Bangor, Maine Railfanning ??

though it's been a looooong time since I spent time in Bangor, I recall a yard alongside the river near downtown, as well as a second yard out near the airport.

 

there also had been a branch that ran south towards Ellsworth and Mount Desert Island.

 

I have no idea what is still active these days.

MM&A is the former Grand Trunk (eastern) CN Subsidiary that ran from Portland to Montreal.  

 

"Northern Maine Jct." used to be the Bangor area hot spot.  I doubt it is any more.

Actually, MMA is primarily the former Bangor & Aroostock plus the east / west line from Montreal to the Martimes that was owned by CP.  The former Grand Trunk line to Portland is now the St. Lawrence & Atlantic.

To answer the original poster's question however, MMA's line is probably the busier of the two railroad's serving Bangor now, but not by much.  When I was in that area last June, Pan Am was only operating about 3-4 days per week whereas MMA is running daily.  Not to discourage but, this area is not the best for a railfan if they crave lots of action.

Curt

Thanks, guys. You gave me my bearings. It is the Northern Maine Junction near the Bangor Airport.

 

My trip there will be for other purposes, but I will explore the area. Hope I see some action. Some abandoned equipment, buildings, etc is always interesting, too.

 

I'll be there in my 4WD truck .... if a little off-roading is needed to reach some areas.

Jim,

        The Super 8 isn't bad but there is also a Days Inn right next to it. That stretch of track is just East of the Yard Limit of NMJ so you'd be likely to see 4-6 movements over it in a 24 hour period but that can vary widely. 

          -Joey

Joey, is there anything left of the old Bangor Union Station, or the line that led to it?

Kent - yes - the line that went through Union Station is still there. Its the freight main line. The building itself is completely gone, replaced by a strip mall. (I don't like it either :-))

          Bangor Yard is the largest difference - it used to have a round house, its own work train, a back shop and a large yard. Its GONE. There is a single track through there and the land has been turned over to the City and its been turned into a multi use area, walking trails, outdoor concerts etc.

          One of the reasons that Bangor yard was so big, the Calais branch, was shutdown in the early 80s. At that point, Bangor yard wasn't nearly as important as it once was.

          Recently, a portion of the Calais branch was re-activated, its now being used as a Tourist operation, the Downeast Scenic. However, they are 'rail locked' with a rail trail to their East and no actual interchange to their West.

          -Joey

Thanks for all the info, guys.

 

Joey, do you know anything about Union Station Hobby in Bangor?

 

Thanks for the hotel info. I'll be staying there alone, so a clean bed and shower is all I need this time. Just as long as its close to Dysart's restaurant in the truck stop.  Love that place. Ever eat there?

 

Hope to get up there soon, depends on doctor's orders in two weeks. I may contact you then. Moving my son out of U Maine, but will be spending 5 days or so there.

 

Jim

Jim,

         Never been to, or knew Union Station Hobby existed - just found a couple of references on a quick Google search - but no other info I'm afraid.

         As to the hotel - there is a Motel 6 right around the corner, might be cheaper, but obviously more basic. As to Dysarts - oh yes - I've eaten there a lot. FYI, the prices have gone up in recent years. There is a Best Western (the White House Inn) right behind Dysart's - probably more expensive.

         Trust me - we'll still be here in two weeks :-)

          -Joey