) get interested in the WW&F, (2) visit the museum, (3) become members and (4) support our projects with volunteer time and/or donations.

The weekly posts cover three general topics:  News, Project updates & Upcoming events.
There are many people who make this happen and the team should get the credit.
Thanks everyone!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on January 05, 2021, 10:44:48 AM
I concur that there is no "competition" between the various railroad heritage operations.
The points I was trying to make are:
- Put the number of page likes into context, for those who are not familiar with Facebook metrics.
- Illustrate that we are one of the major (and most respected) players in heritage railroading.
- Compare our all-volunteer operation to the ones with paid staff, who have much bigger budgets for outreach and marketing.

It's really just another example of what we are doing right - thanks to our team/family of dedicated volunteers.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 04, 2021, 12:56:35 PM
Results from two of our recent news posts. 

* The Tie & Dine workday report was viewed by 19,563

* The report on the Annual Meeting day Directors Special train, (two separate posts) was viewed by 12,499

Number as of 1 pm May 4th, 2021
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 16, 2021, 08:30:31 PM
It finally happened -

It's been said that videos do well for on line viewing with phones, tablets and laptops.  Two weeks ago a 3 minute video of engine 9 performing blow downs just north of Sheepscot tank was posted on FB.  It's not the usual railfan run-by stuff because #9 sits still for most of it.  That's not the kind of piece that we thought would do very well (the first blow down is aimed right at the camera) but as of tonight it's been viewed by 100,470 people.

That's probably a new record for a WW&F video ....  just think what a good piece would do!

Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on May 16, 2021, 08:44:36 PM
The best performing Facebook post is also a Stewart Rhine video with 112,999 views. I suspect that this new "blow down" video will break that record.

The blow down video has gained us many many new viewers and followers from around the world with incredible numbers of folks from India and the UK joining our viewership. (See attached chart.)

And while most of these folks will not ever buy a ticket to ride the WW&F, having more FB traffic does result in overall leads to the museum. Case in point was a person from Indiana who saw the video, then tagged two of his friends who happen to live in Wiscasset. They had never visited us, and now intend on attending an event sometime this season.

Thanks to Stewart, Cindy, Steve and the rest of the Social Media Marketing Team for making the WW&F Facebook page a huge success!

PS: The "blow down" video is now at 100,718 views...
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on May 17, 2021, 06:07:26 AM
Interesting break down Ed. How does that chart relate in numbers? Obviously the US has the most, but how many views in Germany? And can you tell if these views are from different viewers or just the times watched?
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on May 17, 2021, 07:23:57 PM
Attached is the same chart with the number of viewers (assumed to be unique) who watched 3 seconds or more of the video.
Total reach (number of views) of the "Blow Down" video is now at 104,039.

Since the "Blow Down" video went live on 5/6/2021, we've gained 700 new followers.

By way of comparison, here is the updated list of the 5 most liked railroad attractions in northern New England, according to Facebook:
#52,680 - Clark's Trained Bears (aka Clark's Trading Post) [1% increase]
#31,531 - Conway Scenic Railroad [8% increase]
#30,202 - Mt. Washington Cog Railway [4% increase]
#14,784 - Maine Narrow Gauge [18% increase]
#13,876 - WW&F  [12% increase]
Then EVERYONE ELSE!

FYI, MNG staff now regularly "boosts" (pay to promote) posts each week to increase viewership and likes. We do selected boosting only for key posts and events. The "blow down" video was not boosted or cross-posted, it went viral completely organically!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on May 17, 2021, 07:44:27 PM
Thanks Ed. Great numbers.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 14, 2021, 09:55:12 PM
The FB posts over the last 30 days have been filled with updates on projects such as the engine house foundation, coach 9 build and progress with engine 11. Combine that news with photo albums of special events like: (1) steaming together with three engines in service (2) Dynamo Productions, a special B&SR day and (3) the annual picnic with a double headed train from M.P. 8 to Sheepscot and you have the perfect storm of news photos and information. 

The other service the WW&F FB page provides is promotion of up-coming events which have been very popular this Summer.  Most trains have sold out which proves that the quality of the event (many shared with SeaLyon Farm) and the friendly way our volunteers interact with visitors keep families coming back to Sheepscot. 

Many thanks to everyone who works hard (many behind the scenes) to make the WW&F Railway a success, your dedication has contributed to page viewership in the last 30 days of 306,623.   
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: ALAIN DELASSUS on August 15, 2021, 08:48:36 AM
Hats off for the tireless commited fb team. And thank you so much again for letting the farway crowd know about all the minor and major countless events that come about on the narrowgauge on a day to day basis. For almost 4 years I have greatly appreciated all your nice well framed pictures and their comprehensive captions that make it possibfe for  me  to follow you closely from over the Atlantic.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on February 25, 2022, 10:12:16 PM
Our Facebook following continues to grow.

