Boston and Maine Railroad No. 494 was built by the Manchester Locomotive Works in Manchester, New Hampshire, in 1892 and served B&M hauling passenger cars and light freight. The engine was renumbered No. 905 in 1911. Near the end of its service, the 905 hauled coal for the Mount Washington Cog Railway and was retired in 1938. In 1939, the 905 was restored to No. 494 for display at the 1939 World's Fair. It was donated to the Town of Hartford and dedicated on July 27, 1957. This equipment was placed in the National Register of Historic Places on November 13, 1995. The current restoration project was officially launched on September 13, 1997. The three major priorities of this restoration are stabilization, construction of a shelter, and cosmetic restoration. Major funding is provided by an ISTEA federal grant, the White River Junction Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, and volunteers contributing their time, energy, and expertise. Engine 494, its tender, and caboose are owned by the Town of Hartford Parks and Recreation Department and are routinely maintained by dedicated members of the Engine 494 Restoration Committee.

Photo: Steve Stoessel

Photo: Steve Stoessel

White River Junction, Vermont · USA