Topics

16

Volunteers / September 2013 Work Planning

« on: September 01, 2013, 04:35:17 PM »

Good day at the railroad with about 85 passengers riding the train and railcar.  A number of combo tickets were sold.  As has been the case this year, Sunday afternoon was very busy with quite a few people taking the last train.  Earlier, a family from NJ brought a big picnic lunch (complete with table cloth) and set it up on the tables near the house.  Another visitor, from the UK rode the railcar and got a cab ride in #10.  He told me he had a smashing time.  Fortunately the sun stayed out for most of the day.  Among the small bit of work that was done - the machine shop floor got swept.   

17

Whimsical Weirdness and Foolery / Downeast Maine Translations

« on: July 22, 2013, 08:47:06 AM »

The other day we had some visitors who engaged us in a lively conversation about Maine life.  We asked where they were from and they replied "Portland".  At that point there was some discussion of Casco Bay and things to do along the waterfront.  When we mentioned the Eastern Prom and Maine Narrow Gauge there was a blank stare.  After a monent of silence the guests clarified things - they were from Portland, ... Oregon.  Oh, that explains why they didn't know some of Maines' largest citys better known attractions.  

There may have been a bit of a lauguage barrier.  So, to help with understanding all things Maine, here is a guide for folks from away;

AYUH - usually means "yes" but it's also what you ask for when you go to the fillin station with a flat tire.

HAHBAH - a safe place for fishamen when the ocean is all riled up.

CAH - as in: pahk the cah in Bah Hahbah, or Model T railcah.

WICKED - can be said at almost any occasion, usually followed by the words "big" or "good"

LOBSTAH - favorite food of Mainahs and rusticatahs.

MOWAH - as opposed to less.

Hope this clears up a few things.    

18

Work and Events / Coal Storage/Shed - Official Work Thread

« on: May 08, 2013, 01:54:06 PM »

Another project for this weekend is completing the new coal pocket.  A temporary bin was built this week, near where the roundhouse will go.  The timbers are in place and we have to put plastic and plywood down to make a "floor" for the coal.  A few more timbers should be placed along the back.  The bin must be all set since we may be getting coal as soon as next week.

The good thing about the temporary location is that it will be next to the spur when we extend it this Fall.  When the track work is done, engines can then pull down next to the pocket for coal, no more carrying buckets around the shop building.    

19

Whimsical Weirdness and Foolery / New Attraction

« on: April 01, 2013, 06:34:53 AM »

Museum officers have announced a new attraction that will bring more visitors to Sheepscot.  Due to the increasing popularity of zip lines, the WW&F will partner with the Zipp A Dee Doo Dah zip line company to create a new ride.  Guests will be charged $9 to zip from the roof of the water tank down to a pair of skis in Winter or slpash down in Fred's pond in the Summer.  A special ticket for $19.33 will allow railfans to zip into engine 9's coal bunker.  For an extra $2 you get a party hat and a kazoo.

20

Museum Discussion / 2012-2013 Alna Town Report

« on: March 01, 2013, 08:35:02 AM »

Alna Town officials have sellected the WW&F as the featured business in the Annual Report.  The booklet, produced every year has the town report and highlights special things and events that occur in Alna.  This years report will showcase the museum and have the WW&F "milk mixed" on the cover.  The photograph by Stephen Hussar was taken at Rose Wood crossing, showing engine 10 working upgrade as she brings the train towards the crossing.  The consist has TCDA Car 65 on the head pin with box 309, flat 118 and coach 3.  Other railroad photos are within the booklet.  Town official Chris Cooper advises that extra copies may be available to museum members at $2 each.  The booklets will be available after the town meeting which will be held on March 16th. 

21

Museum Discussion / Happy Birthday Fred

« on: January 30, 2013, 07:38:10 AM »

A little (narrow gauge) birdie said that today is a special day... it's our favorite tree cutters birthday! 

We don't know how old Fred is but we heard that his Social Security number is 1 

Happy Birthday Fred - from all your WW&F friends.  Have a great day!!

