Our coal-fired, steam locomotive #7470 (0-6-0) was built in the Montreal shops of the Grand Trunk Railroad in 1921. It was acquired by Dwight Smith in 1968 and joined the start-up Conway Scenic Railroad in 1974.

Today, Conway Scenic Railroad usually operates the steam engine during a portion of the summer and fall operating seasons. Last year, because of the restoration of our new dining car, the Hattie Evans, and other capital improvement projects, the transformer move in June, and Thomas in July, in addition to some unexpected repair work that was discovered in August, #7470's operating season was curtailed in 2009. She did come out in December for the last weekend of Polar Express, our Snow Train Celebration that same weekend, and the very successful January 2nd "Steam in the Snow" event.

Steam locomotives require much maintenance, regularly scheduled boiler washes, and other repairs, some of them unexpected. We sincerely apologize for any disappointment that taking #7470 out of service last season caused, but we look forward to seeing her on the tracks this year!

Locomotive #7470 Updates:

January 15, 2010: Locomotive #7470 ran for 8 days in 2009 and then for Steam in the Snow on January 2 of this year. The locomotive ran very well and we should be all set for more days of steam operation in 2010.

After much discussion we have decided that #7470 will run only for special trips & charters during the summer months. This has to do with the fact that we have to concentrate our efforts on Thomas the Tank Engine™ until the third week in July, so steam would not have been out until then anyway at the earliest.

Steam will run to Conway daily during the Fall Foliage season from mid-September to mid-October when ridership is at peak here at the Railroad. That way a large number of people can enjoy steam during our busiest time. Steam will also run for one weekend during the POLAR EXPRESS event and then again for Steam in the Snow early in 2011.

The best way for you to help keep steam alive here at Conway Scenic is to come out and buy a ticket on our steam powered runs! Those of you who ‘chase’ the train to take photos should also buy a ticket to help support the operation of steam.

Thank you for your interest in our steam program.

Paul Hallett

 

#7470 Update Archives:
Locomotive #7470 2009
Locomotive #7470 2008
Locomotive #7470 2007
Locomotive #7470 2006
Locomotive #7470 2005

The Wheel Report is written 10 times a year by Paul Hallett, our Operations Manager, for "Notch Eight", the newsletter of the North Conway Railroad Club. To get an inside view of Conway Scenic Railroad's operations, please read on:

Our Photo Albums