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How much land is available to the railroad at Alna Center?I know there's talk of building a working sawmill there for visitors to see. Is there any plan to put more than that there? For instance, a few buildings to represent perhaps a fictional rural Maine village of the 1900-era? These could be 5/8 scale (like Disney uses for their theme parks), so the size is realistic, but doesn't "overwhelm" the railroad. Maybe a general store, and a couple of other "businesses" of the period. These could actually be inhabited by entrepreneurs who would rent the space from the railroad and perhaps sell products within to passengers who would alight there from each train. (Such as was done at Pleasure Island in Massachusetts in the 1960s.) Edaville RR once had a plan for such a series of structures, which was never developed. (not to be confused with their "Peacedale" village in miniature.) This cluster of buildings representing a village could be made self sustaining or maybe even turn a tiny profit for the railroad if utilized well. There's now an access road into the site from 218, and it could be left a dirt road to fit into the era you are trying to create. I would envision a half dozen structures at most. It would obviously not be what Alna Center looked like in the day but with a little "imagineering" it could simulate what "might be just down the road" from any such tiny way stop.Comments?Richard Symmes
A great idea (in my opinion) Richard. I have always wondered if other historic buildings might yet be replicated by the museum.Do you remember the former "New England Fishing Village" that Edaville Railroad had at a point along the old 5 1/2 mile route right near where "Guard Rail Curve" (approx. MP-2) turned the mainline from "The Straightaway" to "The Woods"?There is an old postcard image of this recreation, small scale village. Apparently the village was lost when this same area was washed away in a bad storm (circa 1962).I love the feel that Boothbay Railway Village has created on their site with all the historic buildings, and I appreciate how the Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes railroad museum has incorporated historic SR&RL structures into their property.
Richard,The Museum owns only that half acre on which the saw mill will eventually sit on the west side of Alna Center. Peripheral Operations are discussed in Section 9 of the Long Range Plan though no specifics other than the saw mill, farming and perhaps a shingle mill are discussed. During the committee meetings for the we discussed what sort of period businesses that might be a good fit for the Museum such as brick making (brickery?) because of all the clay found in the area (and still on my boots). We felt that other groups (presumably historic) would be appropriate to run the operations as we did not have the manpower to build and operate them. Farming including haying was also discussedOne of the issues is the sporadic nature of operation time. They could only operate when the Museum was open so as businesses they wouldn't be very viable. All in all I think it's a good idea because it would be another draw for people to visit the Museum more than once.Dave
Bruce, I'd forgotten that aspect of Edaville. I know what you're talking about. And, yes, what Boothbay Village has done is similar. I'd envision my idea as a place where people could get off the train at mid-point in their "journey" and spend some time looking around this "Maine village" before re-boarding another train to complete their trip to the end of the line and back to Sheepscot. It could even include a picnic area. Perhaps the famous Edaville chicken barbeque idea is not even too far fetched. That was one of the most popular attractions at Edaville in the summer. It's all worth considering.Richard
I think that the idea of building a small village is a great idea. However, you don't want the village to be to big. The buildings could be replicas from those, that were originally around the railroad.Joe
As Dave has pointed out, we own only a very small amount of land at Alna Center, so our options there are few.The whole topic brings up an interesting question, however, and that is "What lineside industries or activities are appropriate?" We have gone to a great deal of effort to not only rebuild the railroad on its original roadbed, but also to rebuild it in its original era. This is important not only because it is inferred by our mission statement, but also because it differentiates us from the many "museums" that run an aging diesel over a portion of some abandoned branch line.On the one hand, we do not want to become the sort of place about which people say, "been there, done that," especially after trackwork is complete, but on the other hand, we do not want to be a honky tonk that is untrue to our heritage.
