Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad (2009) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad

BML trains resting in Unity Yard (2020)
Overview
Headquarters	Unity, Maine
Reporting mark	BML
Locale	Waldo County, Maine
Dates of operation	2009–present
Predecessor	Maine Central Railroad Co., Belfast Branch (Under lease, 1871–1925) 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 Maine. It is run by the Brooks Preservation Society (BPS). This group is a non-profit organization. They work to protect and save old train tracks and equipment. These historic items are found in Waldo County, Maine. From 2009 to 2012, it was known as the Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railway.

History of the Railroad

How the Railroad Started

The original Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad Company stopped running in 2007. In 2008, the Brooks Preservation Society (BPS) was formed. This group was made up of volunteers. Their first goal was to buy an old train station in Brooks. This station was built in 1892. They wanted to save it as an important piece of railroad history.

No. 53 (left) and No. 50 (right) at City Point in 2012.

Soon after, the BPS started collecting old trains. They got two diesel-electric locomotives. These were BML#50 and BML#53. BML#50 was bought new in 1946. It was the first non-steam train on the line. BML#53 joined the fleet in 1970. The BPS also added other cars. These included an open-air observation car and a classic Pullman car.

Operating Train Rides

In February 2009, the BPS made a deal. They leased about 30 miles of track from the state of Maine. This allowed them to start running trains. In July of that year, they began offering weekend train rides. These trips went between Brooks and Waldo.

No. 50 (left) and No. 53 at City Point.

Later in 2009, the BPS leased more track. This part was within the city of Belfast. It allowed them to start train service from the Upper Bridge. This new route also went to Waldo.

Changes in the Route

In July 2010, the City of Belfast bought the track within its limits. The city wanted to turn this area into a public walking and biking trail. However, they agreed to keep leasing the track to the BPS. This allowed the BPS to continue running seasonal trains.

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

After two years, the city ended the lease in October 2012. This meant the BPS had to move its train operations. In 2013, they moved to the City Point Museum site. The BPS later bought this property.

The completed "Passy Rail Trail" converted BML grade near the Beavertail at MP 1.3 (July, 2016)

The railroad still uses about 30 miles of state-owned track. They run regular weekend trips from City Point. They also offer special event rides and group charters. In 2014, the city began removing the old train tracks. By September 2016, the area was transformed. It became a walking and biking path called the "Passy Rail Trail."

Current Operations

As of 2018, the main operations moved to Unity, Maine. The City Point Center Yard is now used for storing equipment. Passenger trains usually leave Unity at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. These trains travel west past Unity Pond. They go through the Burnham Bog and then return to Unity Station. Eastbound trains go to the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association Station in Thorndike, Maine. Some also go to Farwell General Store in Thorndike. Trains run almost all year, even in winter.

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.

Upgrades and Improvements

From 2018 to 2021, the BML acquired new equipment. This equipment helps maintain the tracks. They bought some items at auctions. They also worked with the Canadian Pacific Railway. The railroad has many older machines. These came from other famous railroads. Many of these machines have been fixed up. They help the BML replace old railroad ties.

Recent achievements include making the tracks safer. The line from Burnham Junction to Thorndike Yard is now in good condition. They have also cleaned ditches and replaced pipes. Trees along the tracks have been cleared for safety. One old passenger car has been fully restored. Another dining car from Sweden was also restored. Locomotive 53 has been almost completely rebuilt. Several road crossings have also been repaired.

Train Equipment

The Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad uses different types of locomotives. Here is a list of some of them: