I had the pleasure of talking to Maine Governor John Baldacci this morning, duringhte Fourth of July parade in Bangor. I told the Governor that the Calais Branch, slated now for demolition, would be a "gold mine" under the correct tourist management. This branch runs through Hancock and Washington counties, two of Maine's poorist. With a modest oerpational plan, a sensible restoration direction, and a realistic operations schedule, the little railroad might be a major shot in the arm for a depressed region. Governor Baldacci's reply was, "I want to hear what you think. Please write or email me with your thoughts, and write 'Attn: Rose' on the header."For those of you familiar with the branch, it runs through the Maine woods, over marshes, along Route 1, and parallels the ocean for the last 20 miles. An experienced operator, or an experienced management group could turn two round trips between Ellsworth and Machias each day, into a profitable service. My suggestion would be to start with three open air coaches and a 70 ton Diesel, eventually running a small steam loco after several years of profits. The branch needs many new ties, some fill, and ballast. It is the route upon which FDR began his ascent to the White House, and the steam loco used in the film "Sunrise at Campobello" is in the possession of the 470 Club, though not yet operational.If you share my optimism, and care to express it to Governor John Baldacci, here is the contact information you will need. governor@maine.govOffice of the Governor1 State House StationAugusta, ME 04333-0001Email Governor BaldacciPhone: (207) 287-3531(207) 287-6548 (TTY) Perhaps the branch can be saved for useful economic return. Richard

I'd be happy to write, but would feel better if I could see a sample letter to paraphrase first. If you have never been to the area, it is easy to stick your foot in your mouth when writing such things. What is the trails situation up there? Have snowmobile groups set their sights on it also?

Bobyar is correct. This branch has been a topic of discussion aince 1987 when the state purchased the line. It has been a virtual ping-pong ball since that time. In Nov of 2004 a handful of state legislators took a trip on the line to see where $300,000 of allocated funds that were previously appropriated, have gone. That money was spent to simply clear the line of brush, washouts, and beaver dam damage. They found the line to be beautiful, but in extremely poor condition. They determined that in the past, the occasional brush cleaning and clearing of the track has not worked. The line, as is, requires constant observation and maintenance. Encroachment of neighbors, and the numerous paved over crossings also were obstacles. As of that time $250,000 of the allocated funds had been used. The estimated cost of upgrading the line to class one standards, was placed at $23.7 million. A proposal to elevate the standards of the line from Brewer to Ellsworth to Class Three standards was estimated at $13.7 million. Then there are over 300 culverts that would need re-building. A connection to the Eastport container pier would be a "selling point" but also with a considerable price tag. Getting the entire line from Brewer to Calais up to Class Two standards and class three track would cost $38 million. A new class one line from Ayers Jct to Eastport would add $35 million to the tab. At those prices none of the legislators would commit to any more that a continued assessment of the lines viability. At that time a rail entrepeneur, Bill McDonald of Vermont pitched his idea for a small excursion train to open up the track as soon as possible. This portion above culled from the Ellsworth American paper. In other correspondence the MDOT has taken the stance that any revenue generated by tourist excursions alone would not justify the public investment needed to make the rails safe. In late 2004 the Sunrise Trail coalition presented a compelling argument for creating a multi-use trail fro the Calais branch. State senators and representatives from Washington & Hancock counties were present. The proposal was that since the line no longer meets the MDOT standards for rail service, and the cost was so prohibitive, that the track should be removed, sold for scrap, and the proceeds from which to be used to restore the "rail-bank" to modern standards., then "rail-bank" the right-of-way from Ayers Jct to Brewer. This would allow for a multi-use rail trail with a written guarantee that when the need and money became available, the trail will be returned to a rail line. This is from a letter to the Magic City Morning star indicates that this concept has been used successfully throughout the U.S. with a least four lines. The letter being written by a Wayne Peters of Roque Bluffs, Maine. The proposal would leave the track in place from Ayers Jct to Calais, for possible use as a rail link to Eastport to the active line in Calais via Ayers Jct. A trail seperate from the right-of-way will be established between Ayers Jct and Calais. Mr. Peters ends his letter requesting that backers of this concept contact Governor Baldacci via mail or e-mail, supplying an e-mail address. Several rail advocacy groups such as Down-East Rail, and even some active rail servers, such as Safe-Handling of Auburn, Maine have expressed intrest and made recommendations, and it appears that some of this line may be a viable risk for service, but the remainder may be "too little, too late". This topic, in Railroad parlance, may be a "medium approach".

Richard,Are you speaking of MEC #501 ? I don't know of the 470 club owning any other steam locomotives.I am a volunteer at the MNGRRC&M in Portland, and would be a proponent of virtually any now abandoned MEC trackage in Maine being returned to service for tourist RR purposes. Another good candidate I think would be the former Mountain Div. from Portland up to Intervale, NH, to connect with the CSRR. There is actually a skiing area right on the ROW in Bartlett. Not to rain on your idea but that's just something else I thought of. Regards,Trevor H.