Every era brings change. The twelve-year period, 1981-1992, in Maine was certainly no exception. At its
start, Maine’s largest railroad, the Maine Central, was independently operated with dual main lines between
Royal Junction and Waterville, the Lower Road and the Back Road, and a number of branch lines. It enjoyed a
major interchange with the Boston & Maine at its southern terminal, Rigby Yard, South Portland.
By the end of the period, MEC had been absorbed into the Springfield Terminal operation of its new owner,
Guilford Transportation. Its all-important interchange partner, B&M, was now part of the same enterprise and
operations of the two entities had been combined. Rigby Yard’s role had been diminished. Bangor Yard’s land
had been sold and its function transferred to Old Town. The Lower Road had been downgraded and much of it
and the Rockland Branch sold to the State of Maine. And a new company had emerged, the Maine Coast
Railroad now operated the Rockland Branch.
