Posted last night on Facebook:
The Staff/Volunteers were very courteous and very knowledgable. The combined smells of the Maine forest, the coach interior, the steam and the coal smoke on the train trip made for a very unique and satisfactory sensory experience. One could have come from the year 1920 and would probably feel very much at home sitting in the authentically kerosene lamp lite and well upholstered Franklin & Megantic coach traveling down the rails in 2023, with the time period being the only noticeable difference.
It was one thing to see the museum via photos from the Work & Events forum and website, but it was a very different and exhilarating to see and experience it all in person, with virtual free rein to walk around and view the different cars and engines on display. The plush SR&RL Parlor Car on display was a BIG surprise, and I was very happy to see it and all the work shops in person, along with the conversations of those in the shops. The train crew was very authentic in appearance and informative as to how the train was run to be like those run a century ago. A BIG treat was the invitation from the train crew for any passenger at the Trout Creek station to help turn Engine #9 on the turntable there for the return trip to Alna. I jumped at the chance, and also the chance to help turn the engine at the large turntable at Alna. It was a lot of fun. The gift shop stocked with memorabilia like WW&F tee shirts, hats and other items along with many books on the subject of the Maine Two footers was also a welcome treat.
As a former railroader having worked as a yard freight car inspector and repairman for a major eastern freight carrier, a Chicago regional commuter railroad and America’s last Interurban (The C,SS&SB RR), and having worked in the last two railroads as mainly a shop carman rebuilding passenger cars and repainting/lettering diesel engines, I can say that the staff/volunteers are as dedicated, informed and professional as any railroad employee that I have worked with, along with having a good sense of humor. The shop facilities and vintage equipment and machinery especially were a familiar sight.
As an amateur railroad historian, I can truly say that if you are looking for the authentic Maine Two Foot gauge railroad experience from yesteryear, whether you are a former railroader, a railfan or an average tourist, THIS IS IT. The W,W&F railway museum easily rates Five Stars. It is a Must See.
