Back on track

By JOEL ELLIOTT
Staff Writer

Copyright © 2006 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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	Staff photo by David Leaming enlarge Passengers watch from an open-air railroad car as the Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad steam locomotive backs down a sidetrack in Burnham to hook onto the other end for the return trip to Unity on Sunday.
	Staff photo by David Leaming enlarge Emily Hofgren, left, her sister Alice of Waterville and their aunt Nancy Agnello decide on food as Cheryl Lamontagne takes their order in the cafe section of a Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad car on Sunday.
	Staff photo by David Leaming enlarge Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad conductor Bernie McCaslin checks tickets from the grandchildren of Richard Fuller, seated, of Waterville on Sunday during a run from Unity to Burnham. The children from left are Cooper, Thomas, Vivien and Amelia Lappenbusch of Seattle.

UNITY -- Whistle blasting, gray steam pumping from its smokestack, the 1913 Swedish locomotive lurched from the Unity Station Sunday.

It was the second day in nearly two years that a train had run on the 139-year-old Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad tracks after the operation had been shut down. An estimated 200 people rode it that afternoon, making for a total of 500 passengers since the railroad's reopening on Saturday.

Bracing against the jolt, children and adults grabbed onto the nearest railing and watched the greenery begin to slide past as the train rolled toward Burnham almost nine miles away. Smoke curled back over the open first car, but most people stayed put, braving the soot in order to obtain a better view.

Curving rails guided the train west through the forest, sunlight pouring down from a blue sky with a scattering of clouds. Inside the closed cars, travelers relaxed in booths or in private rooms, watching the scenery glide past or talking quietly among themselves. For some adults, the ride reminded them of past trips; for many children, it was their first time on a train.

Husband and wife Richard and Lin Fuller of Waterville were relaxing with their grandchildren, Vivian, Amelia, Thomas and Cooper Lappenbush, ages 9, 7, 5 and 5, respectively, in a private room in the first-class car while they waited for the conductor, Bernie McCaslin, to check their tickets.

"It's awesome," Vivian said. "I've never been on one before."

Vivian's little brother, Cooper, interjected at this point to say that the best part of the train ride was "eating the nachos" they'd purchased at the small food bar. But Vivian didn't let this derail her train of thought.

"It actually reminds me of the airplane ride (from their home in Seattle)," she said. "It kind of smells like the airplane, and I kind of feel like I'm going to topple over -- but I never do."

At this point, the conductor came with a hole-punch to mark their tickets. Up the hall in the cafeteria, the president of the Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad Preservation Society, Bob Lamontagne, took a break to eat his own nachos and cheese, and to comment on the logistics of rejuvenating the small railroad.

"It's time-consuming, because there's a huge amount of equipment, a huge amount of renovation," Lamontagne said.

The society's president said he also plans to build an antique car display and a museum at the railroad station. Construction should reach completion in the fall. Trains depart at noon on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Upcoming events include family day on Sept. 3; shuttles to the Common Ground Fair Sept. 22-24; a Halloween party in which participants in costumes ride free and a Christmas party. More information can be found by visiting the railroad's Web site at www.belfastrailroad.com, or by calling 948-5500.

Joel Elliott -- 861-9252

jelliott@centralmaine.com