City Point Central Railroad & Museum
Death of B&ML #52

I recently took a trip to Belfast to see a locomotive. The silence was
ominous as I looked upon the small locomotive. I wondered if this was
the feeling the ‘old timers’ had as the steam locomotives faded into
memory. It is ironic that this locomotive in May of 1942 had been one
of the locomotives that spelled the end for the B&ML steam
locomotives.

Steam locomotive #19 was scrapped in February of 1949 not far from
the spot where I stood. Callously cut up because she was no longer
cost effective. My mind wandered to another locomotive, #52,
reflecting that it may have been the first locomotive scrapped on the
B&ML since 1949. I could not help wondering why the locomotive
could not have been spared. Accounts I heard was that she could
have been “put back into service” had the B&ML Preservation Society
the knowledge and motivation to repair her. She was parked under the
big bridge (Veteran’s Memorial) to stand guard over the former Belfast
yard that was torn up a few years prior. I wonder if this is the way
Linwood Moody felt when as he watched the Sandy River & Rangeley
Lake two foot disappear under the control of the scrappers.

B&ML #52 had two older sisters purchased in November of 1946, 50
& 51. B&ML 51&52 are still around, 51 is inoperable at the City Point
Central Railroad Museum not far from where her sister will meet her
end. She is preserved and maybe one day will ride the rails again. 50
is in Unity, in need of repairs but still alive. # 52 has three younger
sisters (purchased by the B&ML after her), 53 purchased from the
Montpelier & Barre in 1970. She is still around with 50 in Unity. B&ML
(former Berlin Mills Railroad) #55 is in Unity and serves her sisters by
providing parts. B&ML 54 (former Berlin Mills Railroad) is much alive
(although she shoots flame balls from her stack) still able to ride the
rails.

The sun disappeared as I left #52. In the morning she will fall victim to
the scrapers torch. I tell my girlfriend as we drive up Pierce Street that
it is ironic that the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Preservation Society is
scrapping the locomotive. Cutting her up does not seem the thing for a
true preservationist to do. #52 could be painted, cosmetically restored
and become a static display much like the City Point Central Railroad
Museum did with B&ML #51.With the society closing all of the
locomotives (except for #51) are up for sale. Do you think the
“Preservationist” will scrap anymore?
END OF THE LINE FOR #52