How much does a ticket cost?

Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $6 for children ages 3-12. Children 2 and under ride for free. Please visit the train rides page for additional information.

Can I sit anywhere on the train?

Yes. The train is open seating. You may sit in any seat in any car on the train. No advance reservations are required.

Are there discounts for senior citizens?

Yes. Senior citizens get $1 off the adult price.

Are discounts offered to members of the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad?

No. However, active volunteers are allowed to ride for free.

Can I charter a locomotive?

Yes. For information, visit the guest engineer page.

Can I charter a train?

Yes. For information, visit the charters page.

Can I buy tickets on the day of the train?

Yes. You can buy a ticket anytime up until 5 minutes before the train leaves.

Are tickets good for more than one ride?

Yes. A ticket is good for all day.

What are the museum hours?

The museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.

How do I contact the museum?

The museum phone number is 1-207-828-0814. Our e-mail address is mngrr@maine.rr.com.

Can I have a birthday party for my child?

Yes. We have a special car just for birthday party. Contact the museum at the phone number above for more details.

Where can I find overnight accommodations in the Portland area?

THE TRAIN

What types of locomotives power the trains?

All of our passenger trains are pulled by either a diesel or a steam locomotive. The steam locomotives have been in use for over 80 years. Visit the special events page to see what days steam is operating.

Are there refreshments available?

There are refreshments for sale in the museum. The train does not sell any refreshments on board.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the train?

Yes. But please take all trash with you when you depart the train.

Are the passenger cars heated?

Only during Santa Fest.

Are there restrooms available?

Restroom facilities are located inside the museum. The train does not have any restroom facilities.

Can I smoke on the train?

No. Smoking is not permitted at any time on the train nor on any railroad property.

Can I bring alcoholic beverages on the train?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

Are pets allowed on the train?

Pets are allowed on the train. They must be kept on a leash or held by the owner. Pets with an aggressive nature are not allowed and if necessary, the train will be stopped to remove any such animal.

Is the train wheelchair accessible?

Yes, one closed car is equipped with a power lift for standard sized wheelchairs. Some oversized chairs can not be accommodated. Please notify the station staff prior to the ride that you use a wheelchair.

Will the train stop so that I can take pictures from the ground?

There is no set policy. This can be done at the conductor's discretion. Please notify the conductor at the beginning of the ride.

Can I bring a child's stroller on the train?

Yes. A folding type would be preferable.

Can I move about the train?

You may move about as long as the train is not moving. For your safety, we ask that everyone be seated throughout the ride, as the cars can be subject to sudden jerks. You may watch the run arounds from the ground. Please check with the conductor first.

Is there an open car on the train?

Yes. All trains include at least one covered gondola, and you are welcome to spend as much time as you like in the gondola.

Is it possible to ride in the cab of a locomotive?

No. The MNGRR does not offer cab rides. However, we do have a Guest Engineer program. Visit the guest engineer page

What kind of crew is required to operate a train?

A diesel powered train is operated by a minimum of three crewmen. The conductor is in charge of the train and moves about the passenger cars. The brakeman assists the conductor while the train is moving, and checks the brakes before the train departs. Long trains will require an additional brakeman. The engineer controls the train speed, handling the throttle, brakes and other controls needed to do this job.

A steam powered train is operated by a minimum of four crewmen. The conductor is in charge of the train and moves about the passenger cars. The brakeman assists the conductor while the train is moving, and checks the brakes before the train departs. Long trains will require an additional brakeman. Two crewmen run the locomotive. The fireman is in charge of maintaining pressure in the boiler by managing the coal in the firebox, and controlling the amount of water that enters the boiler. The engineer controls the train speed, handling the throttle, brakes and other controls needed to do this job.

How much coal does the locomotive use?

On a typical roundtrip the fireman will have to shovel about 200 pounds of coal into the locomotive's firebox. The amount depends on the fireman's skill and the locomotive. Every locomotive fires differently and has its own idiosyncrasies. The locomotive tenders hold one ton tons of coal.

What do the whistle signals mean?

The locomotive engineer uses whistle signals to communicate with the conductor and brakeman. There are several signals that are made with a combination of short and long whistle blasts. However, the most common signals that you will hear are these: One short blast means that the train has come to a complete stop. Two short blasts means that the train is about to move forward. Three short blasts means that the train is about to move backward. And of course there is the familiar long-long-short-long signal at every grade crossing.

How long does the trip take?

What wildlife might I see on the train?

You may see eagles, ospreys, seagulls and a variety of salt water birds. If you are lucky, you may see a seal or two sunbathing on the ledges.

THE RAILROAD

Who owns the MNGRR?

The MNGRR is a non-profit corporation.

When was the MNGRR built?

The MNGRR was originally built in 1993 by volunteers. The tracks are on the right of way of the former Canadian National Railroad. The right of way is owned by the State of Maine.

What does "narrow gauge" mean?

"Narrow gauge" refers to the distance between the rails. The MNGRR was built with the rails 2 feet apart, which is closer together--or narrower--than the 4 feet, 8-1/2 inches that became standard in the United States. The MNGRR was built to this gauge to accommodate equipment that was operated in the state many years ago. Narrow gauge was built because the construction and equipment costs were less than standard gauge, and it allowed for sharper curves in the mountainous terrain.

Does the MNGRR have a museum?

The MNGRR is a living museum of railroad engineering. It is a functioning, operating railway and an invaluable museum of railroad history and technology; it is not a static display of relics of railroad engines, cars and trackside structures.

Is the railroad yard open to the public?

Yes, you are welcome to walk about the yard. For your safety, please observe the following rules:

1. Always look for moving trains before crossing any tracks. Locomotives can be very quiet when they are moving.
2. Never step on the rails themselves, as they can be slippery.
3. Visitors are not allowed inside the shops and engine houses, or on any railroad equipment without permission.

Is the railroad open during the off-season?

Yes. The museum is open daily from February 15 to December 31.

Can I volunteer at the railroad?

Absolutely. The MNGRR is operated by volunteers. Volunteer opportunities exist for train crew, gift shop staff and track crew as well as in the restoration and preservation of the railroad's historic structures and equipment that are used by the passenger train operation. Volunteers must be members. For information about being a member, please visit the membership page.

What are the plans for future expansion?