This past weekend, the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum debuted their new 2-foot, Model T Track Inspection Car at the facility's Annual Picnic. One of the museum's very talented members spent the last two years building this replica, which will be used for MOW duties and transporting museum patrons. Actually, replica isn't the best way to describe this car. From the firewall forward, it's an original Ford Model T, with a rebuilt engine. Aft of the firewall, its a custom-built, 3500 lb railbus of sorts, with seating for 6 adults, including the operator. Although most of Maine's 2-foot railroads had similar cars, apparently, the WW&F's car had a built-in turntable feature that enabled crews to jack it and spin it as needed so they were always running forward. The original car does not survive, but the museum's new car recreates that unique feature.
Here's a shot of the museum crew "going for a spin" late last Sunday afternoon:
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=335042&nseq=0
Anyone who hasn't been to Alna should seriously consider visiting. One warning though....the show up there can be addictive!
/Kevin
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