About

Touch-A-Train is an annual event hosted by the New England Steam Corporation and the Downeast Scenic Railroad that allows the public to experience the sights and sounds of an active railroad yard in a specially-curated and safe environment. This free-to-attend event brings children and families up close to railroad equipment (including working diesel locomotives and an under-restoration steam locomotive) and provides educational interaction between the public and the volunteers that work on these unique machines. Both organizations supply a variety of railroad exhibits and demonstrations for the event, and additional exhibits are provided by several event sponsors.

Both New England Steam and Downeast Scenic are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that rely on the generosity of the public to fundraise for their ongoing operations and preservation efforts. While admission to the event is free, attendee donations are encouraged.

New England Steam Corporation (NESCo) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2013 and dedicated to the restoration and operation of Maine Central Railroad #470, the last operating steam locomotive in Maine when it was retired in 1954. The all-volunteer crew works at the organization’s shop in Hancock, Maine to rehabilitate the locomotive through the study and practice of vanishing trades and skills.

The Downeast Scenic Railroad is a tourist railroad offering a scenic 12-mile round-trip train ride on the historic Calais Branch out of Ellsworth, Maine. Operated by the 501(c)(3) non-profit Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust (founded in 2005), the railroad began operations in 2010 with an all-volunteer crew and a variety of historic railroad equipment sourced from locations throughout New England.