Conway Scenic Railroad has been host to a variety of groups, whether they be private groups, nonprofit organizations, or railroad clubs, but there’s one group that stands out. The 470 Railroad Club, organized after the last steam locomotive traversed the Maine Central’s Portland Bangor route, MEC 470 held the honor, and became the club’s namesake. The club’s historic origins would see them become a massive force in the northeast railroad preservation movement, showcasing their collection in North Conway, they hold ownership over a variety of historical freight cars, and the pinnacle of their collection is Boston and Maine 4266. The F7 served the old B&M in both passenger and freight service, pulling the last Ambassador from Boston to White River Junction where Central Vermont continued the train north, 4266 became the last Funit to ever operate for the B&M. Following her retirement from active service, the 470 Railroad Club purchased the historic unit, along with 4268, 66 was restored to service, and now is leased to Conway Scenic Railroad, 68 will soon follow suit following the completion of her restoration. 4266 sees backup service for both Valley and Notch (now Mountaineer) service, as well as power for special occasions. The annual 470 Club excursion is one such occasion.

Along with another special request, 4266 doubleheaded with exMaine Central 573, the only other operational locomotive on the CSRX roster to feature the maroon and harvest gold paint so common on the first generation diesels that populated the commonly owned B&M and MEC. It’s also worth noting that both locomotives are Notch rarities, while 4266’s operation isn’t common, 573 almost always operates the Valley routes, her returning to the mountain grades that she once ran 60 years ago is equally if not more rare. Running from the Conway Scenic’s North Conway terminal, they ran north to Mountain Junction, where the B&M Conway Branch meets the MEC Mountain, exMEC 252, served on the tail end of the train, once over Mt. Junction, 252 would lead over what has been restored to service on the Mountain Division, leading past Redstone, and eventually East Conway to the foot of the Saco River Bridge, the current terminus for any train operating over the trackage. From here, 252 cuts off, allowing 4266 and 573 to lead west on the route to Crawford. Crossing the Saco River and cutting through the Mt. Washington Valley forests, eventually going up the rigorous grade along the mountain shelf to the Gateway of the Notch; where the train pulls into Crawford Station for an hour layover allowing passengers to stretch their legs. leading into Fabyan, 4266 and 573 runs around to the other end of the train to lead back to No. Conway.

Enjoy this incredibly rare excursion!