On Jan 3rd, we posted a video of the annual picnic double-header coming up the mountain extension. Somehow, it went viral; it reached over 2 MILLION people!

What does a viral video do your overall Facebook statistics? It boosts visitors by 10 TIMES. Moreover, nearly every post since then has reached 10,000 - 20,000 people. And we're averaging 20-30 new page "likes" every day! (We're now up to 16,487 likes.)

Thanks to everyone who makes our FB page so popular.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on February 26, 2022, 07:03:15 PM
Wow. 2 Million. Imagine if you will if each viewer gave $1...
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ted Miles on March 09, 2022, 01:10:45 PM
Folks,
         as you can see by my comments and the responses; I have been enjoying those pictures. With my limited eyesight, I can't do anything with photography, so I enjoy it when others do!
Please continue them into the spring and the summer!

Ted Miles Life Member, Built 11 Contributor
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on May 26, 2022, 04:40:37 PM
The Mountain Extension news along with other updates have been popular with our FB followers over the last 30 days.  Here are some numbers from the page as of today:

* Video of the delivery of engine 53 reached 93,960 people.

* The "first test of the Trout Brook turntable" video reached 750,896 people.

* General news posts which include the build engine 11 project and coach 9 updates have helped the WW&F page reach 3,282,629 people.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Mike Fox on May 26, 2022, 08:39:28 PM
3 Million? Wow. Now if only they would each donate $1...
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on August 01, 2022, 09:31:07 PM
The viral videos and posts keep coming from the Facebook team:

5/19: Video of the First test of the Trout Brook Turntable (https://fb.watch/eEgEGrjSL6/) - 2.9 MILLION people reached!
5/20: Photos of first trains to Trout Brook station (https://www.facebook.com/WWFRailway/posts/pfbid0m1LfCY5Gk4Coy7ZbCNzwggYCvcaNyyrZBmwXjc4tVSeb9rXTioqJ1jiGCiRqPGLDl) - 10,500 people reached.
5/29: Photo of RC4 at Albion (https://www.facebook.com/WWFRailway/posts/pfbid0RRzTZbrFQwSEwg8jZpTbxmwSDomXy8tXaVqEVMC9MSe52MQFCuy45itvhvxbnBpUl) - 19,500 people reached.
6/2: Progress report on Coach 9 project (https://www.facebook.com/WWFRailway/posts/pfbid02P9xPib7fRNYdUaJQ4nBeAJYvuLe2dBbgKnYBT72wAL19Ravi4fpXy5eYHKnbvVTcl) - 19,500 people reached.
6/7: Marketing post promoting "Ride the Rails to Hike the Trails" (https://www.facebook.com/WWFRailway/posts/pfbid0gBsW39M6tKUx2zJP7arpeyC62LhoTm8byA3WX6Mm3GwHnbPkvScybC5c4cphFdZ6l) - 13,700 people reached.
6/9: Photos building locomotive 11 (https://www.facebook.com/WWFRailway/posts/pfbid0FeeMtk14XjPSeTV8in9HqQJFN1Do2Kv1qKCMVpWqm8f8m9dfv7CL5WYnapDw8UzRl) - 10,200 people reached.
6/23: Photo of first locomotive (52) on Trout Brook turntable (https://www.facebook.com/WWFRailway/posts/pfbid02AcwgxCCsRd7VQnmPrVxm5RP3cekMGkNwbUvTauyFmeXLR5tuAju6QZCnt8yAscbyl) - 14,000 people reached.
7/7: Progress report on Coach 9 project (https://www.facebook.com/WWFRailway/posts/pfbid02rGaefmfC6uRcCBG138HJK1TDs8me1eXvwZJFBLdfLmnBXv9TUR152aYCH3foZZPKl) - 18,200 people reached.
7/14: Progress photos at Trout Brook station (https://www.facebook.com/WWFRailway/posts/pfbid022dtjrt8T8ssqG3wHBZbnEMrC4WVT5cvfX16mooSmNgYxJvbYk3q2vZzhAoxTuZvTl) - 10,100 people reached.
7/24: Photo of 9 crossing Trout Brook bridge (https://www.facebook.com/WWFRailway/posts/pfbid0CHAC7CfabBV9swH4bdt7amFCi7sxsP3HRAw99nLAAexZ7c9o7Swd1oLxatCS84sfl) - 14,800 people reached.
7/27: Video of 9 on the Trout Brook turntable (https://www.facebook.com/WWFRailway/videos/770324967437720/) - 1.7 MILLION people reached!
7/31: Photos of 9 on the Trout Brook turntable (https://www.facebook.com/WWFRailway/posts/pfbid02r6yGRAt8FJBEz3RvN2kYrRVaoLLwy4gRkz4Nvdma12oCzsyTkipatTGT9ErahqYKl) - 17,700 people reached.


