Haulin' "Big Joe". After a productive day of lining and tamping the track north of Alna Center, WW&F Road Foreman Dana Deering (green hat) takes his MOW Extra and crew south toward Sheepscot Station and a well-deserved dinner that is waiting for them. The power for this little train is the museum's 1947-vintage Brookville Gas Mechanical Locomotive, Number 51. Trailing behind is "Big Joe", a powerful, home-grown tamper car that is nearly always in action whenever major track work is being done. The business end of "Big Joe" (back of the flat car) was built from the front end of a forklift truck and the power is provided by the bright red air compressor (head end of the flat car). "Big Joe" is one of several specialized MOW cars that the WW&F has built. Among the others are a fire-fighting car built around a pressure-washing apparatus, and a mower car that incorporates a retractable sickle-bar cutter. All of these cars are designed to work with the Brookville, which provides economical power and leaves the museum's other locomotives free for yard switching and passenger service.
A tribute of appreciation to the workers who maintain the track, keeping our railways in shape regardless of weather and danger, and keeping them running effeciently.
