It's Fall at the Downeast Scenic Railroad. What an exciting time Fall 2008 has proved to be for the members of the Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust, Inc. and the curious passersby at Washington Junction and throughout Ellsworth.

In early September tracks crews from the Maine Eastern Railroad began installing 2000 new ties and 125 switch timbers within the 4 mile segment from Washington Junction to Ellsworth Falls. This work on Phase I of the Downeast Scenic Railroad Project brings us that much closer to operating in 2009. Our thanks go to all who participated in our Buy-A-Tie Program and to the Maine Department of Transportation for their assistance with the tie program.

Also in September the Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust, Inc. received its first major grant. $15,000 was awarded to the Trust from The Davis Family Foundation to assist with the development of Phase I of the project. This generous award will enable the Downeast Scenic Railroad to complete much of the Phase I work started this year. We would like to thank The Davis Family Foundation for their kind consideration of the project and acknowledgement of the work our organization has undertaken to preserve the corridor and to enhance economic activity in the region.

Big news for the Downeast Scenic Railroad was the arrival of our first motive power. The #54, a GE 70 Ton locomotive purchased from the Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad Preservation Society. The Trust would like to thank the following for helping to make this purchase possible; Mr. & Mrs. Arthur E. Pew III, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Slick, Mr. and Mrs. Alton Davis as well as two significant annonymous donations. All helped by contributing to the purchase as well as the cost to transport #54 and for the purchase of a new battery bank for the locomotive.

Mover Baxter Cook and his crew landed #54 at Washington Junction On September 24th via flat bed truck and by the end of the day had her sitting on her trucks. Within several days Trust volunteers had her traction motors reconnected, stairs attached, along with other reassembly necessary and she looks great in her new home.

Our plan is to store the #54 until next spring when she will first move on the Calais Branch. That will be a big day indeed after a 24 year absence of power on the line.