Last weekend for the first time in many, many years I visited parts of the line north of Rochester. I was impressed with the overall conditon of the line, the NHNC looks like they have done a nice job fixing up their portion. I was also surprise to see the line north of Ossipee looking surprisingly good - seems like during my previous visit I could hardly see the track up that way as it was so overgrown - now it looks like it has been opened up enough to allow the comfortable passage of track cars.
I also saw some rather curious activity going on at Silver Lake - looks like some sort of "rail ride" on some motor-hand-car based equipment is being developed - rather unique looking items from what I could detect, as they were tarped over I couldn't see most details. The passenger station was getting some work, alterations rather than restoration, but it looks like it's in decent shape.
In spite of all the bad-mouthing that has been tossed at the state of New Hampshire concerning rail investment, I'd say they have done well with the preservation of several lines including this one. Maybe some distant day it will be feasible to restore some sort of through passenger service to the route - it will be a scenic ride!
I also saw some rather curious activity going on at Silver Lake - looks like some sort of "rail ride" on some motor-hand-car based equipment is being developed - rather unique looking items from what I could detect, as they were tarped over I couldn't see most details. The passenger station was getting some work, alterations rather than restoration, but it looks like it's in decent shape.
In spite of all the bad-mouthing that has been tossed at the state of New Hampshire concerning rail investment, I'd say they have done well with the preservation of several lines including this one. Maybe some distant day it will be feasible to restore some sort of through passenger service to the route - it will be a scenic ride!