Page 9 - NMRA Roundhouse January-February 2020
P. 9

   The only other rolling stock in sight were a series of extra-long flat cars load- ed down with large packages of wrapped wood products that were shipped down from northern Maine.
The two coaling towers appeared a little worse for wear since 2013.Their con- crete components appeared to be suf- fering from steady disintegration.At one time the two towers were connected with an enclosed conveyor belt support- ed with a delicate steel truss across the width of the rail yard.The west tower received the coal in a pit. One half of the coal load was then hoisted up to its own bin and other half was steered to the east tower.The cylindrical west tower is still graced with its red builder’s plate— Roberts and Schaefer Co., Chicago USA.
Last, but not least, the gigantic corru- gated steel tunnel structure that erupts from the yard floor deserves attention. When it was operational (now it is locked down) it provided the safest, yet quickest access under the yard’s rail network to the coaling tower when strings of rail cars plugged the right of way.Today, the snow plows and tunnel entrance are adorned with colourful graffiti that is similar in some respects to ancient tablets recording sexual exploits and boozing.
In spite of all these machinations the remains of the day at Northern Maine Junction made my day.
David Kahler
The once sturdy yard office construct- ed with brick veneer had retained its window glazing until recently. Since
its deactivation, the windows are now covered with plywood panelling. Sad, but at least the railroad continues here, and the spirit of the Bangor and Aroostook lives on.
   ROUNDHOUSE - January/February 2020
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