October 2025 work reports

[Emmett Reis]

Is 9 going to be running on Saturday? It's crossed out on the sign-up sheet so was just curious what the op plan was for that day?

[Ed Lecuyer]

9 suffered a minor mechanical failure on Sunday. It is anticipated that repairs will not be completed in time for Saturday's trains.

Thus, we are reverting to the simplified operating plan, but with MLM11 running the steam trips at 11, 1, 3, and 5. Diesel 52 will power the trips at 10, 12, 2, and 4. All trips turn at ToM and one consist is used (with power swap occurring at SS).

[Emmett Reis]

What's the reason for not going down to TBS?

[John Kokas]

This is one of those times where we really miss not having #10 available.

[Ed Lecuyer]

What's the reason for not going down to TBS?

To keep the hourly schedule required by pumpkin trains. Without a 3rd locomotive we can not dependably also run two train sets, half of which go to TBS. (We learned the hard way last fall that we can not rely on 9 alone to handle four loaded cars up the mountain when the rails are slick with leaves, etc.) This year, we intended to use 52 as a helper, but that never worked out mainly due to lack of crew. We have an idea for next year that would allow us to guarantee service to TBS on some trains, but that hasn't been finalized.

This is one of those times where we really miss not having #10 available.

In some respects, yes, 10 would easily handle a 3 car train of pumpkin pickin' passengers to ToM and return. However, it would not help with the other factors that have contributed to the challenges of this season - risk of wildfire, motive power suitable for the Mountain, and crew availability.

That said, it is important to note that we have navigated this challenging season with no full train cancellations. While some trips have been been shorter than we anticipated, or powered by diesel 52, we have done our best to fulfill our operational obligations with very few complaints. For example, every "Sheepscot Valley Steam Train" did feature a steam locomotive on the point. (See the reviews and thank you's thread for a smattering of the feedback we have received publicly.)

[James Patten]

Work done on Saturday Oct 25:

* Pumpkin Trains - trains full of happy people.
* Engine house - Stewart was fixing a drawer/cabinet whose doors hadn't worked properly for a while.
* Basement - Linda and I assembled the final rack we purchased and put more stuff on it.
* Archives - Linda was busy working.

[Mike Fox]

Over the last couple of weeks, Brendan and Joe constructed this handy bench with small jib crane hanging above. The center piece can drop down for taller items

[Jeff Schumaker]

That should be pretty handy in the shop.

Jeff

[Ed Lecuyer]

Pumpkin Trains - trains full of happy people.

A HUGE THANK YOU to all the crews and support people who made the 2025 Pumpkin Train season our best to date.

Over the course of four weekends, we carried 1458 pumpkin pickin' passengers to SeaLyon Farm. This is 2.68% more passengers than we carried in 2024.
Their ticket purchases represent a Net of $22,000 to be used to further maintain our equipment and cover our regular operating expenses. (This is 11% more Net revenue than 2024.)

Again, much credit is due to everyone who helped from on the train, in the gift shop, planning, maintaining the equipment, scheduling, marketing, giving tours, and making the grounds (and parking lot!) presentable. It would be impossible to list everyone - and I'm sure there are people who helped in ways that I am not even directly aware of.

Most heritage railroads have their busiest days leading into Christmas. Pumpkin season is our "Polar" and helps us immensely in our mission to educate the public about the narrow gauge and its impact on the people of the Sheepscot Valley.

Job well done team WW&F.

Now, time for a nap...