Messages

1

Museum Discussion / Re: Narrow gage depots with tower features

« on: October 29, 2024, 10:48:23 AM »

I have communicated with both the late Peter Barney and Wes Ewell over the years regarding this "Pier Station" in Wiscasset. Neither were aware of any windows on the water side of the structure. Also, I don't believe there were any windows up it the tower but only in the bay formed by the octagonal construction. Regarding navigation, I've been told approaching vessels to the wharf would observe the flag at the top of the tower to help judge wind speed and direction.
Wes Ewell published his set of drawing of the station on his website: https://twofootartist.com/
Pete Leach

2

Museum Discussion / Re: HOn30 Kit of SR&RL 6 (WW&F 9)

« on: November 08, 2022, 08:56:49 AM »

As a follow up to the Toma Model locomotive, it appears to use the same design for the mechanism as he used for the Monson Forney. This was/is a great running locomotive. I kitbashed the Vulcan Monson into a generic Portland Forney. This new model looks even better. I plan on getting one!
Pete Leach

3

Museum Discussion / Re: Trains Magazine Newswire article about MNG locomotive plans

« on: August 26, 2021, 09:55:44 AM »

The article is well done. Thanks, Gordon.
Pete

4

Work and Events / Re: Fall Work Weekend 2020

« on: September 17, 2020, 12:57:50 PM »

I am proud of the BoD for coming to this difficult decision. Well done! The railroad will go on in spite of the delay. Canceling FWW for this year IS the right thing to do. We are ALL making sacrifices.
Pete

5

Volunteers / Re: Astronomer(s) Needed

« on: September 14, 2020, 02:45:45 PM »

Interesting topic. A quick look a the Bortle's map shows Cross Road and 218 with a Class 3. Not bad from a light pollution standpoint. (Class 1 is best and 8 is terrible). Should offer reasonable Dark Skies for folks to observe.

This could be a good event but may need more than a few days to put together. With COVID, you may need some type of Electronically Assisted Astronomy, or EAA. Basically a camera on the telescope that transfers the image to a computer screen allowing folks to view through the scope without touching it.  This would allow folks to maintain social distancing.

Too bad I live in Texas or I would love to take part. Reaching out to local astronomy clubs or colleges may be a good choice if there are no local members with the gear needed.

Pete Leach

6

AUCTIONS / Re: Maine 2 Foot Forney (kit)

« on: May 29, 2020, 10:28:20 AM »

So, reading through the instructions, this is an HO scale model that would run on scale 30 inch gauge track, aka HOn30. This is the same scale and gauge made popular by Bob Hayden and Dave Frary many years ago. These models run on N Scale (9mm gauge) track. The instructions posted recommend a Bachmann N-Scale 0-4-0 Dockside Switcher mechanism to power the model (Available on eBay and other sites.)

This is still an active form of modeling Maine 2-ft railroads. Chris McChesney (co-author of the Narrow Gauge in the Sheepscot Valley series) was very successful in getting these very small locomotive models to run. He even wrote a book on the subject and is available on Gary Kohler's Portland Locomotive Works website.

I personally have tried and failed to accomplish what Chris and others have done. My eyes are too bad, my fingers are too fat, and my abilities are lacking... I am modeling my version of the WW&F in O scale, 30 inch gauge (On30).

This would be a great model for someone willing to take the time to build and tinker with the mechanism (not included).
Good luck,
Pete Leach

7

Museum Discussion / Re: What are the benefits of Membership?

« on: May 28, 2020, 10:41:28 AM »

Welcome, Ben. I've been a member for many years and now a life member. I lived in NH when I joined but now live in SE Texas. I don't get up there often but I know I have a welcome mat waiting for me when I do.  Seeing the progress through reports and photos on this forum keeps me in touch.
BTW, I have all the Kohler/McChesney books and use them regularly in my effort to build a version of the WW&F Ry in O Scale. And my wife agrees with yours regarding Red's!
Pete Leach

8

Work and Events / Re: Event Pavilion for Alna Center - Official Reassembly Thread

« on: February 03, 2020, 01:37:12 PM »

A photo of the Portland Canning Co husking shed in Albion is published in Vol III of Gary Kohler & Chris McChesney's Narrow Gauge in the Sheepscot Valley. Page 71.

