Description

The modeled portion of the Maine Central RR (MeC) runs from Portland, ME to Vanceboro, ME (staging) with two branch lines, one to Oquossoc, ME (known as the Rangeley Branch) and one to Farmington, ME. The Farmington line connects with the diminutive Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes RR. The Sandy River as we call it is a mere 2 Feet Between the Rails. Other connecting railroads are the Canadian Pacific (CP), the Bangor & Aroostook (BAR), and the Boston & Maine (B&M).

The B&M runs from Portland west to Boston staging; It is one of our most important passenger connections. Traffic on the MeC Mountain Division shares the staging yard with B&M Boston traffic.

Most of the passenger trains have switching. This keeps the passenger switcher busy with milk, express, and mail set outs and pick ups. Several trains have Pullmans that are set out en route or picked up enroute. Pullman cars are often left in passenger stations until morning so people can sleep in. Pullman and diner cars are serviced at special commissary tracks. Diners are set out enroute in some cases.

Freight trains run as second class trains and third class. There are local and through trains. There is one “scheduled extra” between Boston and Portland, run when time and need allows. Freight trains can originate in Boston, Portland, Bangor, Vanceboro, and St. Johnsbury.

Editor’s note: John started construction the day he and his wife moved into the house in July of 2024, even before the furniture got delivered!

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