That is very true John. If we make it to 218, and get up to Head Tide, then where do we go? South? If we go south then we can only go as far as 218 that way also, maybe not even that, since the south 218 is in the City limits of Wiscasset.Joe
With respect to the size of the buildings in such a "village" overpowering the trains, that is why I suggested the "Disney 5/8 scale" size. If you've ever been to Disneyland or Disneyworld and walked down "Main Street", the buildings look terrific and full size, but they aren't, of course. They are 5/8 of the full size, but with full size doors and windows, headroom inside, etc. It looks great and works great. Such was the case at Pleasure Island too. I'm sorry to learn there's only a half acre available at Alna Center, as that would be an ideal location for such a "cluster" of buildings, near the station. Old Sturbridge Village uses the same ideas in their buildings, with some sort of activity going on in each. Even Clark's Trading Post makes good use of "smaller than full size" buildings on their Main Street. If well done, such structures make a wonderful "destination" for a short railroad with rather bland (read: lots of woods) scenery.Richard
Richard;Insofar as Alna Center is concerned it was (is) actually about a mile from the "downtown" area. Historically there wasn't much, if anything, other than a few houses in Alna Center. Still, a good idea.Dave
One stray thought that a few of us have tossed around from time to time is to recreate the Kings Mills area. You know, - Ford's Mill, lumber mill, bridge, etc. etc. - if/when we ever extend the line that far.Looks good in the mind's eye at any rate.My thoughts and worth everything you've paid for them ...Best Regards,Glenn
The historic Village is already built - it is called Head Tide.
Allan's dead on correct- how can we utilize Head Tide in what we do?I've wondered this for years.see yaJason
Hi Jason,Here's a few things that have occurred to me.Work with the Historical Society to have the church open at least weekends during the tourist season. At the same time, work with a franchisee to offer horse and buggy tours through Head Tide village and maybe a shorter trip up to the church and back for folks who can't or don't wish to walk. If you put the road bridge back across the cut, you'd have two non-duplicative routes for the buggy rides and it would shorten the route for strollers and walkers too. In winter, you'd have a built-in sleigh ride route. (Imagine sleigh rides through a snowy Head Tide village done up in lights! As Alan pointed out, it would be the real deal! Our problem would be providing sufficient capacity!) Naturally, we'd share any proceeds with the Historical Society/Town.Assuming the RR route spans from Wiscasset to Head Tide, we could work with the SVCA (and probably a canoe trip operator) to offer "full-circle" train and canoe trips on the Sheepscot. I understand from people who have done it, the canoe trip is scenic, low impact and the reversing falls gives it a little extra hook.Operationally, trains would load canoes and gear at Wiscasset. A flatcar is rigged up to hold the canoes and a box car is fited with racks to carry the life-jackets, paddles and any other gear. The train leaves Wiscasset and runs to the point where the river is closest to the track, just below Head Tide church. Canoers would unload the canoes and float back down the river to Wiscasset. We could either put a short double-ended siding in at that point to set out the cars or just sit on the mainline and unload while everyone watches. We'll probably want to offer a package fare for this.I believe this concept would add interest to our operations, another experience for our passengers, draw a different visitor demographic to the RR and both the RR and the SVCA would benefit. Kind of our version of the Valley RR's boat train.A hiking or horseback trip up the grade along the river north of the depot is possible too. This would provide another attraction through a very secluded and scenic area and give us a chance to open up the grade north. Even if we should rebuild the track at a future time, we could still maintain the franchise by cutting a paralleling trail on land we own. Our chief costs would be opening the trail and rebuilding the barn behind Head Tide for stabling the horses. We'd also have to work out a deal with the franchisee for the stabling costs and related services.Add a picnic spot with swings and other playground equipment over by the depot. We could leave a baggage car or boxcar on the siding for selling snacks, etc. Possibly bring in a concessionaire. With the village tours, the church tours, the hiking, the canoeing and the horseback riding, this concession opportunity could prove a pretty nice little business opportunity for a local entrepreneur.Naturally we've have to rebuild the run around siding north of the depot for the trains.Last but not least, charge parking fees at Head Tide for canoers, hikers, riders, visitors who don't come in on the train. The Head Tide depot could act as the business office for all these activities.My thoughts,Glenn
Beyond the Alna Center sawmill producing a unique product which utilizes rail for shipping, I once envisioned a simple baseball field. Waiting passengers might enjoy playing catch or hitting a ball or two...
I think if we start putting all these ideas together, we come up with some pretty compelling reasons for people to lay over at Head Tide!As things progress, we might want to think about adding a Head Tide development section to the Long-Range Plan.Best Regards,Glenn
Instead of being at Head Tide, why not give the passnegers a reason to stay at Alna Center? Such as a hike down the old Averille Road, or to Trout Brook, or possilby even both. However, the two different trips would require 2 different guides.Joe
