Just two days shy of 69 years, steam has returned to the Sandy River and Rangely Lakes Railroad at Phillips, Maine! Cooperation between the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and the SR&RL Railroad has brought former Monson #3 to the SR&RL. After two weekends of operation for the Harrison, Maine Bicentennial Celebration, #3 was trucked north Monday, August 8. This past weekend saw a flurry of activity to prepare #3 for operation on the SR&RL. At noon on Sunday, for the first time since 1936, a fire was lit in a steam locomotive at Phillips Maine. Later in the day, after some minor challenges, we were ready to make our first trip under steam! The engine was backed down the line from the Sanders station towards Phillips. After coupling to a flatcar and two cabooses, the trip was made back to Sanders. After some further testing, the engine was backed onto the turntable which was aligned for a stall in the eight stall roundhouse. The fire was dumped, boiler filled, and then the engine was run into its stall. Operation is scheduled for this coming weekend, August 19, 20, and 21 during Phillips Old Home Days Celebration.

Neat, remember to post pics 4 us midwesteners.Tom C.

Yes and for us on the left coast who have the "mifortune" to me interested in the Maine narrow gauge !Pictures would be great!Ted Miles