Russell Snow Plow #68, Bartlett – With all the snow we are getting this month (February) in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, I thought it would be fitting to show an amazing piece of equipment that was used during the 20th century to remove snow from railways. Unfortunately, this snow plow operated before my time and I have no shots of it in action. Summer photographs will have to do for this post.
Along the old Maine Central Railroad at the Bartlett Roundhouse in Bartlett, New Hampshire rests the Russell snow plow #68. It was built in 1923 for the Portland Terminal Railroad Company, a subsidiary of the Maine Central Railroad and operated mostly in Maine. In 1975 the Conway Scenic Railroad purchased it.
In 2009, the Conway Scenic Railroad leased the Russell snow plow #68 and a MEC boxcar to the Bartlett Roundhouse Preservation Club (BRPC). From what I understand the snow plow and boxcar will be restored for display purposes. You can read the latest update on progress at the BRPC blog. Being a logging railroad buff, I find it exciting that groups are preserving the past for future generations to enjoy.
Plows (some were wild looking) similar to the Russell snow plow were used on railroads throughout the White Mountains during the 20th century. Can you imagine seeing this plow pushing snow off the railroad tracks? It must have been awesome to see this plow in action.
License any of the above images for publications by clicking on the image. And you can see more images of Russell snow plows here.
Happy image making..
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Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC
Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.
ScenicNH Photography LLC
Specializing in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Erin Paul’s photography and writing focuses on the history of the White Mountains, and telling the story of abandoned places and forgotten historical sites.