Maine Narrow Gauge Museum Discussion

MEC407 wrote:

TheJollyRailfan wrote:Looks like Diesel #1 got a spiffy new paint job in the Portland Terminal/MEC/B&M switcher scheme.

Yup! http://photos.greatrails.net/s/?p=179029

Didn't one already get that scheme?

It used to look like this: http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=308705

And now it looks like this: http://photos.greatrails.net/s/?p=179029


Those are the only two paint schemes it has worn while in Maine.


See also:

http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPictur ... id=2485438

The locomotives at the two foot gauge Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad also share this scheme. A very nice color combination.

MEC407 wrote:It used to look like this: http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=308705

And now it looks like this: http://photos.greatrails.net/s/?p=179029


Those are the only two paint schemes it has worn while in Maine.


See also:

http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPictur ... id=2485438

I saw her in that old tux last summer. Makes sense for the MEC scheme considering the area

There's what appears to be a lengthy feature article on a possible move by the MNGRR in the new Bridgton News:

Is there a future for the Narrow Gauge in Bridgton?
The museum is housed in an old manufacturing plant on Fore Street. If you want to ride the little trains, you can, on weekends in the spring, and on some weekdays when summer arrives. But rent is high there, and the nonprofit has hundreds of pieces of equipment and a lovely museum to market; last year, the MNGRR&M began looking for a new home. Bridgton, Monson, Gray and Portland submitted proposals. Nobody offered financial inducements, though all the towns mentioned “staff support.” Monson, Gray and Bridgton also offered land and room space or leases. Bridgton’s proposal focuses on 4.2 acres at Bridgton Memorial School — the former railyard. There is an adjunct plan for downtown tours and contingent attractions, and offers to allow the museum to build replica ancillary buildings. The funding would be up to the nonprofit.

Well, being next to a school would make field trips easier
But Bridgeton would make sense, as would Monson. But only one will be the winner...

Monson would make sense only in a historical context. But financially, it would not be a good
choice. There is no tourist base, and no major population base in the area. Bridgton, as well
as Gray-the other contender, both are located on major transportation corridors, and are, or
are near, major tourist destinations. Much more potential for growth.

FYI ,This can't be good.
http://www.asmainegoes.com/content/main ... turn-rails

Sounds like a big mess....why would you waste the time to go there for a meeting and just get schillacked?

I think there is a touch of gamesmanship going on here and it is not funny....these pieces need to be preserved correctly.

The board seems to be a bit rogue

I would agree with Reader. Something about this hole thing stinks. Not getting a good feeling about this.

Tomorrows paper should tell a better story than a one sided blogger. Not a news story, just a blogger. Remember that.

Mike

Which newspaper?

If anyone finds it (the article) PLEASE post it here!

Cosmo wrote:If anyone finds it (the article) PLEASE post it here!

Bingo!
http://www.bridgton.com/narrow-gauge-fo ... pros-cons/

The Bridgton News wrote:Two officials from the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Industrial Heritage Trust faced tough questions and some negativity from a roomful of Bridgton stakeholders Monday about the viability of building a museum and rail line on Depot Street. Yet Bridgton is officially competing with two other communities to be chosen for the project.

The question is, who’s courting who?

From the above article:

Several members of the economic development corporation questioned the men’s estimate of $25,000 a mile to lay rails, even though Brandes and Durham said they own the steel track, thereby greatly reducing construction costs. Corporation member Mark Lopez said his understanding was that it costs $1 million a mile to lay track.

OK, I had to laugh when I read Mr. Lopez' quote. Someone needs to explain to him that there's a very big difference between standard gauge mainline railroads and 2-foot gauge branchline/industrial railroads. There is no way that it's going to cost MNGRR $1 million a mile to (re)build a line in Bridgton... unless the plans have changed and they're planning on electrifying it and running at very high speeds. Jeeze... use a little common sense. This is a 5 MPH narrow gauge tourist train, not the Downeaster.