B&SR #8

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The last locomotive built for any of the Maine Two-Footers, #8 would also be the heaviest 2-4-4T, at 38 Tons. Built in 1924 #8 would be delivered just before the decline of the B&SR began. In 1930 #8 would change to B&H #8 and would derail on the Harrison Branch due to poor tie conditions and light rail. This accident would cause the closure of the Harrison Branch. After this #8 was used primarily as a reserve engine until #6 went out of service. In the last few years of the B&H, locomotive #8 became the primary motive power after #7 suffered firebox damage and she would serve in this role right until the end of the railroad in Bridgton.

#8 would avoid scrapping when Ellis D. Atwood of South Carver Massachusetts purchased all the remaining motive power and rolling stock of the B&H to form a railroad at his cranberry bogs. After the end of the Second World War #8 would be moved to her new home alongside all of the rest of the surviving B&H equipment. #8 would go on to operate at the Edaville Railroad until it's closure in 1992. In 1993 #8, joined by most of the remaining 2-foot equipment, including B&SR #7 and Monson #3 and #4 returned to Maine to operate at the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum in Portland, Maine.  #8 is currently on display awaiting restoration to operating condition.

Technical Data:

Type: 2-4-4T 

Manufacturer: Baldwin

Weight: 38 Tons

Length: 33' 8 1/4"

Frame: Outside

Firebox: 46 11/16" x 37 5/8"

Boiler: 43" Diameter  

Pressure: 180 PSI

Drivers: 35"

Cylinders: 12"x16"

Valve Gearing: Walschaert

Tractive Effort: 10,000

Coal/Water Capacity: 3,000 lbs. / 1,000 gal.