Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad (BML) Discussion

[MEC407]

No no no. We only do that for lines that don't HAVE any customers — or an operator, for that matter!

[gokeefe]

I have similar thoughts in relation to then potential for moving frozen foods from Belfast via intermodal container. Sounds silly but .....

Rehabbing 30 miles of excepted trackage to handle a few pigs a week sounds like something Maine would go for...

Yeah I know. Not at all a priority.

[CVRA7]

Now I'm from away, but isn't Belfast trying to develop more of a recreational port at the expense of commercial activity? Thought that was why they forced the B&ML out of downtown. Maybe some people closer to the action can comment on this.

[gokeefe]

Yes and No they're a bit conflicted. Recently they've strongly supported the opening of a major commercial shipyard.

[Ridgefielder]

Wouldn't a "major commercial shipyard" want rail access to the waterfront, since major commercial ships are built out of large, heavy pieces of steel?

[gokeefe]

I apologize. I'm speaking in relative terms. Nothing like what they have in South Korea (or even Bath). It's all yachts and pleasure craft. "Fiberglass fleet" types.

[thebigham]

From the PAR Yahoo! group:

"B&ML. 53. Is setting on the siding in Burnham. Anyone know what is up?"

Is it going somewhere or is it just parked there?

[690]

Going for a vacation at the Waterville shops.

[b&m 1566]

BML is looking for donations to help complete engine 53's turbo charger that needs to be completely rebuilt.

Locomotive 53's turbo charger was sent out to a vendor along with our spare for a rebuild believing the unit was in fair condition and could be rebuilt with parts from the spare, however we been notified that 53's turbo charger is damaged more than first thought and that the parts from the spare unit are incompatible.

We have opted for a complete rebuild of the primary unit in order to secure a warranty and knowledge that the job has been done correctly. Unfortunately, this will add roughly $9,000 to the original estimate.  

For more information and how to donate click here.

[thebigham]

Hello!

I saw a pic on Facebook of an ex Lowville & Beaver River 44 tonner that is heading via truck to the B&ML.

[GP40MC1118]

Has an interesting background - Originally built for the NC&St.L, then to the L&N IN 8/57.
Passed through two dealers before coming to the L&BL.

d

[gokeefe]

Interesting entry from the NC&St.L wiki.

In 2007 former NC&StL GE 44 ton Diesel (1950) Huntsville terminal switcher number 100 was moved from Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee to Cowan, Tennessee at the Cowan Railroad Museum. Though subsequently an L&N engine (number 3100), she was cosmetically restored to original scheme and number. In the process, the locomotive was found to be runable. It is important as the first transitorized remote control locomotive in the US (converted in 1962)

[backroadrails]

I finally got around to driving out to see the 1950, and it looks like it will be a great addition to the B&ML.

[backroadrails]

Good news! After having to cancel the fair trains due to the 1950, 53, and 50 being oos the B&ML plans to start operating trains on the 21st of October. A series of interesting developments have occurred, for one the engine house at Unity is once more! The group who was leasing the building moved, so the B&ML took it back. Meanwhile the largest announcement is the B&ML is getting a new locomotive! This one is operational, OTVR GP18 1483 is now part of the B&ML! This unit will allow operations to resume once it arrives, so the 50 and 53 can be rebuilt, and so that the 1950 can be repaired. Only if they could have snagged one of the Pan Am GP9's from Heber...

[GP40MC1118]

It's actually a GP9....Built for the Nickel Plate

Model: EMD GP9
Order Number: 5592
Serial Number: 25091
Frame Number: 5592-19
Build Date: 01/1959
Lineage: ex MNN 1483, ex DME 1483, ex NW 1483, ex NW 2813, ex NKP 813