For years I neglected this little railroad due to the location, the tourist aura it fronts, but after the shops rebuilt WW&F #9's boiler, I decided to give them another look. My visit yesterday really opened my eyes. When you hear of railroad oriented museums which never seem to get ahead and seem to fall into further neglect each year, you have to be amazed by these people. The volunteers appear regularly to living quarters that provide beds, hot showers, and flush toilets. This is what is happening this year alone.
Former Maine Central crossing shack of octagonal design is being rebuilt by two volunteer carpenters. The staff is also rebuilding a full-size Maine Central caboose at this time.
Monson two footer is being rebuilt for the Sandy River and Rangely Lakes restoration. Boothbay shops are re-tubing and building a new smokebox, plus additional sheet metal work. This locomotive still says "Edaville" on the side.
Stored under a long weather shed, along with three n/g boxcars, this combine is going to be rebuilt this winter. Boothbay volunteers are raising a two-track car shop at the moment.
This Baldwin two-footer is in what might be the worst display shape I've ever seen, but only to the un-educated eye. Her boiler and tank look like swiss cheese, yet the drivers, cylinders, and running gear are in very good condition. Boothbay shops are going to replace the bad with new material of their own fabrication. The Baldwin is to be re-born! when the Monson loco is done.
The frame of #7, a German Henschell tank loco is ready to receive the recently rebuilt boiler. This work is to be finished this next week.
#7's boiler, just back from a parade, with a thank you to Boothbay volunteers painted on the side.
Boothbay Railway Village's bread and butter. A 1913 German Henschell pulls two cars of happy tourists around the loop. The volunteer Conductor and Engineer do a capital job of greeting the passenger, children in particular, and keeping guests informed.
The Railway Village comprises historic buildings moved from the original locations to the museum, a shed of historic automobiles, a beautiful model railroad which reprises Maine's glory days of railroading, and other railroad exhibits. I think it shows other small railroad museums that when people want to get things done, they get done. Nobody is twisting the arms of these volunteers (women and men). The Museum provided lodging on site, and welcomes most any mind, muscle, and sweat. It trains the operating staff, including railroad crews. The other factors involved are location, location, location. Still, I doubt there aren't lessons here for every operation that can't seem to move off center. If you are coming to Maine to see the WW&F, Boothbay Railway Village is only a short drive away.