22

Work and Events / Big E Train Show 2013, Springfield, MA

« on: January 06, 2013, 09:08:09 AM »

The Amherst Railway Society's Railroad Hobby Show will be held on Saturday, January 26th and Sunday the 27th at the Eastern States Exhibition Center in Springfield, MA.  Dealer set up is on Friday the 25th.  Once again, the WW&F's gift shop tables will be in the Young Building near the Heros and Legends Cafe.  John Robertson is in charge of the museum's tables.  Please contact John if you are able to help with set up or man a table on Sat or Sun.  Attendance is usually in the 25,000 range so come early if you plan to work.

For more info go to  www.railroadhobbyshow.com

Stewart

23

Work and Events / Fall Festival 2012

« on: September 16, 2012, 08:34:45 AM »

The WW&F Railway's third annual FALL FESTIVAL will be held on Saturday, September 29th 2012.

Attractions include;

- Steam Train Rides starting at 10 a.m.

- Model AA Truck Hay Rides at Alna Center

- Model T Ford Railcar Rides from Alna Center

- Handcar Rides in Sheepscot Yard

- Pony Rides at Alna Center

- Face Painting

- Children's Games

- Light Refreshments

- Pumpkin Patch

- Special Display by the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Assoc.

24

General Discussion / Traditions

« on: September 06, 2012, 05:26:13 PM »

I've had many good experiences at the museum and in Alna over the last 15 years, many brought about by people I have gotten to know.  One of my favorite things is hearing about traditions and childhood memories from people who have been in mid coast Maine for years.  Harry was one of the best story tellers I ever knew.  He could make you feel as though you went through the Great Depression, World War II, traveled in Germany and been to the Welsh Two-Footers right along side of him.  Clarissa was also very good about describing how things were when she was a child.  Because rural Maine was a bit more isolated that Portland or Augusta the stories sound like things from longer ago than they really are.

Besides Harry and Clarissa there have been other folks, neighbors and friends who have told me things from their childhood.  It's interesting (and in some cases too bad) that traditions that were important years ago are now long forgotten.

I'll present a few of them in this thread, posting when I have time.  Some are related to railroads, most are not.


Two Trees -

I was riding with Harry one time and I commented on an attractive old house with big shade trees.  Harry asked me if I knew why there were two trees in front of the house and I responded that I thought it was for a symmetrical look.  He then told me the reason many New England homes had trees like that.  He said "in my grandfathers time there was a tradition that when a young couple got married and moved into a new house the husband and wife each planted a tree in the dooryard.  The trees grew at the same rate and shaded the house.  It was also a symbol of the new homestead with a growing family."  I've never forgotten the explanation and I think of Harry each time I see an old house with two large trees in front.

 

25

Work and Events / Ice Cream Social

« on: August 21, 2012, 03:33:42 PM »

TAKE THE NARROW GAUGE TO AN OLD FASHIONED ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Saturday, August 25th, 2012 the WW&F Railway Museum will hold it's first old fashioned ICE CREAM SOCIAL.  Visitors may take the 1, 2 or 3 p.m. train from Sheepscot Station and enjoy ice cream and music at Alna Center.  Ice cream and sprinkles will be served in caboose 320 which will be tied down on the siding.  Guests will walk through the caboose, get their ice cream and proceed into the open car where they may sit and enjoy music by Jud Caswell.

More information may be posted in the future.

Stewart

26

Volunteers / April 2012 work planning

« on: April 03, 2012, 11:30:42 AM »

I have been asked to post information about this weekend.  In the last few years, the Easter trains have started with a special photo freight on Saturday morning.  The plan has changed.  Much progress has been made with #9's main frame so Saturday morning we will be moving the frame over to Bay 1 and set it under the boiler.   The photo freight (with the milk car) will be run sometime next month.

Stewart   

27

Whimsical Weirdness and Foolery / New Guest House to open in Alna

« on: April 01, 2012, 05:54:22 AM »

Alna, Maine Telegraph Newswire Story;

A group of investors, led by local businessman Joe Schlabotnic has announced the opening of a new guest house in the Town of Alna.  The establishment is to be constructed along side of the narrow gauge railway.  Amenities will include a wide porch for watching trains, a parlor for writing puns, large closets for storing photographic equipment and a sound proof room for singing, yodeling and playing the kazoo.

