Large Scale Central

Another Interesting Find

Prototypes
#1

We just moved to a new location which is closer now to a scenic railroad and beside the tracks there’s a nice walking trail. Perfect for taking photos of the trains! Well off to the side of the trail there;s this concrete structure which looks like it was a work pit but I’m not entirely sure.

In the photos you can see where there was once a siding (there’s ties embedded in the ground a some rails still in place at the very end) between that and the walking trail there’s the structure, a large upheaval of dirt and a group of pipes sticking out of the ground. I’m guessing this was used for oil I’m not sure if it’s railroad related or not. Also I checked a downtown map of the Maine Central and nothing like this showed up. Any ideas what I’m looking at. My friends are very curious as to what it is.

Just to give you an idea of the area and the relation of each feature.

#2

With the high stand pipe in the last photo, I would point to something involving a liquid. Is there any oil in the area?

#3

Oil or gasoline is a good guess. The concrete could be the spill catch basin and the tall vertical pipes the vents all relating to a tank or tanks that’s been removed.

#4

I ain’t got a clue …what I do know Caleb if you want the answer… just go into a local diner for breakfast with your pictures and ask old guy. But you better have a few hours to spare and carry some change in your pocket so you can reach in and jingle it while you converse.

This has worked for me in the past. BTW be prepared to discuss the cost of gasoline and a loaf of bread back in the day.

:wink:

#5

David Russell said:

I ain’t got a clue …what I do know Caleb if you want the answer… just go into a local diner for breakfast with your pictures and ask old guy. But you better have a few hours to spare and carry some change in your pocket so you can reach in and jingle it while you converse.

This has worked for me in the past. BTW be prepared to discuss the cost of gasoline and a loaf of bread back in the day.

:wink:

Haha! I actually found the email address to the scenic railroad, there’s also the possibility of biking down the road to their headquarters and asking them then. They’re really nice and let me take pics around the area. Jake I didn’t see any oil tanks in the area. The pipes exit the mound and go under the trail and tracks to the other side.

#6

It does look like a work pit t oget under the trains. You can even see where the cross beams would have tucked in. What would have been in the area to support a work pit though?

What is the distance between the concrete edges? Would a track fit in it or outside it?

If tanks, would the pit be a catch basin in case of a leak?

I like the idea of engaging a old timer to tell the tale.

It sure is a mystery

#7

Looks more like a work pit than a catch basin to me.

The mound may have been the end of the track.

Look for signs of a rail bed on either side of the pit.

Ralph

#8

Caleb Randolph said:

Haha! I actually found the email address to the scenic railroad, there’s also the possibility of biking down the road to their headquarters and asking them then. They’re really nice and let me take pics around the area. Jake I didn’t see any oil tanks in the area. The pipes exit the mound and go under the trail and tracks to the other side.

:wink:

#9

Caleb,

Another source I have found useful, although not always the most accurate in detail, is old topographical maps.

Bob C.

#10

I’ve seen footings like these at old mine sites in the Rockies. They were used for large stationary steam engines. either running a series of pumps and or generators. The center pit was where the large fly wheel cleared the mount. Normally there are several large bolts that have been cut off at the base of the mounts. These are usually 1 1/4 to 2" size. That would be a big clue.

I can’t tell from the pics. Any marks or scars on the concrete, that you remember?

#11

Was there any oil in that part of Maine? Thinking on the idea of a large stationary engine, I’m thinking a central pumping station with one (or more) of those “rod” connected pumps out in the woods. The pipe stand so close to the “siding” suggests teh possibility of maybe a central pumping station bringing oil to a tank car loading stub track?