May 2023 Wheel Report
By Brian Solomon Busy Spring April 2023 proved to be unusually robust in terms of ridership and work on the railroad. We had several very busy weekend on our Conway and Sawyer River excursions. During April and early May we have had Work Extras out on the line most weekdays. During this period, most trains were assigned either GP38 252 or GP9 1751, with GP35 216 held in reserve. Mid-month April, GP38 255 was taken out of service for its mandatory 92-inspection. Our roundhouse crew also continued making improvements and repairs to equipment. Coach/ Snack bar Car 1133 Mount Washington received significant renovation and improvement. This included restoration and re-installation of vintage luggage racks in seating areas, new window sashes and new counter spaces at the snack bar. Materials have been arriving for upcoming track and bridge work. In the…
April 2023 Wheel Report
By Brian Solomon Easter Bunny Express The railroad opened its Spring 2023 Season with the annual Easter Bunny Express. Three trains operated to Conway each day on Saturday April 8 and Sunday, with departures at 11am, 12:30 and 3pm. The Easter Bunny was on hand to greet guests in front of the station and on the trains. Former GP38 255 did the honors hauling a six-car train consisting of; Hattie Evans, CP Reed, Dorthea Mae, Mount Webster, George B. Small, and Mount Bemis. The weather was very fine and we enjoyed robust ridership. Working on the Railroad During weekdays the railroad has been under a system-wide Work Authority to enable our track and operating department to coordinate their activities to open the railroad and make the necessary repairs to operate our Spring excursions. In addition to operation of On-track maintenance…
March 2023 Wheel Report
By Brian Solomon Conclusion of Snow Train 2023 Snow Train 2023 concluded with a stint of daily operations from February 18 through President’s Week until Sunday February 26. One of the highlights of the final weeks of Snow Train was a visit from the television crew of New England Traveler on February 21st. They spent time interviewing railroad staff and filming on board the train, which included recording performances by Eastwood Station, who sang their Snow Train—written about the North Conway to Attitash Winter run. The success of winter operations boosted business by dramatically increasing ridership and revenue during the previously quiet January and February periods, while offering some season employees opportunities to work during the winter. The railroad expects to continue with Snow Train operations in the coming years. More Plow Trains The railroad has continued to keep the…
February 2023 Wheel Report
By Brian Solomon Plow Extras The early weeks of winter were exceptionally mild, but this didn’t paint an accurate picture of the whole 2023 winter season. By late January, several storms had dumped blankets of heavy wet snow in the Mount Washington Valley. Unlike the light fluffy powder that can be easily plowed from the…