Maine Narrow Gauge is currently fundraising for a new steam engine storage building! This vital structure is very important for being able to house our antique steam locomotive when it is not actively being used.
Without a dedicated storage building, Maine Narrow Gauge is forced to keep Bridgton & Saco River Railroad #7 out of service. A new storage building will enable #7 to once again return to steam and delight admirers and well-wishers in Portland.
If you are able to donate, consider making a donation in support of the new storage building today.
Read on to learn more about the history and need for a new steam engine storage building for Maine Narrow Gauge.
At Maine Narrow Gauge, preservation does not sit behind glass. It moves. For many, our iconic operating steam locomotive – Bridgton & Saco River Railroad #7 – represents “history in motion.” It is a living artifact that educates and delights the public every time it operates.
When Engine #7 pulls away from the platform, it carries the living memory of Maine’s two-foot railroads, the sound and heat of a previous era, and the skilled trades knowledge required to keep this history alive.
And today, that living history needs protection.
We are asking for your help this spring to construct a new dedicated steam locomotive building for #7. The total project cost is $100,000, and with your support we are ready to move forward once the City of Portland permitting process is complete.
This building is about stewardship. Engine #7 is not a relic, but rather a complex active mechanical system made of iron, steel, wood, brass, and thousands of moving parts. Without a dedicated storage building, exposure to Maine’s coastal weather will accelerate deterioration, threatening both the locomotive and the irreplaceable volunteer labor that keeps it running.
A dedicated building will extend the life of the steam locomotive, improve maintenance conditions, reduce long-term costs, and safeguard a federally-regulated historic asset. Just as importantly, it protects the countless hours our volunteers have devoted to preserving this remarkable piece of Maine’s heritage. A new storage building will protect this investment and keep steam as the educational and sentimental centerpiece of our railroad.
We are seeking leadership gifts of $5,000 and above to anchor this effort, while welcoming participation at every level. A gift of $250 helps cover building materials. A gift of $1,000 supports site preparation. A gift of $10,000 secures major components of the new structure.
Please support our efforts to return steam train service to Portland. You can also sign up to become a “Roundhouse Regular” by pledging support through a recurring monthly donation.
Here are the levels of support for this initiative:
Superintendent Supporter
- Name featured prominently on plaque in the new building (or anonymous)
- Donor name listed prominently on the website
- Name listed prominently on signage inside the station
- Invite to exclusive top-level donor events
- Invite to tour the Restoration Shop
- Opportunity for a cab ride
- Complimentary Season Pass
- Access to behind-the-scenes updates
- Donors-only email updates
- Handwritten thank-you note
Engineer's
Guild
- Name given increased recognition on plaque in the new building (or anonymous)
- Donor name given increased recognition on the website
- Name given increased recognition on signage inside the station
- Invite to donor events
- Invite to tour the Restoration Shop
- Access to behind-the-scenes updates
- Donors-only email updates
- Handwritten thank-you note
Conductor's
Circle
- Name included on plaque in the new building (or anonymous)
- Donor name on the website
- Name included on signage inside the station
- Invite to donor events
- Access to behind-the-scenes updates
- Donors-only email updates
- Thank-you note
Rail
Crew
- Donor name on the website
- Name included on signage inside the station
- Access to behind-the-scenes updates
- Thank-you note
Show your commitment all year long by becoming a Roundhouse Regular!
Roundhouse Regulars provide sustained monthly support in any amount for Maine Narrow Gauge. This is a great way to help ensure that the sights, sounds, and stories of Maine narrow gauge railroading endure for generations. Your monthly gift builds a legacy that includes you.
Select “Yes, make this a recurring Monthly donation!” when you make your donation.
Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated and furthers our ability to educate the public about the rich heritage of narrow gauge railroading in Maine.
Maine Narrow Gauge is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and your contribution may be tax-deductible as allowable by law.
Remember: we are not just building a structure for a machine. We are building a home for a story that continues to unfold. Please consider making a spring gift to help us give Engine #7 a proper home.
