Our Historic Engines Need Help!
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Photos by Tim Zimont and Mark Spremulli |
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In 2004, the MNGRR’s Steam Program fell under the jurisdiction of the Federal Railroad Administration. This means all four of our steam locomotives now have to go through a thorough inspection. FRA mandated upgrades must then be completed before a locomotive is allowed to run. At the start of 2004, the MNG used its available funds to put Monson Railroad engine #4 through the FRA process. To this day, number 4 is our only available locomotive.
The museum has since set aside funds to put Bridgton and Harrison engine #7 through the same process. Since #7 is much bigger than #4, the cost for rehabilitating engine 7 exceeds what the railroad can currently afford. We estimate it will cost between $25,000 and $30,000 to put #7 back on track. We will not start the restoration work until we have the sufficient funds to complete the project. We need your help!
A Maine native, #7 is a 1913 Baldwin built for the Bridgton and Saco River Railroad. Weighing in at 33.5 tons, #7 is a 2-4-4RT type locomotive that hauled passengers and freight in N