Re: WW&FRy # 9 and Monson # 3 pics

Herb Kelsey Wrote:
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> Since the 3 and 4 were never turned on the Monson
> this may be the first time the 3 has gone around
> on a turntable. Or has she spun on the Phillips
> operation?

Monson #3 has been on the turntable at Phillips and also down at Edaville in South Carver, MA, but you are correct about the original Monson Railroad not having any turning facilities.

Brendan's photos show an interesting comparison between similar sized, Maine 2-foot Locomotives that were built just over 20 years apart. Both are roughly 18 tons engines, yet WW&F #9 looks a bit larger and certainly more ornate, with her arched roof cab and fluted domes. Monson #3, on the other hand, is much more plain-looking, with her steel cab and more conventional domes. The headlight and turbo-generator were first added at Edaville. As I understand it, she carried neither on the original Monson Line as they never operated at night. Interestingly, I believe that the Monson also used link & pin couplers.

Brendan, I think your photos depict the first time these two engines have been seen together under steam.

I will be attending next weekend's event in Alna, but very much envying the folks who are going this weekend. The snow may be largely gone, but the weather forecast is calling for a couple of nice days.

/Kevin Madore