For release: April 1, 2019
Fresh off their unprecedented Narrow Gauge Collection collaboration with Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum, the WW&F is pleased to announce today the Narrow Gauge Connection which will build 14.5 miles of new track between Sheepscot Station in Alna, Maine to Boothbay Railway Village in Boothbay, Maine.
"The all-new route is a stunning display of narrow gauge theory," gushed WW&F Superintendent Jason Lamontagne. "It features seven sweeping S curves and a spectacular new bridge over the Sheepscot River. Folks will come from all over the world just to marvel at how the trains navigate the terrain." A map of the route is shown below.
Moreover, this route bypasses the tourist mecca of Wiscasset, instead drawing visitors to Alna, Edgecomb, and Boothbay. It is expected that the line will attract those commuting to Edgecomb from the north and south. Both of Edgecomb's residents are very enthusiastic about the prosperity the narrow gauge promises to bring to the town.
No longer will visitors to Boothbay Railway village be limited to a trip around a short circle of track. Instead BRV's collection of historic stations and structures will be relocated throughout the route. "The possibilities are dizzying", said one BRV representative.
Because the route does feature some significant grades, a new class of narrow gauge locomotive will be constructed as part of this collaboration. The 4-8-8-4T "Little Boy" class will be the largest 2ft gauge locomotive ever built. Essentially a scaled down "Big Boy" (made famous by the Union Pacific), the "Little Boy" will have an attached coal bunker and large water tank over the boiler. The Union Pacific railroad is sponsoring its construction, and will assist with the project under the condition that it be painted armour yellow and feature a large UP shield on the smokebox.
The funding for the Narrow Gauge Connection is being provided by an anonymous rich guy who likes trains. He owns a small island off the coast of Maine and has frequented both the WW&F and BRV. "It has long been my dream to connect these two attractions", he stated. "Now I will be able to travel freely between them, avoiding the traffic going to Maine Botanical Gardens."
Mr. Joe Fox, who will be required to maintain the nearly 20 mile railroad, was unable to comment in a manner suitable for inclusion in this press release.