Annual Picnic: Seeing Double!

Aug. 10, 2024: The Annual Picnic

The Annual Picnic is the WW&F’s homecoming event which features special displays, food, and of course, train rides on the railway. For 2024, our steam locomotive will be “backdated” to appear as it did in the 1920’s as Kennebec Central no. 4, and we have many other great experience in store!

Seeing Double: The Sheepscot Valley Steam Train “Doubles” the Hill

Our steam locomotive, “backdated” to appear as it did in the 1920’s as Kennebec Central no. 4, will be hauling a challenging six-car mixed train which will require the practice of “doubling” the hill. After the locomotive is spun on the turntable at Trout Brook, half of the train will be left behind while the locomotive hauls the front half of the train to Top of Mountain. Then the locomotive will double back to retrieve the other half of the train, and reassemble it – all under the watchful observation of our passengers. This will be the first time this operation has been intentionally scheduled on the WW&F in nearly 100 years!
The Double the Hill Steam Train departs Sheepscot station at 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm. The Caboose Adventure is available on these trips.

A-No.1 Hobo Experience

Experience the thrill of riding the open rails without a care in the world – as a freeloading “tramp” aboard a WW&F mixed train!
Hobos (or “tramps” as they were referred to by the locals in these parts) were known to travel the WW&F in the early 1930’s – often stopping at the village of Head Tide where a friendly butcher was usually willing to share with the weary passers-by. On today’s WW&F, your group will be hosted by a “tramp” who will board you discreetly in our livestock boxcar and will share the local lore of life on the rails. But look out, the conductor may not appreciate freeloaders on his train!
This experience will have you seated in a modified historic, restored, livestock boxcar which features some windows and minimal seating. As it was not originally designed for passenger travel, this car is not suited for those with mobility issues or children under age 5. Climbing of stairs is required to hop aboard the train.
We strongly encourage passengers taking part in the A-No.1 Hobo Experience to dress in ragged old clothing, suitable for the era. Who knows, you may run into “A-No.1” himself on his way to Portland!
The A-No.1 Hobo Experience departs Sheepscot station at 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm.

Model T Railcar Ramble

Tour the narrow gauge in style aboard a Model T Railcar! The WW&F, like many smaller railroads, was very innovative and constantly looking for ways to cut costs. As such, they modified at least two different early automobiles to ride the rails, in order to make track inspections and trips to work sites easier. Here is your chance to recreate that unique experience. This activity has very limited seating!
The Model T Railcar Ramble departs Sheepscot station at 10:00am (1 seat left!), 11:10am (sold out!), 1:10pm (sold out!), and 3:10pm (sold out!).

Mixed Photography Special: KC 4 Returns

We’ll conclude the day with a special mixed train with limited seating so to allow photographers and videographers access to our Kennebec Central train “out on the line”. Runbys and special scenes will be set up for you to photograph and enjoy.
The Mixed Photography Special departs Sheepscot station at 5:00pm.

Model Railroad Sale to Benefit WW&F Archives

Don’t forget to visit the car barn exhibit hall where a model railroad sale will take place with proceeds to benefit the WW&F Archive Collections Fund. There’s something for everyone from fine brass models, to a plethora of smaller items, kits, and railcars.

Displays, Music and Food at Sheepscot Station

We’re celebrating our brand new, spacious boarding platform. Some have called it a “dance floor” – so we’ve invited Bitter Brew to entertain us with traditional folk songs from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Meanwhile, the Alna Volunteer Fire Department will be grilling up hamburgers and hot dogs for purchase. And also at Sheepscot you are invited to see the Lincoln Co. Amateur Radio Club demonstration of period and modern radios operated by licensed (ham) radio amateurs. Experience vintage Morse Code operators with period sounders, 1920’s broadcast band radios, or send a Radiogram to a friend! The station will operate with a special event call sign of W1W.

There will be so much to see and do, the 2024 Annual Picnic will not be one to miss!

Ticket price includes the historic steam train (and/or Model T railcar), live music by Bitter Brew, admission to the model train sale, Ham Radio displays, as well as parking at Sheepscot. All food is sold separately by The Alna Volunteer Fire Department.

The special Annual Picnic trains depart Sheepscot station (97 Cross Road, Alna) regularly from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Please anticipate traffic conditions on Route 1 in Wiscasset. This event will take place rain or shine – dress appropriately!

We look forward to seeing you on the narrow gauge!

The Lincoln County Amateur Radio Club

The purpose of the Lincoln County Amateur Radio Club (K1LX) is to promote all aspects of the hobby of Amateur Radio through member and public education, to train and prepare local operators for both emergency and non-emergency events, to support the Lincoln County EMA and to encourage and assist our fellow amateur radio operators and associated organizations.

The Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington Railway

Ride over the Sheepscot Valley’s Narrow Gauge Railway aboard a historic steam train for a trip back in time. Explore our facilities and workshops where exploration is encouraged and inquisitiveness is rewarded. Experience the nearly-lost art of running and maintaining a steam powered narrow gauge railroad.

Passes, Vouchers and Discounts

We will be pleased to honor passes redeemed as the base portion of the train fare for the Annual Picnic. Upon checkout, please select the appropriate discount for a Lifetime Pass, an Annual Pass, Alna Resident, or similar pass.