Hi Matt,
I believe that both the Maine Narrow Gauge and the Sandy River Railroad park are both limited by a bridge (or lack thereof) on one side of the line. Which operation are you referring to?
Regardless, the answer is probably the same... money and volunteers.
Ever since Linwood Moody so elegantly described his beloved "lilliputs" in "The Maine Two Footers", there has been a desire to rebuild them for future generations to experience and enjoy. (If you don't have a copy of Moody's "The Maine Two Footers" be sure to put it on your Christmas list - you can get it through our gift shop.) Unfortunately, railroads are very expensive to build and operate.
We all have grandiose plans in the back of our head. Many a person comes to the WW&F and wants to know how far we can build and how long it will take. Everyone would love to see steam again on the Wiscasset waterfront - but the money (and environmental permits) that would take is astronomical. Likewise, we keep pushing northward toward Albion (and there is even some track there already) - but the reality of crossing a major river, rebuilding a ROW on top of (or around) a highway that has been relocated on the right of way, and through land that is under private ownership (with houses built atop it) keep those dreams in check.
As I said in another post, get involved. We'd love to have you - and maybe someday your grandchildren can ride to Albion on the railroad that you helped build.
-Ed Lecuyer
Asst. Moderator, WW&F Forum