December 1, 2008
The Christmas season arrived at CSRR on Friday, November 28, when the railroad ran its first Santa’s Holiday Express trains. Two trains were run on Friday and Sunday, and three trains were needed on Saturday to carry the Holiday crowds. We hope that in spite of the poor economic news that the season will be a good one. Our early ridership is encouraging.
Ex-N&W dining car #492 arrived in North Conway on Friday, November 7. It had departed Brunswick, ME, the previous Sunday afternoon. The car traveled over the Maine Eastern, Pan Am, St. Lawrence & Atlantic, New Hampshire Central and Conway Scenic on its journey from Newcastle, Maine to North Conway. It was a very good move as the car arrived without being “tagged” or otherwise damaged in any way. This car has taken priority over the rebuilding of coach 6749 and is now in stall 2 of the roundhouse. The car will be painted and outfitted for service on the Notch Train, and the goal is to have it in service for the upcoming 2009 season. Among possible names being considered for the new car are “Saco Lake” and “Crawford”. Please feel free to submit your naming suggestions to the Railroad.
In other news, CSRR operated the newly-leased Russell snow plow from North Conway to Notchland in mid-November. This was done to check for clearances along the line. The plow has air operated wings that extend out from the side of the plow for about three feet and an air operated flanger that cleans snow from between the rails. It was necessary to see what obstructions there were along the line where it would be required to close the wings and lift the flanger blades. A list of 73 obstructions were noted between North Conway and Notchland.
It was hoped that B23-7 #1943 (still numbered 23 at this time) would be the power for the plow extra, however when the time came the unit would not load electrically. The unit has operated under test around North Conway Yard but still needs some more work. Due to cold weather conditions and lack of indoor heated space the unit has now been drained and the shop crew will return to this project again next year.
Don’t forget about our STEAM IN THE SNOW train sponsored by the Mass Bay Railroad Enthusiasts coming up on January 3rd . Tickets are still available from Mass Bay.
The evening of the 3rd, Lerro Productions will be holding a night photo session in North Conway which members of the public may attend by making arraignments with Lerro. On Sunday the 4th, Lerro Productions has chartered #7470 to pull a photo freight between North Conway and Sawyers River. Check out specific information about Lerro and Conway Scenic here.
The following weekend, CSRR will reenact the famous B&M snow trains with a Snow Train Weekend in cooperation with Mt. Cranmore.
It will be the middle of January before the railroad goes into its winter maintenance period! As always thank you for your interest in and support of the Conway Scenic Railroad.
Have Happy and Safe Holidays!
Paul Hallett
