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« on: August 14, 2022, 06:31:55 AM »
I felt a bit like Peter Parks yesterday as I climbed up into the cab of old Engine Number Seven. You ask who is Peter Parks. Well Peter Parks is a fictional children’s story book character who stumbles upon a narrow gauge train by the lakes. The Forgotten Little Train is a Whitman Publishing Company with a copyright MCMLI (1951). I still have my copy from being a train loving kid. The book is loosely base on Mr. Attwood coming to Bridgton Maine and out bidding the junk men of the day. My copy is very well worn because the story just pulled on my heart strings. And I guess it still does. Who does not just love a good ending train story?
So yesterday was like being with an old childhood friend. I remember my Dad taking me over to Number 7, at Edaville, and showing me the old girl. But that day I think we rode behind Number 3 from Monson. I was disappointed that day about not meeting Peter and riding behind Number 7 but, the day is still very vivid in my mind with great memories.
My wife and I had a great time talking with our friend Bob who arrange my cab ride. Plus we enjoyed the gift shop with Cindy & Joan. To the kitchen we went to find Nancy whom we shared a trip and escorted a group of folks to the forgotten trains of the Allagash (Eagle Lake and West Branch RR). Stuart and I chatted about trains and his old trucks. And what can you say about Brice and Dan. These two young men are a real treasure. Jason was so busy we really did not get to talk with him. However, we did speak and was glad to see him. Bill our engineer gave me the ride of a life time. Really enjoyed coming up the mountain from Trout Brook. Old Engine Number 7 did well with Bill and our fire man (sorry, cannot remember the name) making the grade with an extra load. From the cab I could see the smoke, steam and cinders skim low over head as the little engine labored up the long grade. My wife was cover with cinders from riding in the open car. But, she loving trains as much as I…. was still carrying a smile all the way home.
Thank you all for a wonderful day.