ML&M has partnered with the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and Museum for the preservation and operation of 2 historic Maine Narrow Gauge Steam Locomotives. These two locomotives Monson #4 and Bridgton & Saco River #8 are invaluable artifacts of Maine's railroad history. We believe the best way to preserve these two treasures is to restore them to operation to ensure their longevity for future generations.
THE PLAN:
Our goal is to restore both locomotives to meet FRA requirements as to allow these locomotives to operate on the 2 foot gauge railroads in Maine. Restoration work has already begun on #4 and when #4 is complete, work will commence on #8. ML&M is responsible for planning, orchestrating and fundraising the completion of these projects and we are committed to see this through. ML&M is also making significant contributions to their restoration.
PROGRESS:
ML&M has already significantly invested in #4 to date, we have completed the following:
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Disassembled the locomotive
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Removal of the boiler
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Removal of the cab and tank
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Disassembly of boiler components, including the removal of the firebox
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Beginning of boiler inspection
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Construction of a new tank
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Machining of new stay bolts
YOU CAN HELP!
While significant progress has been made, keep checking back as we will announce upcoming fundraising efforts to get #4 and #8 steaming again
History:
Monson #4 was built in 1918 by Vulcan Iron Works for the Monson Railroad. It spent its working life hauling slate, passengers, and freight on the six-mile Monson Railroad. After that railroad’s closure in 1943, Monson #4 went to the original version of the Edaville Family Theme Park. It stayed there for nearly 50 years before coming to Portland when Maine Narrow Gauge was formed.
Bridgton & Saco River Railroad #8 was built in 1924 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. It was the last, largest, and heaviest of the steam engines built for the Bridgton & Saco River. It spent its working days carrying passengers and freight between Bridgton and Hiram, Maine, where the narrow gauge railroad had a connection with the standard gauge Maine Central Railroad. The Bridgton & Saco River Railroad (later renamed the Bridgton & Harrison Railway) closed in 1941. #8 enjoyed a second life at the Edaville Railroad, until the original version of the Edaville Railroad closed in 1991. #8 was returned to Maine as part of the inaugural Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company & Museum Collection.
