Sunday Afternoons in Maine

This was a typical short day of railfanning in January. Small photo counts result when you get going well after noon and you haven't paid attention to the scanner beforehand. As it turns out, the DT&I Fan and I missed a couple of parked trains at Fairgrounds - as we were to learn later.

Before leaving one must print a copy of the latest Downeaster schedule. This occurs mainly because the last printout is long since lost in the car or amidst stacks of railroad magazines in the livingroom. After a customary stop at Maine Modelworks, one inevitably sees that the next outbound train (the last one before dark no less) leaves at 3pm - which is in 20 minutes. Brain: "Is that enough time? Close call. Try it anyway!" We got to CPF201 with a minute to spare. The flying snow didn't hurt much either. This shot is the only really "worthy" shot I got before dark though I took some detail shots down by Thompson's Point later.

When the train rolled off, two other railfans - Chuck (a local) and Todd (from Lewiston) came over for a short chat. Introductions were made and at least we could say the stop was worthwhile. It was a little too nippy to stand around for very long.

Turned out to be a typical January Sunday afternoon in Maine. Not much happening, but there's always the Downeaster if you are near Portland, have a schedule and leave early enough. Sometimes you get to match faces to screen names too.

BC

Maine Scanner Feed Information

Greetings HAPT Listeners, and Happy New Year -

I switched to the US Weather Bureau for 24 hours, just to broadcast to the
outside world what we're expecting in Maine. The predictions have turned down a
notch from death and destruction, but there will still be enough snow so that
you'll be able to listen to snow operations over the next few days.

I'm noticing 4-5 constantly-connected listeners, not including my own
connection. I'm interested to hear from those who connect all the time. Is the
new strteaming software serving you well?

With snow on the ground, reception has been far-flung and quite clear. In the
past couple of weeks I've heard:

(If you hear anything not listed below, let me know. Also, if you thing I'm
missing any railroads, let me know.)

Guilford District 1 - both sides of conversations, from Portland to Leeds Jct
and up to Stricklands

Guilford District 1 - Dispatcher conversation from Portland to north of Bangor,
and down to Bucksport

Guilford District 2 - Dispatched conversation to Newmarket NH

St Lawrence & Atlantic - Dispatcher and road from Deering to Bethel

St Lawrence & Atlantic - Dispatcher for the entire Berlin Sub, and for the
Sherbrooke Sub in VT

Conway Scenic - Dispatcher conversation

Vermont Rail - system-wide coverage, including AMTRAK at Whilehall NY, thanks to
their St Johnsbury repeater

NHN - dispatcher conversation from Rollinsford to Ossipee

For further information on the Scanner Feed, including maps of the areas covered, scanner location, etc., consider joining the Yahoo Group associated with the feed. There's a link in the list to the right of this post. I have to update the list of radio frequencies. Otherwise, peruse the archives, the Files section, and I think there are a few Pictures also.