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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.
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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.
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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
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​History:
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​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.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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​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.
