31
The Original W&Q and WW&F: 1894-1933 / Re: Coopers Mills Dam
« on: July 20, 2018, 03:45:25 PM »
Philip, I feel the same way.
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32
Museum Discussion / Re: Alna selectmen consider recreation trail to Alna Center station
« on: June 25, 2018, 09:57:12 AM »
Seems strange to see Stewart in such a modern vehicle!
33
Work and Events / Re: WW&F Launches its first Summer Concert Series
« on: June 13, 2018, 11:02:58 AM »
Wish we lived closer!
34
General Discussion / Re: Look who popped up at the alewife harvest in Damariscotta Mills!
« on: May 30, 2018, 12:05:38 PM »
Jon Chase and I went for my first visit to the "fish ladder" several years ago and I've been back a few times since then. Just found this from a Washington Post article on the location:
"Damariscotta, whose name is derived from the Native American word for "place of abundance of alewives," has been home to the migration for centuries. In the early 19th century, men gathered fish here with hand nets and smoked or pickled them for consumption. The adjoining towns of Nobleboro and Newcastle ensured their open passage and guaranteed free yearly portions to widows and the poor -- an "original welfare program" that continues, said George Dow, president and curator of the Nobleboro Historical Society."
"Damariscotta, whose name is derived from the Native American word for "place of abundance of alewives," has been home to the migration for centuries. In the early 19th century, men gathered fish here with hand nets and smoked or pickled them for consumption. The adjoining towns of Nobleboro and Newcastle ensured their open passage and guaranteed free yearly portions to widows and the poor -- an "original welfare program" that continues, said George Dow, president and curator of the Nobleboro Historical Society."
35
Massachusetts' Two Footers / Re: Edaville rolling stock
« on: March 09, 2018, 01:31:19 PM »
I believe additional boxcars were converted to excursion cars after this roster was compiled.
36
Museum Discussion / Re: Re: Spring 2018 Work Weekend
« on: February 15, 2018, 07:32:25 AM »
On one work weekend I asked Vern Shaw - who wore vintage-styled railroad clothes - if he knew anything about the hat business called "Hats and Totes" in Milo, Maine near the Bangor & Aroostook shop town Derby. I had heard of it from a co-worker at the Conn. Central RR, the late Russ St. John (who built and donated one of the work flats at the WW&F). Vern gave me a name - think it was Sandra Moore. I went to Milo and tried to track the business down with no success. As close as I got was some local said "used to be over there" pointing at a vacant building. Never could connect with Sandra.
37
Bridgton & Saco River Railway / Re: Pondicherry Mill Trestle
« on: February 07, 2018, 12:49:50 PM »
Just went through Mike and Duncan's B&SR photos on Nerail - brought back fond memories of the times that we explored the area - now a number of years ago! Sue & I went up another time and explored Bridgton Junction in the winter time, the best time to see it if the snow isn't too deep (bug population way down and no leaves to block views). Found the turntable and engine house but not the coal bin site. Next time....maybe!
38
Museum Discussion / Re: ROW owned by WWF Ry museum
« on: February 07, 2018, 08:55:30 AM »
The first time I ever met Harry was very early in the current WW&F's history when shop stall #1 wasn't even completed. I was walking around the property and when he drove in I immediately made contact with him and explained my interest. He dug out a large roll of blueprinted track maps, and explained that the color codes traced over the track indicated either company owned, held by friendly neighbors, or owned by "folks we'll have to talk with" before any work could be done on those areas by the WW&F. I'm sure those maps are around somewhere.
39
General Discussion / Re: The Conway Scenic Railroad has been sold
« on: February 07, 2018, 08:40:51 AM »
With Dave Swirk now leading the Conway Scenic, I believe it remains in good hands. I wish Dave and his team all the best.
As many of you know, Paul Hallett recently retired from the Conway Scenic and I wish him all the best as well.
As many of you know, Paul Hallett recently retired from the Conway Scenic and I wish him all the best as well.
40
Museum Discussion / Re: Flag stop stations
« on: December 26, 2017, 12:10:23 PM »
I'm fairly certain that the WW&F never had a lineside phone line so phone service would have been where local phone service intersected with the WW&F. Paging John "Mr. Telephone" McNamara for correction if necessary......
41
Whimsical Weirdness and Foolery / Re: OMG! You can get Moxie in PA......
« on: November 14, 2017, 08:37:35 PM »
Regarding Moxie, Catawissa was a Washington State counterpart, Orca Beverage of Mukilteo, near Seattle. We got a nice tour of the plant from the manager, who really rolled out the red carpet for us when I told her I was a member of the Moxie Congress. She said had they known of our visit ahead of time they could have made a Moxie run for us. Both of these bottlers use cane sweetener, not corn. My wife will drink the cane Moxies but the corn sweetened only as a last resort.
42
The Original W&Q and WW&F: 1894-1933 / Re: Burnham Overhead Crossing
« on: October 18, 2017, 10:30:26 AM »
Russ, Albion is an interesting place to visit for both the existing station and the remnants of what once was.
43
Museum Discussion / Re: World War I Encampment Photo Essay
« on: October 18, 2017, 09:47:16 AM »
Excellent!
Thanks for sharing, Kevin.
Thanks for sharing, Kevin.
44
Museum Discussion / Re: Ultimate Railfan Weekend?
« on: October 18, 2017, 09:38:38 AM »
The WW&F guidebook is gold to the do-it-yourself explorer. I've done a lot of exploring over the years and no other areas are covered as well as the WW&F. The only exception that I know of is the former Central New England Railway in western CY and eastern NY state, where a series of bus tours over the past 20 years eventually covered the entire route and now are "re-runs" over territory previously covered, each year's tour accompanied by a detailed guide book. A group tour is the best as the knowledge of many minds are combined. As most explorers probably know, the non-foliage season is the best and this is made even better by a dusting of snow to highlight the man-made R O W grade.
45
Museum Discussion / Re: Improved Efficiencies & Mechanization for Track Building?
« on: October 18, 2017, 09:19:21 AM »
Somewhat related to Russ Nelson's comments on directing ballast into the gauge - occasionally we have had one or two ballast handlers on the flat car - usually after it's partially emptied - pushing stone off the side with someone on the ground holding a shovel up in front of them to reflect and direct the stone under the car. This does make life easier for the ground crew. It does take coordination and doesn't work where the car's trucks are located.