Conway Scenic RR steam

steam3713 · **Joined:** Tue Jun 04, 2019 3:27 pm **Posts:** 1

Former Canadian National 0-6-0 #7470 was fired up for the first time following a multi-year rebuild last Friday. Following the successful steam test, lagging and jacketing will be installed and the locomotive painted before it is placed in regular service. CSRR has advertised an excursion over the ex-Maine Central Mountain Division through New Hampshire`s famed Crawford Notch on June 29th. It will be going west to the end of CSRR leased trackage at Hazens, the first time live steam has been west of Fabyans on the ex-MEC trackage since the early 1950`s. In other CSRR steam News, the railroad acquired ex-MEC 2-8-0 #501 from the 470 RR Club on March 14, 2019 . Look for an evaluation for possible future operation. Frederick G. Bailey

Bowmore · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2016 6:12 pm **Posts:** 195

I was at the RR in 2012, and they had a steam engine with the number 7470 operating at that time.

KevinM · **Posted:** Wed Jun 05, 2019 2:47 pm

Bowmore wrote:

I was at the RR in 2012, and they had a steam engine with the number 7470 operating at that time.

Correct. She was in operation for many years on the North Conway to Conway run, and occasionally operated to Bartlett on Railfan Weekends and other special occasions. The 7470 went down for a 1,472 SDI in early 2015 and has not operated since, so this is very welcome news for steam enthusiasts in New England.

/Kevin Madore

Kevin Gilliam · **Joined:** Thu Nov 04, 2004 10:28 pm **Posts:** 292

steam3713 wrote:

It will be going west to the end of CSRR leased trackage at Hazens, the first time live steam has been west of Fabyans on the ex-MEC trackage since the early 1950`s. In other CSRR steam News, the railroad acquired ex-MEC 2-8-0 #501 from the 470 RR Club on March 14, 2019 . Look for an evaluation for possible future operation. Frederick G. Bailey

Technically the second time steam has been to Hazens. They took 7470 there in 2011.

https://www.railpictures.net/photo/373785/

Either way, a great accomplishment. The future is looking bright up there!

Richard Glueck · **Posted:** Wed Jun 05, 2019 3:51 pm

Congratulations, all the way around!

Crescent-Zephyr · **Joined:** Wed Jan 20, 2016 1:15 pm **Posts:** 1799

Great news. Things were looking a bit dim with the past owners, glad to see the future is looking bright and steamy!

tweetsie12 · **Joined:** Thu Feb 01, 2018 11:09 am **Posts:** 170

Glad to hear she's finally back under steam! Hopefully we'll hear more about her first excursion soon.

R.L.Kennedy · **Joined:** Mon Jan 12, 2009 9:37 pm **Posts:** 242

Glad to hear 7470 is going to run once again. I saved it and sister engine 7456 decades ago when they were retired. I got one cab ride in 7470 on Conway Scenic many years ago.

Les Beckman · **Joined:** Tue Aug 02, 2005 1:25 pm **Posts:** 6482

R.L.Kennedy wrote:

Glad to hear 7470 is going to run once again. I saved it and sister engine 7456 decades ago when they were retired. I got one cab ride in 7470 on Conway Scenic many years ago.

R.L.Kennedy -

Speaking of the 7456, I seem to recall they were doing some work on that sister to 7470, not too long ago. I'll see if I can find that thread to ask what is going on with her these days.

Les

nedsn3 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 06, 2019 8:57 pm

Conway Scenic was the "gold standard" for tourist lines back in my day. A very neat operation. I hadn't realized that it had declined somewhat since then.

Richard Glueck · **Posted:** Thu Jun 06, 2019 9:28 pm

Conway has to stay economically viable, and running the Diesels they have makes it possible to maintain and run the railroad. Remember, no railroad, no opportunity to run the venerable equipment. 7470 has always been their "baby" and nobody dropped the ball. They are presently hosting locomotives owned by the Maine "470 Club", with the 501, a 2-8-0, being part of that group. If the Consol has been sold, then Conway is probably the best recipient.

Crescent-Zephyr · **Joined:** Wed Jan 20, 2016 1:15 pm **Posts:** 1799

Save us the lecture... we’ve heard it before. Conway went way downhill with past owners. They rarely ran steam at all and the track conditions got very bad. The new owners are making great changes to the line and will likely be rewarded for their investment.

Rob Gardner · **Joined:** Sat Aug 21, 2004 10:50 pm **Posts:** 576

CZ, why the need for the disparaging remarks about the previous owners? Axe grinding does no one any good. The past is the past and Dave Swirk is bringing a fresh enthusiasm and drive that we should all get behind. We all know running steam is very costly and he should be commended for making this strong commitment to not one but two locomotives in his first of ownership.

Carry on.

Rob Gardner

Crescent-Zephyr · **Joined:** Wed Jan 20, 2016 1:15 pm **Posts:** 1799

Did I say something untrue? I’m certainly going for a positive spirit as I’m glad to see the railway in better hands.