Wiscasset, Waterville, & Farmington Railway: 2020 Annual Picnic: 8/7 & 8/2020

Program Itinerary: Annual Picnic Excursions: Readying WWFRY no. 9 for operation in Sheepscot Yard: 0:00 Departing Sheepscot Station: 1:23 Cockeye Curve: 2:18 Alna Center: 3:11 Trask Crossing: 3:44 Milepost 6: 4:11 Milepost 8 Excursion: Views of Trout Brook and the Milepost: 5:16 No. 9 fighting the Mountain Extension Grade (onboard perspective): 5:35 Approaching Top of the Mountain (trackside perspective): 8:20 Photo Runby at Alna Center: 9:40 Return to Sheepscot: 10:10 Part of the wide variety of Maine’s 2 foot narrow gauge railroads, the Wiscasset, Waterville, & Farmington has captured the hearts and imaginations of rail enthusiasts from across the world. The original WWFRy ran from 1895 to 1933, operating as one of the largest of the 5 Maine 2 footers, but that wouldn’t save the railroad from its debts, resulting in the line being scrapped in 1937. With some equipment preserved, in the minds of some, it was still an intriguing piece of history, one that should be preserved, and in 1989, Henry Percival began restoring the line, beginning in Sheepscot, working north, rebuilding the line, with volunteer powering the entire effort. As of 2020, the line reached milepost 8, as well as the Trout Brook Bridge, while the line in still in the process of being opened, it is serviceable for trains to the milepost at the south portal to the bridge. Track work is required before the line from Top of the Mountain to just beyond the Trout Brook Bridge, dubbed the Mountain Extension can officially begin regular service. Each year, a celebration of the hard work of volunteers and those who support the railroad is held, the Annual Picnic is one of the biggest consecutive events the Railroad puts on for the public. Train rides during the day are held, and in the evening, a special trip is held for those more dedicated to the railroad, usually this is a photographer opportunity at various locations, but this year something different was held. The previously mentioned Mountain Extension was utilized as two trains ran down to Milepost 8, stopping just short of the Trout Brook Bridge, allowing guests to inspect the new mileage before its official completion and opening for revenue service. The trip would bring out folks from far and wide, all wanting a glimpse of what will be the future for WWFRY’s operations. The Mountain Extension rides a steep grade along a shelf on the banks of the Trout Brook, grades as steep as 4%, giving the 1891-built no. 9 a chance to really work, providing incredible stack talk as she slowly but surely labors up the to Top of the Mountain. Following the ascent, a photo runby for all of the special’s passengers to enjoy was held at Alna Center, the 3 car train making headway in a scene set for both photographers, videographers, and the curious eye alike. The trips were rather popular, with the anticipation for the Mountain Extension’s completion increasing as a result. The Wiscasset, Waterville, and Farmington Railway is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration of Maine 2 Footer history, with all their efforts funded by the generosity of its supporters. To the volunteers and donors who make these scenes of days past possible, thank you. If you would like to support the WWFRY, please visit their website, or visit them in person and take a ride, everything helps! Please enjoy the sights and sounds of 1891 steam!