W.W.&F. Discussion Forum
The Maine Narrow Gauges (Historic & Preserved) => Maine Narrow Gauge RR Co. & Museum => Topic started by: Josh Botting on January 11, 2011, 07:45:49 PM
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This story was on the news tonight:
http://www.wmtw.com/video/26457048/detail.html
jkb
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The Portland spokesperson seemed to me to be very "measured" in her support for the RR. I wonder if that is a reflection on the true level of support (or lack of) from Portland itself. Only time will tell. Its such a shame that they are caught between the rock and preverbial hard-place.
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Thanks for the URL Josh! It was well worth taking in.
Here's a story I found in "The Forecaster" that you might find interesting. The URL is:
http://www.theforecaster.net/content/pn-narrowgauge-011211 (http://www.theforecaster.net/content/pn-narrowgauge-011211)
Best Regards,
Glenn
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Are they still realy considering Gray, Maine when they could have Bridgeton? Why?
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"Are they still realy considering Gray, Maine when they could have Bridgeton? Why?"
Interstate highway access, between two major population centers. Next question?
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Did he say, "3-hour round trip" in that piece? ???
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That's what I heard, too.
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Either he meant 3 miles or it's a really, really slow ride.
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3/4 hour trip maybe? I thought their schedule was something like that. What amazes me though, 25,000 paying riders, but only 2,500 visit the museum. Too bad they couldn't get the rest of them through the door.
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A little math correction. The museum is free, the train ride costs. The 2,500 did not ride the train but did visit the museum. The round trip is 3 miles and the 40 minutes is correct.
Ira Schreiber
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Museum's $2 now ($1 for kids), free w/the train ride (mostly to keep out the free bathroom seekers).
Like Ira said, the 2,500 were museum visits only.
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Gray may well have interstate accessability and be between major population centers as Wayne noted but Bridgton is on route 301. This is one of two major routes to North Conway, a very popular tourist town. Seems like this puts Bridgton between two major centers as well. At less than an hours drive from Portland, Bridgton might well be a better draw than Gray. I guess we will have to wait and see which area(s) will be the chosen one(s).
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I agree. Bridgton is on a major rout and I don't think it would be any less effective a location even though it is slightly further from Portland. (Who goes to Gray, Maine for vacation - but lots of people go to the Bridgton area, or through it?) The historic aspect will be a better draw for the hard core, historicaly oriented volunteers.
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One problem with Bridgeton is that there is only about a quarter mile of uninterrupted ROW. Hannafords on one side and state highway on the other... And then there's CMP...
Though it would be nice to see B&H equipment in Bridgeton again.
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Actually, there is a great deal more than 1/4 mile of useable ROW. I have walked it and taken pictures. I seem to recall hearing from Bridgton Bill that Hannafords might not be opposed to an arrangement that would allow the Return of the Rails group to lay a narrow gauge track past/through their parking lot entryway. That would allow the running of track to the proposed field/venue to the side of the transfer facility that now rests on the original ROW. Now, if MNG decided to move some equipment to Bridgton and lay this proposed track, maybe one day track might again make it's way around the transfer facility to the still open ROW at Sandy Creek and then on to...Hancock Pond? The ROW is open most of the way although currently used for logging, snowmobiling, etc.
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That initial 1/4 to half mile would be a great start, and as Duncan said, "Bridgton Bill" has done a lot of leg work and gotten people talking around town. So I wouldn't count Bridgton out yet, even if they were intentionally or unintentionally late.
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Yeah, that whole thing has me wondering... but someone's not telling, and they have their reasons. We have to respect that, and not start rumors. We'll know when we know, but at the same time, the suspense is KILLIN me! ;)
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If Hanafords will allow passage then that opens possibilities a little more. That's still a large amount of fill to re-locate and an overpass to build. But again if Hannafords will cover it...
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Hi Vincent,
I understand that folks have looked into the Hannaford crossing issue and found that an overpass is not feasible at that location. But I also understand it is feasible to create fills on either side to permit a grade crossing at the site. Naturally, this assumes the agreement of all parties.
What gives me comfort in all this uncertainty is the interest the situation has generated among so many two foot railroad supporters. It seems that while everyone has their favorite outcome scenario, what people really want is to see the MNG collection protected and its future bright.
I know the MNG leadership feels the weight of their upcoming decisions very acutely. Anyone who has seen the TV interview with Brian Durham can tell that. Every alternative has its own opportunities and challenges.
Its good to see that so many care. I for one intend to support our friends at MNG regardless of the outcome.
Best Regards,
Glenn
PS - But if you want my opinion ... (Grin)
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I was looking at a project that was done by the Northwest Railway Museum and they constructed a new storage display shed and it would be great dream project (Yes I know I would have to give you guys money) but just saying finding a good large space to store all the eqipment indoors would be a great place.