Visting Maine 2 footers to the WW&F!

[Matthew Gustafson]

I would love to see MNGM 2-4-4 #7 & #8 one day vist WW&F! who wants a four steamer photo train anyone? 

[Bill Piche]

Matt,

Speaking from a rough idea as to what runs and what doesn't run at MNG, you'd be more likely to see any combination of Monson 0-4-4T's #3/#4, and (or) #7. #8 needs FAR too much work (everything that is currently being done to #7 PLUS a problem with getting steam to the engineer's side cylinder) to be a plausible rebuild in any sort of near future scenario.

Like it has been said in other places on this forum, it all matters on how much money you have. All of the Maine two foot museums would love it if one of their members hit the $100 million Powerball jackpot and donated a chunk of that, but the fact is that the museums have to work with what they take in from tourists, grants, etc. The WW&F is a shining example of both volunteer loyalty (as seen in their annual income just from member donations) and shrewd business decisions. If funds aren't available and it isn't an immediate need (a thread I had read about 60# rail a while back is a good example), then it can wait.

I too would like to see 3, 4, or even all of the surviving Maine 2 footers together under steam sometime (wouldn't THAT make for a good smoke show), but don't hold your breath, it might be a while before it could happen.

Bill Piche
Fireman
MNGRR

[Ed Lecuyer]

It is also my understanding that some of the yard trackage at Sheepscot would need some adjusting to accommodate B&H #7 or #8. I'm not sure of the details.

There is already a great spirit of cooperation between the various 2ft museums. Monson #3 visited the WW&F on two separate occasions. One of those times was also when #10 was new to us - but had not been certified for operation. For that one weekend, there were 3 steamers at Sheepscot (3, 9 & 10!) Too bad only one (#3) was under steam and operational.

As Bill said, it all takes volunteer time and money.

[Matthew Gustafson]

There is already a great spirit of cooperation between the various 2ft museums. Monson #3 visited the WW&F on two separate occasions. One of those times was also when #10 was new to us - but had not been certified for operation. For that one weekend, there were 3 steamers at Sheepscot (3, 9 & 10!) Too bad only one (#3) was under steam and operational.

Was #3 from Sandy River or MNGM? 

[Bill Piche]

#3 and #4 are from the Monson Railroad

[Bill Piche]

...and are part of the Maine Narrow Gauge collection. #3 is currently leased to the Sandy River Museum.

[John McNamara]

Was #3 from Sandy River or MNGM? 

To elaborate a little, as stated in another post, #3 is an ex-Monson engine. At the time it visited the WW&F, MNGM was graciously loaning it to us for a couple of weekends.

[Matthew Gustafson]

Oh okay. At least other 2 footers in Maine sometimes covers #9 & #10 when they are both down for repairs.  

[Tom Casper]

Oh okay. At least other 2 footers in Maine sometimes covers #9 & #10 when they are both down for repairs.  

Matt,  #9 has not been up from repairs yet on the restored WW&F.  Sometime soon we all hope.

Tom C.

[Mike Fox]

I believe the #'s 7 & 8 are too heavy for our yard track. Passing over the track once or twice might be one thing, but constant use over the coars of a day might lead to trouble. This discussion was had before someplace else. The meets would be limited to Alna Center. Now maybe later on down the road, the siding to the future turntable would be heavy enough to accomodate such heavy engines, and for our future #11.

[Bill Piche]

Correct me if I'm wrong, I'm not a regular visitor to the WW&F (yet).

If memory serves, the main line at the station is 20#, the yard is 20#-30#, and the main line north of the water tank is 30# going up to 60# at the EOT.

The SR&RL & the B&H were running on 50#-56# rail by the end (or at least the SR&RL, I haven't read enough to know about the B&H rail yet), which was the heaviest outside of Edaville and what the MNG runs on.

[James Patten]

The main line is 30 or 33# for the first quarter mile.  Yard tracks are 20 or 30#.  Beyond the first quarter mile it goes up to 56/60.

Switches however might be the kicker.  I think yard switches at Sheepscot are all #8's.

[Vincent "Lightning" LeRow]

I think the museam should consider upgrading the main in this area to 60#

a personal preferance, and the leftover 33# can be reused to upgrade the 20#rail.

[Matthew Gustafson]

Could we make the yard track heavier to support #7 & #8 if we have enongh money and supplies?  

[Mike Fox]

Money, supplies and time.Relaying here would be simple compared to laying new track. But continuing north I think will take a bigger priority. It could possibly be done a little at a time. But then the transition joint would have to be moved. Good thought for the future though.