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  • Maine Central RR - RY-2

    This series of photos follows RY-2 up through Crawford Notch on a bright fall morning.

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    It's a foggy morning in mid-October of 1968 as RY-2, bound from Rigby Yard in South Portland to St Johnsbury, passes through Bartlett. The lead unit is GP-38 253, trailed by GP-7 569 and 3 more -38s: 257,262, and 261.

    18 Oct 1968

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     North of Bartlett, the track follows the Saco River along the floor of the valley. The fog has lifted to a haze now.

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     The haze is starting to burn off as RY-2 crosses Route 302 in Harts Location, opposite the Inn Unique. Soon it will slowed by the increasing grade as the tracks start to climb up along the mountain-side.

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     It was easy to chase a train through the Notch, thanks to the slow uphill climb. Here the train passes near Arethusa Falls.

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     The train is now well up on the mountain-side, crossing Frankenstein Trestle.

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    Here RY-2 is crossing the Willey Brook Bridge. Just ahead of the train is the Mt. Willard Section House.

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    Almost there - the train is rounding the shoulder of Mt. Willard. Just ahead is the top of the Notch. 

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     Made it at last! The lead units are coming through the Gateway at the top of the Notch. Just ahead is the Crawford House station.
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    The hardest work is over as RY-2 heads for Fabyans and beyond to St Johnsbury. 

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