The Eastern Railroad revisited

RenegadeMonster wrote: ↑Sun Nov 17, 2024 2:18 pm I had thought there were sections of trackage still in place in New Hampshire such as through a salt water marsh or something.

If I'm not mistaken, the remaining section you speak of south of Hampton was pulled up in the last few years. Don't know if this section is still there: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6uW123GNCBzgbEKj6 I thought I had seen a post elsewhere about more of it being removed as the RoW had eroded away in spots, and the rail was just hanging in mid-air.

I believe I've seen pictures this past summer of the rail still in place along the marsh north of Seabrook Station. When I rode the Seacoast Greenway/Eastern Trail down to the Rt 1 overpass in Hampton, the south end still had ties in place beyond the official rail-trail. I turned around there, so I didn't explore further south to see if there was any rail.

NHV 669 wrote: ↑Sun Nov 17, 2024 1:14 pm Given that it didn't survive WWII, there's little case to restore it, given that the Western operates with plenty of available capacity.

Are you referring to the section between N. Berwick and Portland? One could still take the train between N. Berwick and Portsmouth as late as 1952.

shadyjay wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2024 5:14 pm I believe I've seen pictures this past summer of the rail still in place along the marsh north of Seabrook Station. When I rode the Seacoast Greenway/Eastern Trail down to the Rt 1 overpass in Hampton, the south end still had ties in place beyond the official rail-trail. I turned around there, so I didn't explore further south to see if there was any rail.

There is still some rail here and there between Drakeside road in Hampton and Depot road in Hampton Falls. Curiously, the former Foss manufacturing siding is still in place, minus switch stand and frog. The rail behind the freight house in N. Hampton is still there too, as is a short section in a long abandoned company pit near MP 50.

arthur d. wrote: ↑Sat Nov 23, 2024 5:55 am

NHV 669 wrote: ↑Sun Nov 17, 2024 1:14 pm Given that it didn't survive WWII, there's little case to restore it, given that the Western operates with plenty of available capacity.

Are you referring to the section between N. Berwick and Portland? One could still take the train between N. Berwick and Portsmouth as late as 1952.

Even if that is true, my point remains; the rails have been gone long enough to the point where what isn't a trail has been reclaimed, and many bridges, crossings are gone/filled in, etc.

RenegadeMonster wrote: ↑Sun Nov 17, 2024 11:55 am I have always been very facilitated by the Eastern Railroad. How I wish it could be restored someday for passenger service.

Anyways, it's been nearly 5 years since this thread has been active and I was wondering if anyone has done any exploring since then and took any new pictures of what remains of the Eastern Railroad in New Hampshire and Maine. Would love to see some new photos of places revisited since this thread has started or areas that have not been explored yet.

In addition, are there any places where the tracks are still intact that you can legally explore and easily access? If yes I might try to do some exploring myself next summer.

There is some intact rail in North Berwick/Wells, Maine between Pratt & Whitney and Perry Oliver Road. but hurry, that stretch is scheduled for Rail Trail conversion 2025/26

RenegadeMonster wrote: ↑Sun Nov 17, 2024 11:55 am I have always been very facilitated by the Eastern Railroad. How I wish it could be restored someday for passenger service.

Anyways, it's been nearly 5 years since this thread has been active and I was wondering if anyone has done any exploring since then and took any new pictures of what remains of the Eastern Railroad in New Hampshire and Maine. Would love to see some new photos of places revisited since this thread has started or areas that have not been explored yet.

In addition, are there any places where the tracks are still intact that you can legally explore and easily access? If yes I might try to do some exploring myself next summer.

I have a few new things I could post. You probably know that the section of the Eastern from Portsmouth to the North Hampton Airfield is now an official rail trail. Along the marsh in Hampton, there is still some rail in place as well as a few telegraph poles.

artman wrote: ↑Tue Nov 26, 2024 11:27 am There is some intact rail in North Berwick/Wells, Maine between Pratt & Whitney and Perry Oliver Road. but hurry, that stretch is scheduled for Rail Trail conversion 2025/26

There is? Where?

Conway Junction/Jewett, South Berwick Maine, then and now. Looks like a busy junction back in the day but now nothing remains except the turntable pit. Portsmouth, Great Falls and Conway Railroad bears to the left while the Eastern Division heads north to Portland.

Conway Jct. South Berwick Maine. Turntable pit then and now. Even as far back as 1930 it was abandoned.

Manalishi wrote: ↑Sat Dec 07, 2024 5:23 pm

artman wrote: ↑Tue Nov 26, 2024 11:27 am There is some intact rail in North Berwick/Wells, Maine between Pratt & Whitney and Perry Oliver Road. but hurry, that stretch is scheduled for Rail Trail conversion 2025/26

There is? Where?

Like I mentioned - between Pratt and Whitney in North Berwick and Wells. You'd have to walk it to see it, but this is a good time of year to do so - no weeds or ticks.

Manalishi wrote: ↑Sun Dec 08, 2024 10:40 am Conway Jct. South Berwick Maine. Turntable pit then and now. Even as far back as 1930 it was abandoned.

I am surprised the turntable was overgrown way back then. Looks better now! Or course, someone is maintaining it today.

artman wrote: ↑Wed Jan 15, 2025 1:14 pm

Manalishi wrote: ↑Sat Dec 07, 2024 5:23 pm

artman wrote: ↑Tue Nov 26, 2024 11:27 am There is some intact rail in North Berwick/Wells, Maine between Pratt & Whitney and Perry Oliver Road. but hurry, that stretch is scheduled for Rail Trail conversion 2025/26

There is? Where?

Like I mentioned - between Pratt and Whitney in North Berwick and Wells. You'd have to walk it to see it, but this is a good time of year to do so - no weeds or ticks.

I meant 'where' as in closer to Rt. 9 or Perry Oliver?