Cumberland and Knox Railroad
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Main region | Maine |
| Fleet | 2 leased diesel locomotives |
| Parent company | Maine Switching Services |
| Headquarters | 212 Depot Street Unity, ME 04988[1] |
| Key people | Joe Feero (president)[1] |
| Locale | Brunswick to Rockland |
| Dates of operation | 2025–present |
| Predecessor | Midcoast Railservice (2024, on the Rockland Branch) |
| Technical | |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) |
| Other | |
| Website | maineswitching |
The Cumberland and Knox Railroad is a shortline railroad in the United States. It operates freight services over the Rockland Branch between Brunswick, Maine, and Rockland, Maine.
History
The previous operator of the Rockland Branch, Midcoast Railservice, ceased operations in 2024 after the closure of the line's primary customer, Dragon Cement.[2] Maine selected Maine Switching Services as the new operator in January 2025.[3][4][5][6][7]
Maine Switching Service announced the "Cumberland and Knox Railroad" name in April 2025, and service began on May 31, 2025.[8][9][10] In October 2025, the CKRR purchased two passenger cars from the Adirondack Railroad, with plans to buy a third in the winter. The Midcoast Rail Heritage Trust, the operator of the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad passenger services, plans to use these passenger cars alongside CKRR locomotives as a tourist train called the Pen Bay Scenic Railroad. This service is scheduled to open in 2026.[11]
Roster
| Reporting mark | Number | Builder | Type | Build date | History | Status | Assigned to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LTEX | 1555 | EMD | GP9u | 1956 | Ex-DSSR 1555, nee-CP GP9 8618 | Operational | Sappi Paper, Skowhegan, ME. | Owned by Larry's Truck and Electric (LTEX) |
| 1802 | EMD | GP28M | 1956 | Ex-BNSF 1504, nee-BN 1504, nee-BN GP9 1889, nee-NP 266 | Operational |
References
- ^ a b "Cumberland & Knox Railroad 242 Program Approval Letter". Federal Railroad Administration. January 28, 2025. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
- ^ Johnston, Bob (June 17, 2024). "Midcoast Railservice to exit Brunswick-Rockland, Maine, lease, placing Downeaster extension on hold". Trains. Retrieved 2026-01-11.
- ^ Johnston, Bob (9 January 2025). "Maine DOT selects Maine Switching Services as Rockland Branch operator". Trains. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
- ^ "Maine Switching Services, LLC - Home". maineswitchingservices.com. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
- ^ "Maine Switching Services - Home". maineswitching.com. Retrieved February 19, 2025.
- ^ "Maine Switching Services to operate Rockland Branch Railroad". Progressive Railroading. January 10, 2025. Retrieved February 19, 2025.
- ^ Franz, Justin (10 January 2025). "Maine Selects New Operator for Rockland Branch". Railfan & Railroad Magazine. Retrieved February 19, 2025.
- ^ Betts, Stephen (29 April 2025). "New Rockland Rail Operator Says Dragon Will Use Service on Pilot Basis". Midcoast Villager. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
- ^ "FIRST TRAIN: Cumberland & Knox on reactivated Rockland Branch Rail Line - 5/31/2025". YouTube. South Coast Rail Videos. 31 May 2025. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
- ^ "Cumberland & Knox runs first revenue train on Maine's Rockland Branch". FreightWaves. Trains. 4 June 2025. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
- ^ "Adirondack passenger cars obtained for Maine's Rockland branch excursions". Trains. 26 October 2025. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
- ^ "Cumberland & Knox Railroad". railroadfan.com. Retrieved 21 December 2025.