Building South Towards Wiscasset

[Matthew Gustafson]

I *thought* the museum/W&Q owned the ROW south of Sheepscot all the way to the Alna-Wiscasset town line.  (Or owns most of it.) Of course, the pond is still an issue, and all the other encroachments (such as those John listed) in Wiscasset.

That having been said, I don't think it would be unreasonable to *eventually* embark on a southern expansion - especially if the terminus ended at Route 218 in Wiscasset. That would put us right on (or near) the proposed Route 1 bypass, and any interchange with 218 (which was not initially proposed, but may be back on the drawing board.) That would give us a very good and highly visible location.

Anyone got the money? :-) In the meanwhile, let's get some bathrooms built.

I agree with Ed here but when we have the time and money available, cant we just rebuild the ROW south from Sheepscot, to the spot where the ROW reachs the pond and stop there. Ive seen some posted photos of the ROW between both locations on NERAIL's website and the ROW looks sound to me.

[Stewart "Start" Rhine]

Welcome back Matthew.  I am in favor of building track south of the Cross Road but there are a number of things to consider.  Here are a few...

Where do we start?  Figuring that the grade crossing is not built, I would start 60-90 feet south of the road to allow for a truck to park on the grade to unload equipment, etc.

How far south do we go?  The more track, the better ride but more to maintain. 

What size rail do we use?  If we plan to just run railcars (Model T, etc.) and handcars then 30 lb is good.  If we plan to eventually build the crossing and connect to the existing mainline, 60 lb rail makes more sense.  The problem is that 60 lb is expensive and hard to find. 

What will the south section be used for?  If we sell tickets for the Model T or handcar rides, then the track may be worth the investment.  Of course the equipment has to be rolled (or carried) over the road to access the south section.  The East Broad Top has an old section of connected mainline where the steam trains do not run.  Railcar rides have been given the last couple of years and the operation has been very popular.  The formula may work at Sheepscot but cost, equipment and crew availablity will eventuall dictate if this section is rebuilt. 

[Mike Fox]

I think we should hold off on anything South and focus on our Northward goal. As Stewart pointed out, anything we do South will cost money. And take away from other much needed projects as well as a steady movement North.
   I like the idea, I think most of us have talked about it before, but for now, reality says no.

[Stephen Hussar]

I'm sort of torn about this. Mike, I agree with you but wonder -if the museum already owns an appropriate quantity of ties and smaller rail, how much will it actually cost to build. The thing I like about the idea, is seeing the track going southbound into the distance, along with the possible extra income generated by this "added attraction."

Stephen

[Wayne Laepple]

I've received some criticism via PM's to my comments above, which some folks view as pessimistic. My point was to emphasize that we need to keep our efforts focused on the current goals of building restrooms, upgrading our parking lot, laying rail to Top of the Mountain and ultimately Route 218, as well as developing the Sheepscot yard area. That will keep us busy for the next few years, I'm sure.

Last fall, I took a walk down the right-of-way south of Cross Road to the dam. It's a pleasant stroll, and with the addition of some informational signs, is another opportunity we can offer our visitors. The majority of our visitors are not rail enthusiasts, but they are the ones who will visit and spend their money if we offer a variety of experiences. 

[Ira Schreiber]

I am in the Stephen camp on this one.
The one issue not mentioned is grass mowing with the track in place.
As far as rail, to avoid doing it twice, build to "mainline" standards.
I have located over SIX miles of good 60# rail and bars just waiting for the $ to purchase it.

[John McNamara]

I have located over SIX miles of good 60# rail and bars just waiting for the $ to purchase it.

Any information on what the $ would be for one of those miles including shipping from wherever it is?

[Wayne Laepple]

Better check with Bob Gabriel before building south. I remember a certain floating cooler after a couple of days of very heavy rain.....

[Ed Lecuyer]

Wanye brings up a good point.

If we build south (which I think we should do - AFTER we reach 218 to the north) the ROW will need to be built up a bit. The original ROW through Sheepscot was lower, Harry raised it so to meet the grade of the modern Cross Road.

Moreover, that part of the ROW is prone to occasional flooding - and we will have to build it up to accommodate the pond, etc.

Of course, Stewart wants us to build that way - so he can see it from his (new) house!

[Stewart "Start" Rhine]

Hey Ed,  I can't see the R-O-W from my house ... but I think I can see Mt. Washington from my roof !!  

Since there probably won't be track south of the Cross Road any time soon, handcar trips could be run on the team track.  When the north yard spur is built this year, the stuff on the team track can go up there during special events.  The handcar ride would start near the road where visitors can see it. The trip would go up to the oil house and return.  Stopping there would have the ride operate through only one switch, without having to throw the stub. This keeps the handcar in a safe area just as it would be if operated south of the road.

The Model T would be a mainline trip.  When the SR&RL Model T railcar was at Sheepscot it was run as a second section to the steam train.  The ride was very popular.  It left from the siding next to the shop (before the track was changed to a run around).  Fred told visitors about it as they detrained from the coach.  The handcar and railcar rides are popular with visitors and are a good way to raise funds.  They also keep folks around the railroad a little longer.

[John Kokas]

Ira,

Good job in locating #60 rail for the museum, especially with Jewelry.  May I suggest that the BOD have Ira get a firm price for the 6 miles and then have a special fundraiser to buy the whole lot.  We still need rail for TOM, the new yard lead, additional storage track, the extension to 218, and let's face it, the supply is not getting larger.  It's only going to become harder and harder to find good rail and parts in the future.  Sure we may not need to use a large amount of it for a while, but it's real hard to not get something and then to wait and find out that what you thought you had was in fact gone forever.....

P.S. - did anyone think that Bridgeton Bill may need some of it?  Partnership?

[James Patten]

Let me speak as a board member.

John, you suggested a special fund raiser.  The WW&F has a philosophy of not asking for major money too often.  Our annual fund drive starts in September and that's the only one we have.  When the Percival house became available a few years back, we started the fund drive in May and had only one that year.  If you ask too often then at some point you don't get anything.

We could in theory start a capital campaign, which is different than the annual fund raiser.  This involves talking to those who give large amounts and asking them to give even more, in addition to trying to find other large givers who are willing to part with money.  I've never been involved with anything like this but I'm told it's a Big Deal and takes lots of time.  In the meantime moderator Ed Lecuyer is working hard at trying to find the right people to go after for grants.

Additionally we have some land access issues ahead of us, the details of which I don't at this time want to bring up in public forum.  We are working on the issues, but they will take time.

Finally, there's plans for everything back at Sheepscot.  We need parking and restrooms and infrastructure to handle large crowds, which in turn help pay for having the longer railroad.

Sorry to be such a wet blanket but I want to inject a little dose of reality in the discussion.

[Dwight Winkley]

I like to be able to look south without members auto's parked on the ROW.

How many sections of the old bog "snap track" are laying around the museum. They could be put down south of Cross Road. But than you have a lawn mowing problem.

[Matthew Gustafson]

Although Im more into the progress of restoring and rebuilding the ROW north from Sheepscot to route 218. The only part of the ROW south of Sheepscot's im interested on restoring and rebuilding, is the section of ROW south from Sheepscot to the pond only. I have no interests on continuing on past the pond and onto Wiscasset after hearing its too difficult to restore the line from pond to Wiscasset. Im fine with just that part of the ROW south of Sheepscot's. Plus its a bit less money to restore that little section instead of going all the way to Wiscasset. =) =( =)

[Matthew Gustafson]

Welcome back Matthew.

Thanks Stewart! =)