Reflections on 30 Years of the WW&F

[John McNamara]

On August 18, 1996 Jason was bending a guard rail for a Sheepscot switch. He was using flatcar 118 as a work surface.

[John McNamara]

Here are parts of the switch for which Jason was bending a guard rail on the previous 8-18-96 post.

[Bill Baskerville]

When it comes to railroading Jason is far more skilled in so many ways than am I.

[Steve Zuppa]

Ah, the good old days. When we used skill, ingenuity and hand tools to build a dream. When we shared a vision. When we all pulled in the same direction. When we gave whatever we had if it would further the goals of the Museum. When we became the darling of the restoration community by doing the seemingly impossible with next to nothing. All the while being what we jokingly referred to as "the best kept secret in Lincoln County". When a diverse group of folks became friends and ultimately ( do I dare say it?) family. When we didn't aspire to be the more than what we were. I miss the good old days.

[Wayne Laepple]

"Oh, the times, they are a-changing...."  --  Bob Dylan

[Bill Reidy]

I'm curious which switch at Sheepscot received these parts.

Great photos, John.  Thanks for sharing.

[James Patten]

My best guess, based on the date, would be the switch heading into Bay 3, from the Bay 2 lead. 

[Bill Reidy]

So this later was replaced by/became part of the three-way switch?

[James Patten]

After the 3-way stub was built, the switch was moved to the western track.

[Keith Taylor]

Here's a point for the switch for which Jason was bending a guard rail on the previous 8-18-96 post.

That’s not the point John, it is the frog of the turnout.

[Bernie Perch]

Ten years from now, someone will be referring to now as "the good olde days".  I do feel what Steve is referring to.  At one time the railroad was quaint.  Now it is starting to become "big time".

Bernie

[Mike Fox]

I agree Bernie. The times of single projects with one leader that everyone works on are behind us. We now have several projects, some with the same leader, but all that take different skills, simutaneously going on. It is hard to keep up with. One thing we all like to see is progress.. Moving forward.

[Benjamin Richards]

I'm younger than a lot of folks here. In fact, I'm younger than the museum itself.

I want to be sensitive but also clear. I have lots of cherished memories from my younger years, and I hope to make many more throughout my life. However, we should be careful not to let nostalgia (as a cognitive bias) distract from the mission of the museum. When newcomers hear things such as have been shared in this thread, it is very easy for them to not only feel that they are somehow missing out on something or "late to the party", but also feel that they are in fact unwelcome, as if somehow their presence (as part of the growing group) is contributing directly to the passing away of the "good times", as it were.

From what I can see, the museum has thus far stayed faithful to its mission statement. To me, that's a very important measure of success, and an important driver for recruiting and continuing volunteer interest.

Anyway, I hope I did not offend anyone. I'll be sending my annual appeal check pretty soon.

[Ed Lecuyer]

Hi Ben,

Everyone is always welcome at the WW&F. This has been one of the hallmarks of our organization - to make lots of friends and share common goals. I pray that will never change.

The WW&F is also readily transparent in all matters. BOD meetings are open to all members, with notes available to those unable to attend. Members are constantly being polled for ideas, suggestions, etc., and everyone's feedback is considered before major decisions are made. All projects and events are rendered in light of the museum's Mission, Values, and (soon to be published officially) Vision statements. And, as you say, doing so in light of the mission is a key measure of success.

Of course, not everyone will agree with every change that has occurred over the last 30 years - but we are blessed that most everyone, once the leading circumstances are disclosed, gives each new endeavor their full support; then offers suggestions on how to make it better. This trust ensures that funds are spent wisely, and resources/volunteers allocated appropriately.

So thanks for jumping on board with us, and here's to what the next 30 years will bring! And trust me, you didn't miss much when we were doing hand tamping, or shaving telephone poles to make railroad ties! (Anyone got more "old days" photos they want to share?)

-Ed

[Ed Lecuyer]

Here's a good photo of where we've been - Sheepscot, 1992.
Notice the pile of telephone poles ties waiting to be installed. I think some of them may still be on the mainline in front of the station!