Fine food will be offered to the guests.  Mr. Schlabotnic states that he has hired the Sweedish Chef from the Muppet Show to prepare the finest quizine.  The Stardust Lounge will have top of the line beverages on tap. Among them Whale Tail Pale Ale, Black Label, Old Moose Drool, Rolling Rock and Old Card Table (who's motto is "Two shots and your legs fold under you")

The Inn house farmacy will dispense Ben Gay, Geritol, Vitalis, and horse linament.  The investors have noted that room rates will be a reasonable $30 a day per railfan however an additional $50 will be charged if you bring a troll.

The guest house will be known as the Curmudge Inn.  Advance reservations are recommended.  

AP -  Alna Propaganda

28

Work and Events / Spring 2012 Work Weekend, 4/27 - 4/29

« on: March 06, 2012, 04:16:58 PM »

It's hard to believe with snow all over everything in Alna, but next month is the Spring Work Weekend.  

Projects will include -

Work on locomotive #9, Jason is pm

Work on TCDA Milk Car #65: trucks and brakes, Zack is the pm

Work on Sheepscot restroom site: dig and set up forms,  Steve Z. is pm

Track work: (1) Repair, lifting and tamping of joints on sections of the mainline.  
                  (2) Build 30' section of track in Wiscasset.
                
Dana is the foreman for rail projects.

Things have been going well with #9's frame work and car #65's construction so it is hard to predict what work will be done for the SWW but there will be lots to do.  There is something for every interest and skill set and everyone will get great food from our meals on flanged wheels crew.

29

Museum Discussion / The WW&F will be the subject of the next Rocky Mountain RR Club meeting.

« on: February 03, 2012, 05:45:20 PM »

Denver, CO -

The Rocky Mountain Railroad Club has announced that the Maine Two-Foot films of Gus Pratt will be shown at their next meeting on February 14th.  The Club, famous for railfan trips on the D&RGW and Rio Grande Southern RR has been a positive force for rail preservation in the front range area since 1938.  The videos, produced by Stephen Hussar will be the highlight of the meeting.  The February 2012 issue of the RMRR Club newsletter "The Rail Report" features an article on the Maine two-footers with an emphasis on the WW&F.  Pages 1 and 2 have historic information and photographs and pages 10 and 11 feature modern photographs of the WW&F Railway by Stephen Hussar.

The video portion of the meeting will be introduced by WW&F/RMRRC member Ira Schreiber who arranged for the presentation of the films.  The showing of the films should increase awareness and interest in the Maine Two-Footers for narrow gauge fans in Colorado.

Stewart   

30

Work and Events / Big E Train Show 2012, Springfield MA

« on: January 04, 2012, 12:35:55 PM »

The Big E Show, officially known as the Amherst Railway Society's Railroad Hobby Show will be held at the Eastern States Exposition Center in Springfield, Mass on Saturday January 28th and Sunday 29th.  The show is held in 6 buildings and draws about 25,000 people.  As usual, the WW&F Railway Museum will have 2 tables for display and sale of gift shop items.  John Robertson is in charge of the tables.  Set up will be Friday, the 27th.  Please contact John if you plan to attend and can help set up or work the table for a few hours.  

The show is always a good time to see old friends and meet new ones.  The best place to be is "narrow gauge corner" in the Young Building where the WW&F and SR&RL have tables.  The same area also has Don Sanger's HOn2 layout and Dave Newtons large scale two foot operation.  Right across from our group is the Friends of the Cumbres and Toltec so narrow gauge is a popular topic. A good way to find us - look for the Heroes & Legends Cafe, the museum's tables will once again be right by the corner of the cafe.  

A good bit of the show is geared to model railroad builders with hundreds of vendors but there are railroadiana dealers and tables from other museum/tourist operations such as the Conway Scenic RR.

Hope to see you there.
Stewart