Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad (2009) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad

BML#50 (left) and #53 at City Point
Overview
Headquarters	Brooks, Maine
Reporting mark	BML
Locale	Waldo County, Maine
Dates of operation	2009–present
Predecessor	Maine Central Railroad Co., Belfast Branch (Under lease, 1871–1925) Original Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad Co. (1926–2007)
Technical
Track gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Length	30.57 miles (49.20 km)

The Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad is a special train line in Waldo County, Maine. It's run by the Brooks Preservation Society (BPS). This group is a non-profit organization that started in 2008. Their main goal is to protect and save old trains and railway tracks. From 2009 to 2012, it was known as the Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railway.

History of the Railroad

Starting the Brooks Preservation Society

In 2008, the original Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad Company closed down. This old company had been around since 1867. To save some of its history, the Brooks Preservation Society (BPS) was formed. It's a group of volunteers who wanted to protect old railroad buildings and equipment.

Their first big step was buying the old train station in Brooks, Maine. This station was built in 1892. They wanted to make sure this important piece of history was saved.

Saving Old Trains

After getting the station, the BPS started collecting old trains. They found some of the original Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad's equipment. This included two diesel-electric locomotives built in the 1940s.

• BML#50: This train was bought new in 1946. It was the first non-steam train to run on the line.
• BML#53: This train joined the BML fleet in 1970.

BML#53 (left) and BML#50 (right) at City Point in 2012.

The BPS also added other cool cars to their collection. These included an open-air observation car, a classic chair car from 1926, and an old caboose.

Running the Trains Again

In 2009, the BPS made a deal with the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT). This allowed them to use about 30 miles (48 km) of state-owned track. This track runs from the Belfast/Waldo town line to Burnham Junction.

In July 2009, the BPS started running weekend train rides. These trips went between Brooks and Waldo. Later that year, they leased more track within Belfast city limits. This allowed them to offer regular train rides from the Upper Bridge to Waldo.

Changes in Belfast

In 2010, the City of Belfast bought the part of the track within its city limits. They wanted to turn it into a public walking and biking trail called a "rail trail." However, they still allowed the BPS to run trains on it for a few more years.

BML#3248 at City Point station, where operations moved in 2013.

In 2012, the City of Belfast decided to stop leasing the track to the BPS. They wanted to focus on building the rail trail. This meant the BPS had to find a new place to start their train rides.

Moving to City Point

In 2013, the BPS moved their train operations to the City Point Museum site. This site has a historic 19th-century station house. The BPS later bought this property.

The railroad still uses the remaining track from City Point to the bogs beyond Waldo. They offer scheduled weekend train rides and special events.

The completed "Passy Rail Trail" near the Beavertail in Belfast (July, 2016).

In 2014, the City of Belfast began removing the old railroad tracks to build the "Passy Rail Trail." By 2016, the trail was completed. It's now a paved path for walking and biking.

Unity, Maine Operations

BML trains resting in Unity Yard (2020).

Today, many of the passenger trains start at the BML's main office in Unity, Maine. Regular trains leave at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. These trains usually travel west past Unity Pond and through the Burnham Bog. Then, they return to Unity Station.

Trains going east might end their trip at the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association Station in Thorndike. Some also go to the Farwell General Store, also in Thorndike. The trains run almost all year, even during the winter holidays.

Rail Bike Rides

During the summer, you can also try "Rail Bike" rides. These are pedal-powered carts that ride on the tracks. Each bike can hold two riders and has space for bags.

Special Event Trains

The railroad also offers special train rides for different events. These include "The Great Train Robbery," "The Santa Express," and "Fall Foliage Special." These special trips are often longer and offer unique experiences.

Present-day Preservation Efforts

From 2018 to 2021, the BML started getting new equipment to help maintain the tracks. This equipment helps them keep the railway safe and in good condition. They bought some of it at auctions and from other railway companies.

The railroad now has many older machines from famous lines like the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad. Many of these machines have been fixed up. They help the BML replace old railroad ties and work with the Maine State DOT.

Recent Achievements

The BML has made great progress in keeping the tracks safe. Some of their recent achievements include:

• Replacing old railroad ties. This has made the track safe for trains from Burnham Junction to Thorndike Yard.
• Cleaning ditches and replacing pipes along the track.
• Clearing trees to make sure trains can pass safely.
• Fully restoring a passenger car from the old Maine Central Railroad.
• Restoring a dining car from the Swedish State Railways.
• Almost fully restoring BML locomotive 53.
• Repairing and replacing several road crossings.

Equipment

The Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad uses many different types of locomotives (train engines). Here's a list of some of their main equipment: