Wolfeboro RS-3

Stephen Hussar · **Posted:** Tue Feb 15, 2005 8:44 am

Came across this picture of the Wolfeboro RR's battered RS-3 which operated briefly on the line between Concord and Plymouth, NH, on the opposite side of Lake Winnepesaukee from the tourist part of the operation.

The damage to this unit came in the dead of winter while trying to plow-open the line near Holderness, NH. The plow derailed and rammed into the nose of the Alco. (those were the days!)

Anyone know what happened to this engine after Mr. Hallock gave it up and it became Goodwin RR?

Photo by Bill McCaffrey.

Howard P. · **Posted:** Tue Feb 15, 2005 9:23 am

Not too sure about the intermediate steps, but it was purchased in 1995 from John Clement (Franklin, NH) by RMNE and moved to Waterville, CT in late 1996 for evaluation. It is in generally good condition, but needs radiators and TLC. RMNE's long-term goal is to restore it to operation as MEC 557.

Interesting photo; looking at the unit today, the short hood damage is not readily apparent. And where did that nice steam loco headlight get off to? Too bad that wasn't included when the unit was bought!

Looks like the handrails and steps are ripped right off; can you imagine simply running a locomotive like that in this day and age of FRA oversight?

HP

www.rmne.org

Tom Cornillie · **Posted:** Tue Feb 15, 2005 10:08 am

Looks like the handrails and steps are ripped right off; can you imagine simply running a locomotive like that in this day and age of FRA oversight?

The FRA took over their oversight duties from the ICC. As I understand, these would have been just as major violations then as they are today.

Tom Cornillie

robertjohndavis · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 8:10 am **Posts:** 2499

I remember BEGGING my mom to take me ride an excursion behind this unit in the 70's, and settling for a chase. Unfortunately, we never found it! I was sure I'd never have another chance to ride between Concord and Lincoln. Who imagined that decades later, such trips over most of that line would be commonplace!

Rob

Stephen Hussar · **Posted:** Tue Feb 15, 2005 5:11 pm

Howard, I believe the "auxilary" headlight was removed from the snowplow and temporarily affixed to the short hood of the Alco immediately following the accident. Good to hear that she (the RS-3) is still "with us."

The Concord-Lincoln operation was called the "Wolfeboro RR Central Division." Not sure if there were plans for a western div. somewhere...