We also have amassed a following of over 18,550 page likes. (That's 2000 new page likes over the last 6 months.)

To put that in perspective:
We are by far the most "liked" all-volunteer railroad museum in New England, possibly the US.
We are more "liked" than nearly all other railroad attractions in northern New England - the only exceptions being Conway Scenic, the Mt. Washington Cog, and the Downeaster. At our rate of growth, I expect we will be more "liked" than the Downeaster sometime in 2023. (Catching the other two is going to take some doing.)


This matters a great deal to the success of our railroad. Most of our visitors hear about us via Facebook. Our progress is monitored (and in many cases envied) by our peers all over the US. New volunteers are finding us and signing up for work sessions - some even become regulars!

I'm proud to play a (small) part in the Facebook team. Be sure to thank Stewart and Steve P. for all their hard work in spreading the word about the WW&F across the globe.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Dave Buczkowski on August 01, 2022, 09:47:47 PM
Way to go Facebook Team! Keep up the great work.
Dave
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: James Patten on August 02, 2022, 05:51:38 AM
Looks like video is the way to go to reach many more people.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Benjamin Richards on August 02, 2022, 07:18:46 AM
I wonder if the video autoplay thing has something to do with that disparity.

It would be interesting to see the viewership breakdown by country. As a certain webcomic creator puts it, "If your TV signals are getting to another star, you're wasting money. Powering a transmitter is expensive, and creatures on other stars aren't buying the products in the TV commercials that pay your power bill."

If those posts aren't boosted, the analogy doesn't quite hold, but the sentiment is still true.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: ALAIN DELASSUS on August 02, 2022, 08:56:12 AM
You guys rock ! . Your great pics and videos and their itemized captions really keep on a day to day basis your far away members and friends in the loop of the tasks you carry out all year long on the railway and God knows they are many of them in the shop and on the line. No wonder that WW&F fb page makes it big. It's all due to you  that I joined the organization and especially for your  fast and kind answers to my many questions on Messenger.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 09, 2022, 06:32:24 AM
Grand Opening of the Mountain Extension photo album, parts 1 and 2 have been posted.

As has been noted elsewhere, interest in the Trout Brook project has been setting records. Everyone who likes/shares a news post, contributes funds or just tells a friend about WW&F events helps the museum achieve new levels of preservation.  The Grand Opening was not just a day to introduce the Mountain Extension but was one of the best WW&F reunions in recent years.  We look forward to the Annual Picnic and Photographers Special adding to the good times for visitors and good publicity for the railroad.   
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 11, 2022, 08:03:20 AM
An indication of the level of interest on the Grand Opening of the Mountain Extension is the number of people who have viewed our news and event posts as of this morning.

* Photo albums of the Grand Opening - (Parts 1 and 2) have reached 38,146 people in just 4 days.

* WW&F news photos, general information and event posts have reached 2,514,674 in the last 30 days. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on August 30, 2022, 05:57:48 AM
The Great War photo album has been posted on the WW&F FB page.  Thanks to everyone who made the event such a success.
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Ed Lecuyer on December 27, 2022, 10:49:43 AM
The WW&F is now the "Most Liked" railroad in Maine. This morning, we surpassed Amtrak's Downeaster with 21,076 "likes" on Facebook!

See the attached report (from Facebook) to see where we land against similar railroad and transportation attractions in New England.

Thanks to Stewart for keeping our content fresh and engaging. We have a world-wide following thanks to his efforts. We had less than 1000 "likes" on our Facebook page before he started posting photos (and videos) there 8 years ago.

Now watch out RR Museum of New England - you're next!
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Graham Buxton on December 27, 2022, 11:43:32 AM
This morning, we surpassed Amtrak's Downeaster with 21,076 "likes" on Facebook!
Of course, Amtrak  is at a significant [not easily rectified] disadvantage -- after all, Amtrak is running on a superfluous (https://forum.wwfry.org/index.php/topic,4357.msg55047/topicseen.html#msg55047) gauge!  :P
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on December 27, 2022, 12:07:58 PM
Thanks Ed but I can't take much credit, it's a team effort with a number of contributors of news, photos, maps and videos.  Just like the content of our excellent newsletter (thanks to Bill Reidy), everyone who is on a crew whether track, train, shop, carpentry or other contributes to the content.  The end game has always been to provide an on-line place for people to become interested in what we are doing.  Interest hopefully leads to people joining the museum and then contributing in whatever way they want. 
Title: Re: Finding the WW&F on Facebook
Post by: Bill Sample on January 09, 2023, 10:55:35 PM
Uh oh - I'd better warn the troops down here in RMNE and Naug Land that the WW&F is nipping at our heels!