• Shay locomotive on display at Biddeford ME railroad station?

  • Pertaining to all railroading subjects, past and present, in New England
Pertaining to all railroading subjects, past and present, in New England

Moderators: MEC407, NHN503

  by Billbarman
 
Now I know this engine clearly isnt from Guilford or Pan Am, but I thought this would be the most appropriate place to ask. On a recent trip to maine I just happen catch a glimpse of this engine as I was passing by. Whats the history behind this? It doesnt seem ot me like a locomotive with a Maine origin.... or something you'd normally find at an Amtrak station. It was a very nice suprise seeing it there. Any info on the subject is much appreciated.
  by scottychaos
 
This page:

http://www.shaylocomotives.com/survivin ... vivors.htm

Says its privately owned, by "Ralph Day (railfan), Biddeford Station Inc., Hwy 1, Biddeford, ME
Intermountain Coal & Lumber Co., Putney, KY"

http://www.shaylocomotives.com/data/lima/sn-918.htm

You are right, its not a Maine native..
it was brought to Maine in 1984..

Scot
  by MEC407
 
Also, "Biddeford Station" isn't an actual train station. The real Biddeford station (B&M) is a few miles up the road and is now occupied by a sports bar. The nearest Amtrak station is in Saco, and is listed as "Saco-Biddeford" in some timetables/publications.
  by tracyt317
 
I actually used to play on this locomotive as a child growing up in the camp at Putney Kentucky. The lumber company sawmill had long been shut down in the mid 60's and the old Shay was parked on a side rail in the camp. Fond memories.
  by MEC407
 
Just in case anyone is still curious, the Shay isn't in Biddeford anymore. I noticed its absence when I drove down Route 1 this afternoon. The web sites linked above suggest that it was moved, or will be moved to, Virginia.