Steam locomotives:
RMNE owns Canadian Pacific #1246, a 117-ton 4-6-2 built in 1946. It became part of the Steamtown collection and last operated in Scranton in 1986. It was purchased by RMNE in 1988 and arrived at VRR in 1989. It is on display at Essex.
Also on display at Essex is #103, a 45-ton 2-6-2 built in 1925 for the Sumter & Choctaw RR in Alabama. 103 operated in Middletown NY from 1962 to 1966, and at the Valley RR in Essex from 1971 to 1976. RMNE ownership of 103 dates from 1985.
Track:
NAUG's track is maintained to meet at least FRA Class 2 standards (25 mph freight, 30 mph passenger), and better than that over most of the regularly-operated line. A capable group of volunteers uses both traditional hand tools as well as "yellow machines" (tamper, tie remover/inserter, tie handling crane, rail drill, rail saw, pneumatic spiker, etc.) to handle the tasks. The railroad is inspected at least once a year by the regional FRA track inspector, and CDOT Rail also inspects the line. The line is sprayed for weeds each spring, and brush control takes place about every two-three years.
Most of the main line is NH 107-pound rail, with about 8 miles of 115-pound rail north of Thomaston dam. There are also significant segments of 131-pound rail, across the two major bridges (Chase bridge, about 800 ft of 131, and Jericho bridge, about 1800 ft of 131) and through the grade crossings. The only "light" rail is found in the Waterville passing track; it is mostly NH 74-78-pound, and replacement with NH 107 is planned, eventually. There are no light-rail switches; all are 107 or 115. The new Thomaston shop yard, lead track and switches are constructed with NH 107, and the two shop tracks in the building will be mostly welded 131 lb rail, with some jointed 131.
Anyone interested in "learning track" is invited to join us when we're out on the line doing things. There's a lot more to good track than one might think.
So, what else ya wanna know?
"You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need."