Chugging out of the vintage Conway Depot, the Notch Train heads out on a scenic trip through the splendid scenery White Mountains. Surrounded by forested mountainsides, imposing pink granite cliffs and towering outcroppings, this excursion train has always been a sightseer's delight. New Hampshire's northern tier is covered with 777,000 acres of forestland, falling under the protection of the White Mountains National Forest.
   One of many White Mountain landmarks, Crawford Notch, was discovered in 1771 by hunter Timothy Nash. Here, the Saco River carved a gap in the White Mountain granite, funneling future traffic over the mountains. A 19th century marvel, railroad tracks were laid through this rugged mountain pass. The amazing engineering feat includes the impressive Frankenstein Trestle, one of the thrills of the Conway Scenic Railway.
   Built by the Grand Trunk Railroad in 1921, the 7470 (0-6-0) engine still leads the Conway Railroad through the rugged mountains. With hundreds of moving parts, high temperatures and pressures, vintage locomotives require major renovations from time to time. After an extensive overhaul, the 7470 returned to service in the fall of 2008. The engine also received a new tender tank, thanks to the craftsmen of Boothbay Railroad Village. This Canadian original is one of only a handful of active steam locomotives in New Hampshire. The photogenic favorite 7470 creates quite a stir during the Railfan weekend and is always packed for fall foliage runs when the White Mountains put on a stunning show.

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