One of the stalwarts of steam, the White Mountain Central Railroad located at Clark's Trading Post in Lincoln, NH, has acquired a 65-ton GE diesel that was formerly leased to the Newport Dinner Train operation in Rhode Island. WMC will still endeavour to maintain it's 40-year-plus commitment to steam-powered excursions trains, but is facing new State of New Hampshire boiler inspection regulations which require ultra-sound testing of the WMC's locomotive boilers. Not knowing what the ultra-sound testing, scheduled to take place over the Winter months, will show, the WMC has chosen to protect its 2004 season with diesel power in the event its steam power needs major work. That's a wise move as the WMC excursion train, and its affiliated "Wolfman Territory", are major components of the entertainment package offered at Clark's Trading Post.

fred.gracebailey@earthlink.net

Interesting news. The WMC just finished year 42 (I believe, maybe 43?) of continuous steam operation. However, they have had their REO Railbus in use for awhile, so the smell of internal combustion isn't totally out of place.

I would bet they find a way to have at least one of their 4 operable engines in steam next year. At least one... those guys are a class outfit all the way.

Here's for the best in North Woodstock!

Rob

rdavis@rypn.org

> I would bet they find a way to have at least
> one of their 4 operable engines in steam
> next year. At least one... those guys are a
> class outfit all the way.

I'm curious why they would need to buy an additional diesel when the Hobo RR has plenty right down the street. (They own the Hobo, don't they?)

This 65-tonner seems like it's got be the first non-alco for them.



SJHussar@aol.com

I'm guessing the Hobo Railroad's diesels might be too heavy for the WMC track.

rjenkins@railfan.net

> This 65-tonner seems like it's got be the
> first non-alco for them.

There is a chopped-nose GP-7 in the Hobo family.


rdavis@rypn.org

> I would bet they find a way to have at least
> one of their 4 operable engines in steam
> next year. At least one... those guys are a
> class outfit all the way.
One of the three that could pull the tourist train I hope; I doubt the little Porter could handle it. These are well maintained engines but if they went to the trouble of getting a diesel they must be at least a little worried. This was one of the few operations that didn't have a backup diesel; this year when the Climax was down for repairs they just rolled out the Heisler.
> Here's for the best in North Woodstock!

> Rob