Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad narrow gauge (photos)

The Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad (SR&RL) was a narrow gauge railroad that negotiated approximately 112 miles of track in Maine between the years of 1908 to 1935. This railroad was the longest of the five two-foot railways that once serviced the state. A scrap metal firm purchased the railroad at auction in May and operations ended July 2, 1935. The remaining rails were lifted in 1936. The SR&RL continues to run in the present day on a revived short segment of the original railway in Phillips. Last season the railroad was pleased to announce the return of steam to Phillips; Monson #3 served as the primary steam locomotive power.

On January 16th I ventured to Phillips for a day trip of exploring and photography, the link to my photographs is below.

Stripping away color enhances the patterns, textures, shapes, tones, geometry, and shadows in these images – which helps to highlight the minimalism created by the snow covered tracks, and the mystery that something is left to be grasped and understood. Negative intrigue draws the viewer in; even though the compositions feature the hidden right-of-way. The mind's eye is forced to fill in the rest of the story...

Link to Photographs

Enjoy,
Matthew