Benjamin Maggi wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 7:14 am
I just wish I had more advance notice to fit it into my schedule.
This offering was born out of necessity, which turned into "wouldn't it be cool if", to "let's sell tickets and make it a fundraiser..."
The two P&R cars (#2 & 4) are being refurbished at Maine Locomotive and Machine (ML&M) for use in Portland on Maine Narrow Gauge's (MNG) Holiday Express. Part of that refurbishment included painting the coaches back to their red color, P&R lettering, etc.
Both cars are scheduled to be transported from ML&M to MNG early next week. The WW&F has a "ramp track" arrangement for moving equipment on/off the railroad, necessitating moving the cars late this week from ML&M to the WW&F yard at Sheepscot.
The conversation went something like this:
"Wouldn't it be cool to have #9 steamed up to make that delivery?"
"Yes, and we still have the backdating magnets/signs from the 2-ft Winter charter to make it SR&RL #6."
"We should sell tickets!"
"Yes, and make it a fundraiser that benefits both the WW&F and MNG."
That conversation basically took place over the last two days. Thus, the "Surprise!"
In actuality, the WW&F, MNG, and ML&M do this sort of stuff quite often. But by the nature of these movements, they are very last minute and unannounced to the general public. This time we had (just) enough leeway to get the word out, and since it is a passenger train, sell tickets for the event. Also, because of the Maine travel restrictions, it really can only be an option to residents of northern New England (or those willing to adhere to the quarantine/testing regulations.)
Support the WW&F's project to
Build 11!
