The White Mountain Central Railroad at ClarkÂ’s Trading Post in North Woodstock, NH is having their annual railroad steam-up September 21 and 22.

I am really ticked I cannot go this year, as it is one of the best steam events north of Cass. For under $10 a day, you get many passenger runs, photo freights, photo logging trains, doubleheaders and so much more.

This year, I understand there is a 50/50 chance that local native Baldwin East Branch and Lincoln 2-4-2T #5 may steam.

You can expect another local Beebe River Climax #6, an 0-4-0T Porter, a Heisler and the home-built “Firefly.” Plus, the REO Railbus is usually running. The Beebe River Shay is a static display on these weekends.

So, an all day party in the woods with a Climax, Heisler, Porter, REO and maybe a Baldwin. And you wonder why I like it?

Also, for those of us that share a pint or two, the nearby Woodstock Inn features a microbrewery and seating in the old (relocated) B&M depot from Lincoln. The food and brew are highly recommended.

The Hobo Railroad (also owned by the ClarkÂ’s) is almost next door, too. The Conway Scenic and the Mount Washington Cog Railway are each an hour or so away.

And if you are coming via Wells River, VT, donÂ’t forget Vermont Hobby Depot (shameless plug for my cousinÂ’s store) and the every-Thursday Northern Vermont run on the old B&M.

Have fun!

Rob Davis


Ahead of the Torch
trains@robertjohndavis.com

Last I heard #5 will not make it out this year, something about the cab being rebuilt. But then you never know, Clark's can surprise you. The REO was just over in White River Junction for another fest, I suppose it will be back in time.

I've been to this place twice, unfortunately during the off season. I've met one of the care takers there (Leon I think) and he took the time to show me around even during a time when the railroad was "closed". This is a remarkable place, a real mecca for steam buffs. If you make it up there, just down the road is Loon Mountain with their quarter mile 2 ft guage railroad powered by an Americanized Henschel 0-4-0t. Amother pretty nice guy works there who let me into the barn when he was working on the thing. Just the sort of nice little encounters that you look back upon fondly. Wish I could make it up for railroad days this year...

Dave Crosby



bing@epix.net

Leon, if its the same Leon is in fact head engineer at Clarks, a very nice guy always willing to answer a question. And if you want a cab ride just get there first and ask, once I rode with eight people in the cab. For some reason the Loon engine is not running this summer (I have a feeling it has something to do with the damn insurance rates), the new management at Loon has been cutting costs and longtime employees from the payroll. I wouldn't expect to see the engine except in winter when it "earns its keep".