New Hampshire Northcoast- Heavy Sand Trains and Steep Grades -5/13/24, 5/14/24, 5/15/24

For three days in mid May, we took a trip out to the New Hampshire Northcoast to photograph some heavy sand trains. Operated by Boston Sand and Gravel, NHN serves to connect the Ossipee Aggregates pit in central New Hampshire to it's large distribution facility in Boston, as well as a satellite distribution facility in Rochester. Operating on the Conway Branch between Ossipee and Rollinsford, the north end of the active portion features some incredible grades, quite apparent by both visual appearance and by sound of the locomotives. The railroad rosters four classic EMD's, three of which are roots blown 645's and one of which is a 567, which are kept in pristine condition by some dedicated employees. For the three days that we were chasing the route, we were able to catch all four locomotives leading a train, as well as see them switch every industry along the route (with the exception of Harmac, but they did have cars in the train). I hope you enjoy this extensive production of the New Hampshire Northcoast!

[@slr379x9]

what a dream railroad this is. Old EMDS in nice shape moving pretty nice size trains at good speed on jointed rail. What a treat to experience

[@jackseamon7064]

Another fantastic video! Great work! PBS had a documentary series about the NHN maybe 25 years ago. It was interesting then, but your skills and quality captures eclipsed that!

[@steventurner820]

NHN is a fun one, great looking old EMDs with each one having a very nice sounding horn!

[@chuxproductions1090]

Super Show of NHN operations! FURX #5509 we saw years ago near Selkirk CSX yard on it’s way and stored temporarily at Selkirk before it was delivered to NHN!!! A great looking GP38-2!

[@wfvideos4099]

I love shortlines like this. Awesome power and horns, a unique operation, a scenic yet accessible route, and very well-maintained track and track speed. Excellent video!

[@jamesburnside3023]

Great video of the local shortlines well done

[@Kendallian132]

OUTSTANDING!

[@RTS4018]

cool video I read somewhere that another GP-18 is going to the NHN 904?

[@BranchlineGeepProductions]

Indeed, ex MBTA as far as I know.

[@RTS4018]

@@BranchlineGeepProductionsYep, that is the one. I wonder if it will replace anything?

[@BranchlineGeepProductions]

@@RTS4018 Time will tell I guess.

[@newpylong]

The FRA doesn't visit them much. Watching them pull out of the pit at 25 MPH in notch 8 (with the conductor riding the tail end) is insane. That Runner is restricted speed. I'm surprised they've not been in the paper.

[@TBone-McGlaughlin]

Thats all yard limits, which I believe they are able to do 20 mph max. Which they might have been doing just over that in the video, but once they hit the uphill grade that would slow them back down. If its that big of an issue to you, be a rat and submit a complaint to the FRA.

[@newpylong]

@@TBone-McGlaughlin If the track is good for it, yes Restricted Speed is 20 MPH max. But there is no way you can stop a loaded cut of cars in one half your range of vision leaving that pit going that fast. Especially without the engineer on the leading end. I'm good, my days of hanging off cars are long over with. It's just interesting to see how some smaller hack railroads ignore operating rules without recourse.

[@sccabob100]

Is there a typical schedule that this train runs on? I am from Chelmsford MA and would love to spend some time chasing this train.

[@BranchlineGeepProductions]

Monday through Thursday they depart the pit in the early to mid afternoon. Tuesday through Friday they depart Dover northbound around 7.

[@will5286]

This is a start-but boring-get a drone up and do verbal commentary-distant signal is an excellent model

[@danielcarlin7784]

okay why don’t you do that then