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Saluting Waterville's Iron HorseCentral Maine has a historic treasure rusting away. It's an old iron horse that once linked city to city and state to state and built this nation. It stands as a magnificent reminder to our past. It is the old steam engine — the 470 — that sits on a plot of land near the Guilford Railroad off College Avenue in Waterville across from John Martin's Manor. Sadly, this 231-ton locomotive is deteriorating. A victim to bold vandals and the harsh elements, the engine is almost beyond repair. The 470 is the last of its kind. In fact, it is the only Maine Central Railroad steam engine left in the state of Maine. Only two other Maine Central Steam Engines exist but are privately owned, not for public view, and in a state of disrepair. All of Maine Central's steam engines have been scrapped and this might be the fate of the 470 if left much longer unattended. The 470 was given to the city of Waterville after it made its last run, which was the last steam engine run ever on a Maine Central line. The June 13, 1954 run was a festive affair with the then governor of Maine, Burton Cross, aboard and thousands of people lining the rail route and stations to wave good-bye to an end of an era. The intention of giving the 470 to Waterville was to make it a memorial to steam engines. Iron horses such as the 470 powered the railroads and built this nation. Now few are left standing in the country they once built. Before them the only mode of transportation was horse and buggy or by foot. Unfortunately, the city of Waterville has not had the resources to maintain the 470 and in order to preserve this link to the past people need to come forward and show their support or it will be lost. Already rail fans from as far away as California, Washington State and Canada have written letter after letter encouraging the city to preserve the 470 which resulted in local rail enthusiasts being asked to form a committee. The Friends of 470, formed to save this piece of Maine history, is made up of rail historians, engineers, a social worker, business owners, and a youth member, all who share the love of the engine. The goal of the group is to restore the 470 to its original condition, build a shelter to protect it and a museum to educate the public about railroads. To bring attention to its undertaking, the group is planning the 2nd Annual 470 Day, A Railroad Festival on Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the site of the 470. This fun, family friendly day will highlight the steam engine era, railroading and the 470 restoration project. The Festival will have music, presentations, kids' crafts and food celebrating railroads. For more information about the festival and the restoration project, visit www.waterville-me.gov/470.htm, e-mail trainspark@yahoo.com, or call 872-4940. | ||