RDC on the Maine Central at Pudding Pond.

A visit to New Hampshire’s Conway Scenic Railroad a few weeks ago was unusually rewarding.

We were invited to travel on a special chartered excursion that worked east on the old Maine Central Mountain Division, a portion of the railroad that only rarely sees trains.

It was my first time over that portion of the line.

Tri-X view of the old Maine Central.

We were treated to a spin on a former New Haven RDC, of the sort that I used to ride in Connecticut many years ago.

Exposed on Kodak Tri-X using a 1980s era Nikon F3 with f1.4 50mm lens.

I made photos with my Lumix LX7, FujiFilm X-T1, and old Nikon F3 variously loaded with Fuji Provia and Kodak Tri-X.

The train crew was very accommodating in regards to photo stops, and suggested some great vantage points.

Digital image exposed using my Lumix LX7.
Station sign at Redstone, New Hampshire. Lumix LX7 photo.
Exposed using my FujiFilm X-T1 near Redstone, New Hampshire.
RDC interior exposed with a Lumix LX7 digital camera.
Train crew in silhouette. Kodak Tri-X exposed with a Nikon F3 with 50mm lens.
It was a rare day a Pudding Pond.
Isn’t East Broad Top number 12 also called ‘Millie?’ Lumix LX7 Photo.

Overall our experience on the Conway Scenic was first class and we had a wonderful time! This is a really great preserved railroad. Thanks to Dave and Rhonda Swirk and all the employees of Conway Scenic!

Tracking the Light Posts Daily.

4 comments on “RDC on the Maine Central at Pudding Pond.

  1. Dan Smith on said:

    What part of the line is that? In 1998 I travelled West to Fabyan.

  2. Tom Sharratt on said:

    I just today (Sunday) completed a two day round trip on the VIA Budd RDCs from Sudbury to White River. I rode it back in the early 90s and not much has changed. Great crew – very efficient and friendly. Busy with fisher people (families) stopping to get on or off. Watched the crew load about ten canoes and lots of gear in Sudbury in about 15 minutes, then off load at various isolated spots. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TO ANY ONE WHO LOVES RDCs!!! Three cars operated: one former RDC1, one I think was a RDC2, and one RDC3. Ran great! Mainline of the CP – had to maintain a schedule and met lots of CP freights!

  3. Thanks! And I’ve got two Nikkor 50mm f1.4s and use them all the time.

  4. John Smoots on said:

    Nice images — and I’m glad to see I’m not the only one left still using a 50mm f/1.4 Nikkor.

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