There are many impressive heritage railroads across the United States, which offer an attractive selection of tourist trains hauled by technically noteworthy steam locomotives. In New England, the hub of steam railroading lies in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. With no less than three different steam railroads in close proximity, this area should be on any rail enthusiast’s radar and is absolutely worth visiting, especially during Indian summer and at the peak of fall foliage. The two regional stalwarts, the Mount Washington Cog and the Conway Scenic are already very well known and internationally acclaimed. The “diamond in the rough” amongst this nostalgic New Hampshire threesome, however, is the White Mountain Central Railroad in Lincoln. Based at Clark’s Trading Post, a local favorite and classic, back-country New England attraction, replete with an old fire station and live black bear shows, the White Mountain Central is remarkable for its absolutely unique collection of different, standard gauge steam locos. Chief amongst them is the two truck Climax locomotive Nr. 6, one of the very few operational Climax kettles in the world. This technical marvel is accompanied by two other logging locos, a Shay and a Heisler, though both of these presently are out of operating condition.
Still, the Climax has two more operational fleet mates, first and foremost the big and bulky 2-4-2 Baldwin tank engine Nr. 5 and a smaller 0-4-0 Porter tank. To add glamour and romance, all of these locomotives have been converted from coal to wood firing. The line itself meanders along the mighty Pemigewasset River and also crosses a typical covered bridge, which was relocated to Lincoln, NH from East Montpelier, Vermont in the early 1960s.
The best time to visit the White Mountain Central is definitely for the annual Railroad Fest in mid September, when every time all the stops are pulled out and big bash is put on, replete with caboose rides and footplate experiences. At the same time the leafs of New Hampshire´s dense forests are also already turning and the autumn colors are out. New England at its natural and breathtaking best! http://www.clarkstradingpost.com/
