Saturday, August 27, 2011

Locomotives, again...














A newer one, manufactured by General Electric in 1993. This is a P40DC "Genesis" series. These locomotives have provided the motive power for Amtrak's non-electrified routes since the early '90's. This diesel electric locomotive makes 4,250 HP and can pull a passenger consist at over 120 MPH where allowed.

This locomotive is heading up Amtrak's 40th Anniversary Train which is touring the country and was in Freeport, Maine in mid August. Amtrak is expanding service to Brunswick Maine beginning in 2012 and Freeport is a stop along the route.

The engineer told me that the track is so bad that he was limited to 20 MPH up from Portland. The track and crossings are being upgraded for the new service.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

A Steamy August in Boothbay




Well It has been hot. But steamy???

















The Boothbay Railway Village Museum just outside of Boothbay Harbor has four of these old 2' steam locomotives. They were all built just after the turn of the last century and were originally  used primarily on logging and short run operations in rural Maine. It's amazing that these old locomotives have been running for over 100 years. I'm sure the maintenance and upkeep keep the Museum volunteers busy year around.

This shot is one of the locomotives letting off a little steam.