New Steam Locomotive #11

The planned WW&F No. 11, based on the same design as the original WW&F No. 7. Image from build11.org.

The Original No. 7

Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway No. 7 was a 28-ton 2-4-4T forney built in 1907 in Philadelphia by the Baldwin Locomotive Works (Construction No. 31692).  The locomotive served the railway faithfully for many years before being severely damaged in a roundhouse fire at Wiscasset.  The damaged locomotive was scrapped in 1937.

As work progressed on the restoration of No. 9, our volunteers started pondering what would be their next major project after No. 9 returned to service.  Their thoughts turned to recreating one of the WW&F Railway’s other locomotives, but which one?  Ultimately, they chose to build a replica of No. 7, after needed repairs (specifically a new boiler) are completed on locomotive #10.

The “Build 11” Project

In keeping with the tradition of giving new motive power the next available consecutive number, this all-new engine will become WW&F Railway No. 11.  After years of planning and “back burner” efforts, the Build 11 project was officially launched on 6/11/2020 – with a target steam-up date in 2025.

To date, several castings have been completed for No. 11.  The main frame is cut and the boiler is being built. Details of the work completed so far can be found here.

A separate website has also been created to track the progress of No. 11 and to aid in fundraising — build11wwfry.org.

Rebuilding Maine History