March 2026 Wheel Report
By Brian Solomon
Photos by Mike Lacey
On the Move in March
Historically, Conway Scenic Railroad didn’t offer excursions in March. Over the last few years the railroad has gradually expanded its March offerings. This year, the railroad has been operating weekend excursions during the first weeks of the month. Our Winter Mountaineer has grown in popularity and demonstrated strong ridership. This train has continued to operate over the Mountain Division to Fabyan on Saturdays with a departure time from North Conway at 10:30am. Saturday’s Murder on the Rails has enjoyed continued popularity during February and March, and the railroad expects to continue to offer this theatrical excursion experience again on Summer Saturdays.
Rules Class and Spring Schedules
A very brief excursion hiatus at the end of March and Early April will allow for the annual training class for safety and operating rules on Saturday March 28th. This important meeting helps reinforce the railroad’s rules regime while educating employees on the correct procedures and safety protocols.
The Spring schedule will begin the following weekend with the annual Easter Bunny Express. This excursion is popular with families and runs Saturday and Sunday, April 4th and 5th. Trains depart from North Conway on the same schedule as the Snow Train which are advertised at 11am, 12:30, 2, and 3:30pm. Guests will enjoy entertainment performed by a cast of Spring characters including the Easter Bunny. Young travelers will enjoy a special holiday treat.
For the remainder of April and May through Memorial Day weekend, the railroad will employ the same weekend schedule for its Valley Train. This is the 1-hour heritage excursion operated since 1974, which aims to recreate the thrill of traveling on an historic branch line passenger train on the run to Conway and back.
The Mountaineer is scheduled to make one run in April, departing from North Conway at 10:30am on Saturday, April 25th, with additional Saturdays trips scheduled for May. More frequent trips are scheduled during June. Daily Valley trains resume Memorial Day and from that date Mountaineers scheduled for most Tuesdays and Saturdays in June. The summer schedule begins in July, and like last year railroad plans to operate the Mountaineer twice a day, Saturday and Sunday, and Tuesday through Thursday, with options for a Crawford to North Conway round trip. See website for details.
Job Opportunities
Come and work for the railroad! Conway Scenic is presently recruiting new employees for the 2026 season. The railroad has a variety of job opportunities and we are looking to match prospective applicants with the most appropriate positions. The railroad is seeking candidates for all departments including: buildings & grounds, gift shop, mechanical, operations (train service), ticket office, and track. We have openings 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].
Work trains
In addition to snow removal, the railroad has operated a variety of mid-week work extras as required for continued maintenance. On March 6, GP38 255 led a work extra to Crawford and back. On March 12, 2026, GP9 1751 was assigned to a work extra running from North Conway to Bartlett to assist the track department. As the railroad moves into the Spring season, work extras typically become a more common sight along the line, especially on days when there are no scheduled excursions. The work extras are operated as required and do not adhere to set schedules.
Improving the on-board experience
Conway Scenic is presently cultivating relationships and exploring new ideas to improve the on-board experience on our excursions. This will involve improvements in the ways that we present the railroad, its history and historical antecedents, as well as the lore of the Mount Washington Valley. We are always seeking for ways to better engage the guests on-board our trains.