Searsport Station, 1978BANGOR & AROOSTOOK
This page will cover the Northern Maine Railroad known as the Bangor and Aroostook. Operating from Bangor, Maine, the railroad ran north to the small town of Oakfield. From there a branch went east to Houlton, along the New Brunswick, Canada border, while the main ran north through the woods going all the way to the northern most point of Maine at Madawaska. Another line ran over to the largest town in the area, Presque Isle.
The railroad operated from a yard just west of downtown Bangor, which was known Northern Maine Junction. It was here that interchange was made with the Maine Central. Another interchange point along the railroad was with the Canadian Pacific at Brownsville Junction.
An important branch ran south from Northern Maine Junction to Searsport. Here is a deep water port allowing freight to be transferred to ships for export or for other harbors.
Searsport Station, 1978
During a visit in 1976, this was the only unit in the yard at Northern Maine
Junction.
A visit in June of 1978 proved much more fruitful. With the GP38's on lease to Conrail, everything was first generation EMD power for the summer. GP7's, F3's and BL2's for mainline trains made for a worthwhile trip. I wrote ahead to the railroad for this visit and received a friendly reply along with some company magazines and other literature. Many thanks to those employees who took the time to make me welcome.
Although famous for its potatoes, the main source of traffic is pulpwood for the numerous paper mills. Millinocket is one such paper mill town. Many of the old potato reefers were converted to hauling logs by removing the roofs and extending the sides higher.
The sleepy town of Sherman has several of the converted reefers spotted.
As we approach Oakfield, train number 212 has arrived and is backing its consist
into the Oakfield yard.
By the Oakfield station, SW9 36 and a sister unit then go to work getting the
two afternoon trains to Bangor ready.
With an engine terminal that was a model railroaders delight, vintage motive power and a sunny day, this visit was great.
First train out is ON-28. F3A 42 leads three BL2's on a 140 car train.
We will follow this train a little bit. Passing some old potato barns at
Dyer Brook.
Rolling through Crystal Brook. These are among my favorite shots.
Blue F# 46 leads the following train, ON-44. Oakfield, ME. All the
Oakfield shots are from June 23, 1978.
Before we head north, this is the station at Houlton.
After leaving Oakfield, the railroad runs due north through a very remote area
until reaching New Smyrna. GP7 68 leads train 57 to Presque Isle.
Masardis, Maine. Also June 23, 1978.
GP7 62 is assigned to the Squa Pan local.
Train 57 rolls through Squa Pan without stopping.
At Mapleton, a set out is made for local industries. 
Heading out of town.
End of the run is at Presque Isle. The units are parked where the old
passenger station once stood.
Fort Kent is located on the Canadian border. Its claim to fame is the
north end of Route 1. Route 1 goes from here all the way to Key West,
Florida. By the way, that blue Camaro was my car at the time.
GP7 61 is assigned to Madawaska this day. Interchange is made with the CN
here. June 24, 1978.
Recently the Bangor and Aroostook has fallen on hard times. Sold some years ago and operated under different names the railroad is bankrupt and for sale again. The BL2's were retired and sold off. Some of the F3's remain existent today under a different coat of paint. I'll find some images later.
Visit Larry Goss' web site for more on the BAR.