Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad (BML) Discussion

2017 picture:

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I guess I'm behind the times. What is BML 1950?

(50 and 53 are GE 70-tonners, I assume?)

The 1950 is a 44 tonner. This unit came from th Lowville and Beaver River in New York state. The 50 and 53 are 70 tonners, your guess was good. This winter time will be spent on getting it operating plus the 53.

The idea is from what I have heard, that the 1483 will allow them to take the 50 and 53 to Unity, so they can be rebuilt at the recently reacquired engine shop, and so that the 1950 can be put in the engine house at Thorndike so it can get worked on over the winter to get it operational. I do know the 1483 will require a rewire once it arrives, since that's what OTVR sold it.

Thanks for the info. When did BML acquire the 1950?

Are there any recent photos of 50 and 53? I haven't seen either of them in many years. Last time I was up to Unity, their only operable locos were 54 and the Swedish steamer. (Yes, it's been too long!)

The 1950 is, as far as I know is leased. The owner has other units he collects, but it's expensive to move them around. Plus who is gonna lease a 44 tonner. Not much, if any, demand exists for small locomotives in the he industrial sector. Unit arrived just after Christmas. As far as recent photos of the 50 & 53, well there out there. Someone will probably post one!!!!

When did B&ML reacquire the engine house in Unity?

Wasn't reacquired, leased within last month or so. At present rails being relaid from the engine house to the main.

Wow. Well that's certainly great news. That facility not being in use for railroad operations was a total waste.

Bad news, due to no operational motive power all trains for the rest of the month have been cancelled.

B&ML 1483 ran to City Point last night and picked up locomotive number 50, and 53, and the excursion set. The train then went to Thorndike and picked up the 1950, and several MEC box cars. The plan is to get the 1950 running and painted over the winter by the sounds, and to rehab several of the Swedish Cars (and fix the damage incurred by vandals last year) along with the MEC cars.

B&ML has recently rehabbed a former Swedish dinning car which will be used this year. They have also purchased a tamper and a Pettibone. Other work includes more engine work on 70tonner number 50, which will hopefully be finished this year, and 44tonner 1950 had its first start up last month. The 1950 is awaiting on traction motors, and is having other improvements (paint and new windows for the cab) added in the future.

Are they going to be offering dinning services or just refurbished for added seating compacity?

I am not 100% sure, but I think they will be offering dining options now. Another thing to note is GP9 1483 has been sent to Waterville for work.

As a result of the Coronavirus, all scheduled departures have been canceled the rest of the month.