This morning's Bangor Daily News carried the announcement that the Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad Society has thrown in the towel, and all assets are up for sale. This is extremely sad, as the line had potential and assets that would have made it a thriving attraction in central Maine. Unfortunately, unexpected expenses and dwindling passengers (plus no freight) and unexpected damage to the steam locomotive have rendered the railroad strapped for future operations. Apparently all equipment is being listed online for auction or sale. The railroad hosts a turntable, a shop building, and a station at Unity, a wye at Burnham Junction, and a track to nowhere at Belfast. There is an enginehouse at Thorndike, and line stations at Brooks, and City Point.

Does anybody know the nature of the "unexpected damage" to the Swedish steamer? Crossing accident, boiler problem, running gear, ??????

Caustic embrittlement caused by years of making lutevisk in the tender tank while stored serviceable.

dave

The story is that while under operation, a fireman got involved in an argument with a passenger over the merits of steam vs. Diesel (or vice-versa) and the idiot allowed the water level to get too low. Fusable plugs let go, the fire was dropped immediately, and the crown sheet was not damaged. The locomotive and crew were spared. I have no confirmation, but after undergoing a thorough and exhausting rebuild two years ago, the locomotive was run very little and suddenly pushed back into the engine house. The B&ML was in a precarious situation before, so such an event would be devastating. The Budd car is said to be in rough shape, apparently leaking exhaust fumes into the car. Train had been pulled by GE 70T Diesels, hauling Swedish coaches.

This is not to say that the B&ML couldn't be a sterling steam attraction in central Maine. It needs major track repair and a strong injection of cash, plus some management. Unfortunately, the line to Belfast, a pretty little seaside community, ends well short of town, leaving one to wonder if pulling the rest of the track will follow. The Unity complex has all to things any tourist road could possibly want; TT, engine house, yard, parking, shops, display cars, etc.

I find that story of letting the water run low due to a fireman arguing with a passenger a little suspicious and may be moot at this point.

1. How low was the water when he left the cab?

2. How long did he argue - 2-3 hours? If it were an oil burner, then you have a constant steam usage for the burner and blower - they drink all the time. If burning coal, the only real usage on the spot would be the compressor maybe a little blower and dynamo which I would assume to be less than a couple hundred gallons between runs...

Agreed - which is why, no disrespect to Richard, unlike his theory abut the crown sheet I think my tender tank holds water.

No sense of humor, Randall?

dave

And no insult taken. I am only reporting what I have been told. The locomotive is listed in the Bangor Daily News as being valued at $175,000. A buyer would be getting a small 4-6-0 of 1916 vintage, kept in generally good operating condition and protected indoors.