Conway Scenic Railroad (CSRX) discussion thread

[John Smythe]

The Conway Daily Sun Newspaper either on or about April 14, 2018 featured a front page story including a very nice photo of David Swirk & his wife standing out front of the station at N. Conway. It is quite a lengthy story & has included within the story the part about desiring to have a second operational steam locomotive to pull CSRX trains, that steam locomotive being in the form of MEC #501, article spells it all out.

Newspaper Article
In addition, CSRR is looking into the acquisition of a second vintage steam locomotive that ran on the Maine Central so two could operate under an overlapping maintenance schedule. That way, railfans would always be able to ride and experience steam when they come to the Conways.

The locomotive is the former Maine Central steam locomotive No. 501, featuring a 2-8-0 wheel configuration, built by American Locomotive Company in Schenectady, N.Y., in 1910.



“We are looking at an engineering analysis. If it proves to be a viable candidate for restoration, it could be a 10-year process. We could have two on hand for special events,” said Swirk.

“Originally purchased by the 470 Railroad Club of Portland, Maine, in 1983 from the Steamtown collection in Vermont, this locomotive has historic significance because it pulled trains through Crawford Notch for many years before its retirement,”

 he said.

Because steam is so cost-intensive, Conway Scenic has invested in equipment that will enable it to economically manufacture steam engine parts on site.

[Cosmo]

When exactly did CSRX come out and say they were considering a mechanical restoration of #501?

The newest owner mentioned it in interviews with TRAINS magazine recently.
I can't remember the issue, but it was around mid-summer IIRC.

[b&m 1566]

Back when the 470 RR Club first attempted to restore the 501, I recognized a lot of names that were involved. It appears to me most if not all are now involved with the Valley Railroad and the 470's restoration at the Downeast Scenic Railroad. With the original hands seemingly tied up, who will assist in 501's restoration? Booth Bay, Cog Railway, White Mountain Central...?

[gokeefe]

Well at least they have some economy of scale due to the continued requirement for #7470.

As has always been the case the emphasis on operation of equipment with local historic significance is a strong point for CSRX.

[Cosmo]

Boothbay is more than capable, but they've got some stuff on their plate now. Probably that'll be done by the time 501 comes round though.
They did an assessment of needed work some time back and most likely little has changed since then.

[John Smythe]

Boothbay has done great work for CSRX #7470 in the past. Their shops & workers are very capable of doing what needs to be done. Constructing a brand new tender for #7470 a few years back is proof of their talents. A 2002 examination & recommendations report on MEC #501 by The Valley Railroad continues to provide proof that #501 is very much still, a viable candidate for complete restoration. At the proper time all the needed people, resources, equipment, etc will be put into motion to finally achieve the desired goal. My sources of information allow me to make such calls.

[backroadrails]

The 573 and 1751 ran up the notch as the Notch Train's power a few days ago. Also it looks like a signal at the Route 302 crossing in Bartlett got taken out by a truck.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=y ... pp=desktop

[gokeefe]

Yet another visual reminder that CSRX truly is a "class act".

[b&m 1566]

The state is planning to replace that crossing protection this fall with cantilever style crossing protection (not sure if new rail is part of that project). With the way they've made the schedule the last few years, there won't be another train through there till next spring, so we may see new crossing protection installed very soon.

[EastYorkTrainFaan]

It was an interesting combination of engines to see although Id' like to know why they were both facing the same direction.

[p42thedowneaster]

That might have to do with the MU set up on 1751. From my experience, the "view" out the short hood end is only slightly less obstructed that the long hood!

[b&m 1566]

Or it was a last minute change for unknown reasons and they didn't have time to turn 1751.

[CSRR573]

They run the geeps that way so the engineer has a better view to check the platform clearance when pulling into N. Conway

[b&m 1566]

How does that make sense with 252 facing east most of the time then? Sure there's less of an unobstructed view from the nose but you still have a big blind spot at the most critical time as the train pulls up along the platform in N. Conway and an even bigger one at Crawford's. Last year 216 spent all of September and October last year facing east and 252 facing west.

[theseaandalifesaver]

I'm assuming there's probably two people in the cab keeping an eye out on both sides. But yeah, does seem weird to have both engines facing the same way. Especially for such a long distance trip.

There's old engines are cool to look at but they seem very impractical when it comes to actually operating them.