Calais Branch / Downeast Scenic Railroad

Good to see that my hometown rail line may finally run again!

--
Jonathan White
Formerly of Ellsworth, Maine

Maine Department of Transportation and Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust have signed a lease for the west end of the Calais Branch from Brewer to Ellsworth (Washington Junction). That's 29 miles that won't be a trail.


http://ellsworthmaine.com/site/index.ph ... &Itemid=31

We've waited a long time for someone to get something going, all those here in Maine wish them success and hope others will support the effort as well.

They are taking all the right steps.

There are 2 meetings set up by the Maine DOT concerning the Rail Trail management plan. March 8th 7:00PM at the Ellsworth City Hall,and on March 9th at 6:00PM at the Univ of Maine Machais Science Bldg room 102.
Notice was in the Bangor Daily News today.

Downeast Scenic Railroad now owns two passenger cars, donated by the Conway Scenic Railroad.

One is an open-air passenger coach, originally Maine Central #155. The other is a combine car, originally Delaware & Hudson #102. These cars were part of Conway Scenic's very first consist when their operation began.

Both cars are said to be mechanically sound, although badly in need of cosmetic restoration. Volunteers for this work would be greatly appreciated! For more information, visit the DSRR web site at http://www.downeastscenicrail.org/

The D&H 102 has been delivered to the Downeast Scenic Railroad!

Originally used by the Delaware & Hudson Railroad, the old rail car is the first passenger car to occupy the rails in Hancock County since 1958, according to Tom Testa, president of the Bar Harbor-based Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust.

"Mechanically, it’s in good shape," Testa said. "But it’s been sitting in the weather for 30 years and needs a new roof and windows."

Read the rest at:

http://ellsworthmaine.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15238&Itemid=31

Hi Guys:

A good friend of mine was down in Bar Harbor on aeronauctical business and told me something he hasn't seen in years, the Crossing signals in Washington Junction working! There was no train but looked pretty cool!

He saw a tech walking the tracks with wires and tools and the bell clanging away. Does this mean the line in going to open soon? He said the lights where nice and bright coming over the top of the hill and gave him an instant flashback of yesteryear!!

What was the name of that Movie in Iowa? Build it and they will come.
I truly believe the railroad industry is in the beginning of a transportation renaissance.

The global energy situation is causing dramatic changes in how we do business in transporting goods and it is a well known fact rail is far superior than trucks in terms of efficiency. Let's hope this endeavour is a model for those to see and make better use of our resources. The State of Maine and her government needs to pay close attention to this trend.

Yeah, and if recent history is any indicator, when they come, the good people of Maine say, "go home, we don't want you here." NGL importation, coal gasification, refining... you name it, Maine's rejected it.

You gotta haul something on those trains (other than tourists!).

Cowford wrote:Yeah, and if recent history is any indicator, when they come, the good people of Maine say, "go home, we don't want you here." NGL importation, coal gasification, refining... you name it, Maine's rejected it.

You gotta haul something on those trains (other than tourists!).

Well, there's always good ole' Chinese imports in container trains.