February 2026 Wheel Report
By Brian Solomon
Photos by Mike Lacey
Winter Operations
January and early February found unusually difficult winter conditions. The succession of heavy snowfalls combined with bitterly cold temperatures challenged operating crews. Despite these difficulties, the railroad has persisted running work trains during the week and scheduled excursions on weekends. Most weekends, the standard four-round trip Snow Train schedule was maintained between North Conway and Conway and the 10:30 am Winter Mountaineer was operated from North Conway over Crawford Notch to Fabyan.
Work extras included the following moves. On January 27, 2026, GP38 255 worked a plow train to Conway and back, then worked west to clear the Mountain Division from Mountain Junction all the way to the end of track at Hazens (location of the interchange with Vermont Rail System’s New Hampshire Central near Whitefield, NH). On Friday January 30th, GP38 255 ran light engine to Fabyan to inspect the railroad and clear snow from the line. A work extra operated on Tuesday February 3rd with GP35 216 ran west to Sawyer River to clear the siding and allow crews to clear switches, before returning east to Bartlett where it collected a flatcar to deliver to North Conway. While on Tuesday, February 5th, two work extras were on the Mountain Division; engine 255 ran to Fabyan to inspect the line, while GP9 1751 worked to a point west of milepost 80 to clear ice and snow accumulation. On Friday, February 6th, 255 worked a plow extra to Fabyan, in part to clear flangeways of ice accumulation. Work trains were out on most days during the week of February 9th. On Feb 10th, engine 255 led a work extra to Whittaker Woods for track maintenance. Conway Scenic’s work extras operate as required to keep the railroad in good shape and generally do not operate on set schedules. Snowplow extras can be called for operation when necessary to keep line free from snow and ice accumulation and these may run on very short notice.
Winter 2026 Murder on the Rails
The popularity of last year’s Murder on the Rails theatrical performances has led the railroad to schedule addition dates from January 31st through mid-March. The Winter program performances are held on the last Snow Train scheduled for Saturdays and must be booked separately from regular Snow Train tickets. These performances are interactive and audience members are encouraged to participate. Promotions for the production have included this description:
Step back to the winter of 1940, when passengers aboard the historic and normally peaceful Snow Train are faced with an unexpected and baffling murder mystery to solve!
Four peculiar strangers depart aboard the Snow Train following their morning at a ski resort. After boarding, a mysterious event involving trickery and deceit results in one of the odd passengers failing to Boston alive. To find the culprit, the audience will need to gather clues, interrogate the suspects, and try to determine who to trust and who might by lying.
Safety and Rules Class
Conway Scenic’s annual Safety and Rules class has been scheduled for Conway Scenic employees Saturday, March 28th. The class will be held for employees at the Gibson Center located at Grove St., in North Conway. This is a crucial part of the railroad’s training and safety regime.
Job Opportunities
Come and work for the railroad! Conway Scenic has begun recruiting for the 2026 season and we have a variety of job opportunities for qualified applicants. The railroad is seeking candidates for all departments including: buildings & grounds, gift shop, mechanical, operations (train service), ticket office, and track. Positions are available for part time, full time and seasonal employees. If you are interested in working for Conway Scenic or know someone who may be interested, please send inquiries and resumés to Train Master Mike Lacey at: [email protected].