Hunting season on the Sandy River Line. Maine's Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes system was a conglomeration of several smaller railroads, notably the Sandy River Railroad, the Phillips & Rangeley Railroad, and the Franklin & Megantic. In the early days, it was apparently common for crews on these two-foot lines to bring their rifles with them on the train during hunting season. Traveling through the deep woods of Maine, the little trains often spooked large game, such as deer and bear, providing an excellent opportunity for the crews to bring home something more than just a paycheck. In this scene, the crew on a mixed train, from Carrabasset to Strong, has flushed a large buck and the fireman quickly brandishes his 1898 Winchester Rifle for a shot at what might be dinner for the next week and a half.
This scene was staged during a February, 2024 photo shoot on Maine's Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum, which featured WW&F Locomotive #9 decorated in the livery of her very first owner, the Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad, where she carried the number 6. Trailing on the rear of the consist this day is Franklin & Megantic Coach #2. Both the engine and the coach would have run on the Sandy River back in the day. The train is shown here at the rural crossing for Rosewood Stables, not far from Milepost 7.
