Conway Scenic RR

Post date: Sep 26, 2012 1:39:50 AM

For Christmas 2011, my wife gave me a gift of a scenic train ride to be redeemed at a later date, in better weather. Well, that later date came and we headed for North Conway, NH and the Conway Scenic RR ( http://www.conwayscenic.com/ ).

Even though the weather started out a little threatening, all of the locals' predictions panned out, and the clouds and mist burned off to give us an amazing day in New Hampshire's White Mountains.

We arrived a bit early, and I was able to take some shots of the yard and some of the trains and cars that were about. You can click on all pictures for a larger version.

Some great wood and brass work on this car's rear balcony.

The train equivalent of taillights.

The pride of the fleet - the beautifully restored #7470, a 0-6-0 coal fired steam locomotive, used for the shorter trips and special events.

Here is a video of it pulling out of the station: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfT48ZBz1zg

Our trip through the mountains included first-class dome seating, and lunch in the first-class dining car with a 3 course meal. The entire trip was 5 1/2 hours long and the scenery was breath taking!

The Dorthea Mae dome car - perfect for mountain views!

The dome from the inside.

The interior of the Hattie Evans dining car with cushy seats and hand painted murals on the ceiling.

And finally.... the scenery!

The Saco River.

Crossing Frankenstein Trestle. ( http://www.conwayscenic.com/pubs/Frankenstein_Trestle.pdf )

Mount Washington and the Mount Washington Observatory in the distance.

Coming through the notch - also known as a gap or a pass, depending on your area of the country.

Another video highlighting the sights and sounds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gxi9Zn0YS8w

Passing #1751, the recently acquired diesel locomotive yet to be put into service.

Skimming past the Granite outcroppings with less than a few feet to spare.

Finally back at the home station, in North Conway.

Truly an excellent trip and an excellent Christmas gift. If you're ever in the area, be sure to stop in, grab a ticket, and take a ride on the rails!

-PHIL