Quick Bangor Suggestions

[Plate C]

Going to be passing through Bangor soon, have many times before and never stopped to look. Any suggestions of where I can quickly stop to see any RR action or any old RR stuff? Suggestions appreciated. Thanks!

[shadyjay]

Last summer, on my way to Acadia, I stopped at the Cole Land Transportation Museum. It's just off I-95/I-395 in Bangor and has a selection of old railroad artifacts, including an original Bangor & Aroostook BL-2 diesel #557, cosmetically restored. http://www.colemuseum.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I didn't have any time to hunt down any railroad action in town, but on the return trip, I did ride the Downeast Scenic out of Ellsworth. It's not "too" far away from Bangor, and if you're there on the weekends (Memorial Day thru October), it's a nice little excursion. The ride took us right through their yard in Washington Jct where Maine Central steam locomotive #470 is being restored to service. At the time of my visit, it was visible from the train.
http://www.downeastscenicrail.org/ride/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Plate C]

Thanks, I know about the Downeast but am trying to stay with Bangor for now.

[jwhite07]

Bangor's not a hopping railroad town anymore by any stretch of the imagination. Probably your best chance to see anything is to drop by Northern Maine Junction, where Central Maine and Quebec and Pan Am interchange. It's actually in the town of Hermon, a few miles west on Route 2 from the I-95/395 interchange (exit 182). Look for Iron Road and a CMQ sign on the left heading westbound.
Disclaimer: Last time I stopped by there was 20 years ago when "things were different", and I do not know how CMQ presently feels about people driving in and parking in their company lot to watch any action which may be taking place, even if they stay in their car. CMQ does have an office there, so if you're there during business hours perhaps a quick inquiry as to what's kosher and what is not would be beneficial.

[backroadrails]

CMQ is only running nights now out of NMJ I am not sure about Job 211 but Job 202 is at night to accommodate track work.

[Plate C]

I didn't have any time to hunt down any railroad action in town, but on the return trip, I did ride the Downeast Scenic out of Ellsworth. It's not "too" far away from Bangor, and if you're there on the weekends (Memorial Day thru October), it's a nice little excursion. The ride took us right through their yard in Washington Jct where Maine Central steam locomotive #470 is being restored to service. At the time of my visit, it was visible from the train.
http://www.downeastscenicrail.org/ride/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Not what I wanted, but wanted to validate what in the end was a good suggestion. I've seen the Downeast before but had never been to Washington Jct, was worth the stop for a few photos before the RR kicked off its season.

[trainsinmaine]

If you enjoy looking at old railroad remnants (as I do), a fun trek might be to try to locate and follow the original BAR roadbed from Old Town to Lagrange, and the Medford Cutoff from there. It's not a long trip --- an hour's drive north from Bangor, if that. Check out the location of the old ROW on old topo maps (http://docs.unh.edu/nhtopos/nhtopos.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;), then pick up a copy of DeLorme's Maine Atlas and Gazetteer. Compare maps, then head out on your safari. Have fun!

[kwf]

I was in South LaGrange recently. The turntable pit is still there a bit overgrown. I didn't have much time to investigate though...