August 2025 Wheel Report
By Brian Solomon
Photos by Mike Lacey
Celebrating 150 years of railroad operations over Crawford Notch
Conway Scenic Railroad’s Crawford 150th Anniversary Special on August 2, 2025 proved to be a huge success! The excursion included a ceremony at Fabyan, NH., where to recreate the spirit of Portland & Ogdensburg’s opening celebrations of August 7th, 1875, the 6th Maine Artillery Brigade Re-enactors performed several cacophonous cannon salutes and the Mt Washington Valley Community Band played patriotic songs. Conway Scenic’s Rob Owen was instrumental in organizing these events and provided historical narration on-board the train. This one-time excursion was well attended and participants had a wonderful time. The train was led by former Maine Central GP38 255, which ran around the excursion at Fabyan.
Track Work and Work Extras
During August 4th and 5th, a Work Authority was in place west of Mountain Junction to allow for some heavy track work on the Second River Run grade crossing in Attitash (west of milepost P68). The normally scheduled 9am and 1:30om Mountaineers were canceled to allow crews and contractors uninterrupted access to the tracks. As per Bulletin Order, a Work Authority suspends normal operations by Train Order, and in order to facilitate and coordinate maintenance activities this puts control of all movements over the line under the direct control of a specific designated employee.
On Monday, August 11th, the railroad operated a work extra with GP38 255 to Bartlett to dump ballast on the siding in conjunction with track-work to improve this trackage in preparation for autumn operations. Plan to operate as many as three trips to Crawford during this year’s peak autumn season will necessitate scheduled meets between east and westbound excursions at Bartlett. This will be the first time in several years that trains have regularly met at Bartlett. Expanded Crawford service is necessary to accommodate a variety of bus tours and cruise ship shore excursionists as well as regular retail customers.
Halloween Express
This October, Conway Scenic is offering a new variation on its Halloween themed train for children. The Halloween Express will be a family-friendly one-hour on-train experience offered on select Valley Trains run on the weekends of October 19th and 20th, and 25th and 26th. Halloween Express passengers will board at the North Conway Station for scheduled departure at 12noon, 1:45, 3:00 and 4:15pm.This on-train Halloween party-style excursion is designed around a theatrical characters to entertain young travelers as the train makes its way on the Conway Branch between North Conway and Conway. Youngsters are encouraged to dress up in costume, while actors on board will provide goody-back to stow their treats. Every child’s ticket comes with complimentary pumpkin (as long as supplies last) to be selected at the conclusion of the trip in North Conway. Not all the cars aboard the Valley are reserved for Halloween Express experience, and passengers looking to enjoy the regular Valley train will have a choice of either First Class or Dome seating.
Job Opportunities at Conway Scenic
Conway Scenic is anticipating a busy Autumn season for bus and shore excursion passengers. One of the railroad’s growth areas has been the day shore excursion option for cruise passengers arriving on ships in Portland. This season the railroad is recruiting addition travel guides to accompany shore excursionists from the dock in Portland and travel by VIP Tour and Charter Bus company motor coaches to the Mount Washington Valley for a one-way trip on Conway Scenic over Crawford Notch and a regional shopping experience. While all shore excursions begin and end in Portland, the specific itineraries will vary depending on individual cruise ship schedules and the length of time in Portland. In some situations, shore excursionists are bused directly to Crawford to board an eastward train to North Conway, in others they may board their train at the North Conway Station for the trip west over Crawford Notch. Travel Guides assist guests, provide narration and context to the trip, and help visitors to learn more about the region and the railroad. If you are interested in a seasonal position as a Travel Guide please contact Jason Briggs at: 207-252-0122.
Conway Scenic also has other full-time, part-time and season positions open for interested and qualified applicants. Contact Train Master Mike Lacey at: [email protected]