Messages

16

Work and Events / Re: Mountain Extension - Official Work Thread

« on: October 15, 2019, 05:47:28 PM »

With the Rt. 218 goal finally reached, what will the next goal be?  Simply maintaining equipment and buildings isn't going to provide the excitement of extending track to the next "marker".  What will be done to keep up the enthusiasm.  On to Albion?

17

Work and Events / Re: Mountain Extension - Official Work Thread

« on: September 08, 2019, 11:51:37 AM »

Years ago we came across an old 1941 Chevy business coupe lying in the brush on the left side of the ROW just before the crossing of 218.  Is that still there?

18

Work and Events / Re: B&SR Tank 14 - Official Restoration Thread

« on: August 15, 2019, 10:39:08 PM »

I remember seeing that at Edaville many years ago.  It sure went to rack and ruin didn't it?

19

Work and Events / Re: Moving passenger cars from MNGRR to WWFRY

« on: July 18, 2019, 12:17:50 PM »

Finally, the equipment is coming together where it should be.  No need of having 2 museums in the same area. The Gray idea should be put to rest once and for all.  The WW&F is the, "new Edaville," done right, and all remaining equipment other than at Phillips should be there.

20

Work and Events / Re: Victorian Christmas 2017

« on: November 19, 2017, 12:31:25 PM »

Yes, the late Fred Richardson was a true gentleman. We had the privilege of interviewing him on video a while before he passed away.  He was sitting in his living room and we spent the afternoon covering a range of topics, mostly about the history of Edaville and of course about Nelson Blount.  Edited down, the interview is about an hour long and we can supply copies on DVD to anyone interested in having one.  Contact me for details as to price, delivery time, etc.
  Richard

21

Work and Events / Re: Victorian Christmas 2017

« on: November 18, 2017, 06:31:37 PM »

Phone apps too?  Jump the line, like Dunkin' Donuts.  All this reminds me of the wonderful days back at South Carver, Mass. at the original Edaville Railroad during the run-up to Christmas.  4 steam trains on the main line at once.  Long lines of folks waiting to board the next train after it emptied out. No cell phone zombies.  Just happy families engaged in conversation as they waited their turn.  We rode it every year. Had some great cab rides too. Things were pretty laid back and casual in those days.  God, how I miss that place.
  Dono Treply

22

Work and Events / Re: Victorian Christmas 2017

« on: November 17, 2017, 11:34:11 PM »

All this, "boarding pass, reservation, ticket," talk is beginning to sound like the airlines.  And we know what that's like.  Or the long ago days of gasoline shortage lines in 1973 with, "odd / even" days, etc.   I suspect many casual visitors will not have heard about the protocol of obtaining a ride. You will have "standby" passes / tickets for them you say, but this begins to sound like a Chinese fire drill.  It will be interesting to see how it goes. 
  RWS

23

Massachusetts' Two Footers / Re: Boston Globe: "These days, Edaville USA shines"

« on: January 23, 2017, 07:08:47 PM »

Edaville USA is now merely a kiddie "fun park", not very different from the old Pleasure Island Park in Wakefield, Mass back in the 1960s. Edaville RAILROAD as we all knew it is gone.  The train ride now is a very short loop. Google Earth photos show the remains of the original track running around the east side of the big reservoir. Beyond that point there now is a big development of up-scale homes.  The original Edaville looked more like Maine than the real Maine locale.  So what was historic is now "Walley World Jr."
  Richard Symmes

24

Massachusetts' Two Footers / Re: Edaville #11 to attend Big E Train Show 1/28-29/2017

« on: January 23, 2017, 07:00:43 PM »

After almost completely dieselizing the Cog Rwy, I'm surprised "Old Peppersas" hasn't been cut up or turned into a big coffee maker!  I'm glad they are bringing it to the show, but the railway itself has been ruined for me and many others.
   Richard Symmes

25

General Discussion / Re: Who Am I? or, Let's Introduce Ourselves

« on: September 17, 2016, 09:40:36 PM »

Bob is WAY too modest about his model railroad endeavors. His HOn3 layout over his garage is nothing short of spectacular!  He's done everything from scratch; bench work, track, scenery, structures, wiring, and much more.  You have to see it to appreciate it.  Locomotives are all sound and digital equipped.  Perhaps we can twist his arm and he'll send some photos or video to the forum??!!
  Richard

26

Work and Events / Re: 2016 Fall Work Weekend

« on: August 18, 2016, 12:21:29 PM »

And. . . "A wet duck never flies at night!"

27

Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad / Re: Current Photos Needed of SR&RL Museum

« on: July 22, 2016, 11:20:21 AM »

Whatever it takes to pull it off, it would seem worth doing. Definitely NOT on a whim, but with months of planning to make it a real popular event.  It's at least 4 hours from my home up to Phillips, but I'd surely make the trip to see that.  Can't you picture it?  A temporarily re-lettered /re-numbered #6 on her home rails again, with a freight, passenger or mixed train would be outstanding!  When is the next Narrow Gauge convention scheduled?  Might be a good tie-in.
   Richard

28

Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad / Re: Current Photos Needed of SR&RL Museum

« on: July 21, 2016, 09:36:03 PM »

Better yet, bring newly restored #9 up to Phillips for a week or two and "reletter" it SR&RL #6 for photo charters, etc.  What to do with trains at Sheepscot while #9 is "absent"?  Use the diesel.  Most tourists won't care.  I think if enough warning were given, many SR&RL fans would make the journey to Phillips for a deal like that.
   Richard

29

Museum Discussion / Re: March Photo Excursion (Photo Album)

« on: April 08, 2016, 05:47:54 PM »

Great, but the color is too vibrant for the subject and setting.  Sepia or b&w would look more in tune with the era being depicted. My 2 cents!

30

The Original W&Q and WW&F: 1894-1933 / Turner Center Creamery Cans were on the Steamer "PORTLAND"

« on: March 31, 2016, 09:14:53 PM »

At the northern tip of Cape Cod on Sunday evening, lifesaver John Johnston was scouring the edge of the surf when he found several empty 40-quart cans from Turner Center Creamery in Maine and a cork-filled life jacket with the words "Str. Portland." Battered pieces of wreckage followed. Overnight, bodies started to wash ashore — 21 in the first few days, a total of 40 within weeks

________________

From a history of the PORTLAND sinking in 1898.
  Richard W. Symmes