I have been reading on the NERAIL list that some investor is offering to buy the B&ML. He also has some abusurd plan on investing 300 million in railroad projects in Maine. Is this some sort of hoax, or is this guy nuts? Not that i'm against spending money like that to improve railroad infastructure in Maine, I just think that 300 million will be a poor investment. Come on, the Downeaster doesn't even turn a profit, it relies on subsidies, and the Maine Eastern may make a modest profit but it has all the infastructure paid for by the state.
I was surprised that the turntable was yanked and the pit was filled in so quickly. The town is really against the reactivation of this railroad at all costs! Any investor would have an uphill battle with the town government, no doubt.
Does Belfast have a huge tourist trade? What is the draw to Belfast that the town thinks is worth yanking out the railroad?
-otto-