The Pavillion has the look of a husking shed.

Pete

9

Museum Discussion / Re: Maine 2-Foot Grand Reunion >>>Photo Album<<<

« on: February 03, 2020, 01:19:27 PM »

Wow, Kevin. Fantastic photos! Thanks to all that helped with this event. I only wish I could have been there!
Pete

10

Museum Discussion / Re: Article on Trains website: "An Appointment with Number 9"

« on: January 09, 2019, 04:24:04 PM »

Great article! Thanks for sharing the story.

11

General Discussion / Re: Wiscasset Station Maine Central/ Knox & Lincoln

« on: June 22, 2018, 02:57:32 PM »

There are additional photos in the book: Narrow Gauge in the Sheepscot Valley, Vol 1. by McChesney, DeVos, and Kohler.  One is dated between 1900 and 1912.  You may want to check there.
Pete

12

The Original W&Q and WW&F: 1894-1933 / Re: Burnham Overhead Crossing

« on: October 16, 2017, 08:56:57 AM »

The Turner Centre Dairying Association had a significant creamery along the waterfront in Wiscasset that was served by the WW&F.  The dairy had a ramp and employee house in Albion. The morning train left Albion with one of the employees aboard the dairy car to pick up the cans of milk along the 40ish mile trip to Wiscasset.  The employee would return later in the day, dropping off empty cans for the locals along the way. The run normally included the TCDA car No 65 (recreated by the museum and placed at the site of the original creamery in Wiscasset.) 
It is pretty safe to say that milk was an important commodity for the railroad.  It and the mail would have provided a small, but steady flow of cash to the railroad.
The Portland Cannery had a canning facility near the end of track on the far north end of Albion.  They canned the various vegetables as they came into season.
Much of this information in in the Gary Kohler/Chris McChesney book series on the Narrow Gauge in the Sheepscot Valley.  I am finding the whole this fascinating!
Pete Leach - Modeling a small version of the WW&F in On30 .

13

Work and Events / Re: Box Car 67 - Official Work Thread

« on: May 03, 2017, 10:34:26 AM »

Wow! This is so cool!
Pete

14

Museum Discussion / Re: WW&F Receives Railway Heritage Grant

« on: April 07, 2017, 02:24:23 PM »

Great job to all involved!  What an exciting project to finish the idea started by Eames!  I cannot wait to see where it leads!

Pete from sunny Texas!

15

The Original W&Q and WW&F: 1894-1933 / Re: The Franklin, Somerset & Kennebec Railway (FS&K)

« on: March 17, 2017, 01:26:40 PM »

Jason, I am really enjoying the conversation!  I started to put together a set of slides on the history of the WW&F to present to my local model railroad club down here in Texas.  I found the railroad as built to be a bit of a puzzle.  In my humble view, building a railroad of any gauge from Wiscasset up the Sheepscot Valley could not be sustainable without a connection to something much bigger, such as what the FS&K offered.  Carrying passengers, mail, and milk provided a steady flow of some cash, but not enough to make it profitable in the long term.  The "bulk" commodities (lumber and coal) the valley provided were too few and unreliable.  Certainly the loss of the coal contract with the woolen mill in North Vasselboro didn't help that situation.

The comments regarding the down turn of the seaport of Wiscasset are true.  It appears that the seaport was relegated to the less glamorous but still important role as a port for Coasters.  However, Wiscasset is barely mentioned in John Leavitt's book: "Wake of the Coasters."  There were many seaports up and down the Maine coast that competed with Wiscasset.  (NOTE: if you haven't read it, I highly recommend it.)

I do believe the expansion to Farmington could have extended the life up to the start of WWII.  Anything after that would be improbable, not matter what the gauge.

I have found the people involved with this railroad the most fascinating.  I see you've mentioned Fred Fogg on another thread.  He is one of the many people that helped the WW&F survive as long as it did!  BTW, my presentation centered on the people as much as the places and equipment.  I also included the tremendous work done by the museum to preserve the spirit of the railroad.  
Pete Leach
Tomball, TX