May 2025 Wheel Report
By Brian Solomon
Photos by Mike Lacey
Shoulder Season
April and May are quiet months for the excursion business at Conway Scenic Railroad. However, this spring the railroad has been running weekends with four Valley trains to Conway on Saturdays and Sundays, plus a weekly Mountaineer to Crawford Notch. Operations will ramp up from Memorial Day weekend. This will mark the beginning of daily Spring-Summer operations for the 2025 season. Valley excursions to Conway will be on the same basic operating schedule that has been in place since excursions resumed after Easter, with trains departing at North Conway at 10:45am, and 12, 1:15 and 2:30pm, while operating 7-days per week. The Mountaineer will make at least two round trips weekly, normally operating on Saturdays and Tuesday; departing North Conway at 11:30 for the four-hour run over Crawford Notch. On Memorial Day weekend the railroad will operate an ‘extra’ Mountaineer on Sunday in anticipation of greater numbers of passengers visiting the Mount Washington Valley. For details and specifics, check the railroad’s website: conwayscenic.com
North Conway Improvements
The track department recently made some improvements to trackage in front of the North Conway Station. The Short Track was adjusted to better serve contemporary operation. The old switch at the east end of this track, (which had been out of service since the Covid period) was salvaged and removed for use elsewhere. This change allowed for the track to be lengthened to increase its storage capacity. In addition, ties were replaced on the Main Track between the Golf Course Crossings and Post Office Crossing.
Locomotive Notes
In recent weeks, GP9 1751 had been working Valley excursions. When this locomotive was was sent to the shop for its scheduled 92-inspection in mid-May, GP38 252 took its place on the Valley, with GP38 255 working this run on at least one occasion. In 2025, engine 255 has been the preferred locomotive for the Crawford run, working Mountaineer excursions to Crawford Station/Fabyan, plus when required on work extras as far as Hazens.
Mountaineer Social
The railroad has scheduled its annual Mountaineer Social for a run over Crawford Notch on May 19, 2025. This special train is by invitation-only and operated for the benefit of employees and their guests, area business leaders and their associates, friends of the railroad and dignataries. The train is scheduled to board at North Conway at 11:15am and should depart the station at 11:30am.