A screenshot still is taken from the short virtual tour video of
the Narcissus. The 1912 Portland-Lewiston Interurban,
Narcissus is currently being restored at Seashore Trolley
Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine. The SolidWorks
software used has been an important tool in the restoration
of the National Register of Historic Places member
Narcissus.
Restoring historic electric railway transportation vehicles is challenging, expensive, and can take years with thousands and thousands of labor hours. With a project like the historic, Narcissus; retired from public service in 1933, stripped of all original mechanical and electrical components, its body serving as the Vallee family summer camp for 35 years, takes the work to complete the restoration to a higher level full of challenges. Animated, virtual 3-D technology, has become a critical ally in helping overcome some of the inherent challenges.
A 40-second virtual 3-D tour of the Narcissus is below or Click Here
The virtual tour video is rendered from the SolidWorks software that is made up of files of the various individual components that have been specced out and uploaded. Files upon files. Layers of files. A work in progress. As files of more components are added, and specs verified, the "Narcissus" model becomes more complete. A dedicated Museum member/volunteer has been uploading and managing the software. Ernie Eaton, the Narcissus restoration shop project manager, oversees all work on the Narcissus. Ernie works with the other restoration shop staff working on the Narcissus to spec out the components that then are uploaded to the software and continues to build out the virtual model of the Narcissus. Then Ernie works with the finished files to implement restoration work.
The interior passenger compartment of the virtual Narcissus.
The finished files are so precise, that if we need to replicate a metal component, we can email the file to the foundry, and the foundry will use the digital file to provide a quote to replicate the component. The foundry can then use the digital file to replicate components. The same steps apply if a replica mahogany wood component needs to be made. The same process applies to having the intricate interlocking tile floor pieces reproduced luggage racks, etc. (Please keep in mind, for the purpose of this post, I'm vastly oversimplifying the process, steps, and time required to make this all happen.)
Virtual view from within the smoking compartment of the
Narcissus when looking into the number one end vestibule.
Virtual overhead view looking into the number one end
vestibule and smoking compartment of the Narcissus.
The digital files were used to replicate a replacement train
door seen here. The train door has a window sash that slides
up and down for access to the trolley pole rope from inside
the coach.
Virtual curtain file for the Narcissus. Here is a good example
to show the level of detail. The pattern on the curtain. See
the original Narcissus curtain below.
We do have some of the original curtains that were in the
Narcissus. We will need to have some replacements made.
The digital files of the metal components will be used to
cast replacements. The digital files of the pattern will
also be used in having replacement curtain material made.
The original Narcissus curtain material/pattern.
Screenshot of a digital file for the train door.
We have one original train door and most of its two original window sashes. These were used to create the measurements needed to create the digital files that in turn were used to calculate the amount of mahogany needed, and other critical aspects to make a replacement historically correct train door and window sash.
Replacement train door on the left.
Screenshot of the digital file of the end of one of the
37-foot-long southern yellow pine side sills. The layers
of detail allow for a visual of where the steel channel
exterior edge along the top and bottom end and allow
space for the cuts for the mortise/tenon of the window
posts. Also, to see where the bolts are placed to
pass through the massive timber to secure the channel \
and timber to the passenger compartment floor sills/joists.
These side sill specification details are seen in
this screenshot was critical in being able to properly
assess vintage southern yellow pine 40-foot
for use in replacing the two 37-foot-long
side sill timber of the Narcissus.
We have received no Federal or State funds to help with financing the restoration work on the Narcissus, but we still use the historic preservation guidelines to help guide our decisions in moving the project forward. One of the many challenges was locating vintage (the 1870s-1890s) southern yellow pine timbers to replace the 37-foot-long side sills. Candidates for the sills tend to be 40-footers that often are 12"x 12" and were removed from a 19th-century mill building that had been raised. These massive timbers tend to be stored outside. In some cases, they have been stored outside for many, many years. Many have very large holes and mortise cuts, long cracks, sections of rot, etc., that disqualify them from being suitable for use as side sills in the restoration of the historic Narcissus. The detailed spec file of the side sills seen above was critical in the assessment process while inspecting sill candidates. If a particular timber candidate had a large mortise, crack, or rot in an area on the timber where, as a side sill, a mortise cut for a window post or some other significant component needed solid wood for a secure fit, it could be quickly identified as being an unsuitable candidate. No guessing. Move on to the next candidate. I can't stress enough, how important it has been to have these details available, once the file's data is specified, uploaded, tweaked, etc., and made available.
In this screenshot, you can see the virtual bolt holes in the
virtual side sill.
Through the winter and up until the initial COVID-19 guidelines for remote work were implemented, work on other Narcissus components took place. Remember, the Narcissus arrived on campus at Seashore Trolley Museum on Halloween, October 31, 1969, as a body only. No mechanical or electrical components at all to make it operate, stop, etc. More than fifty years of searching and collecting various mechanical and electric components to use in restoring the majestic Narcissus to be a fully restored, operating luxury interurban coach.
Using shop air (see gauge w/piping)
Brian Tenaglia was able to assess the
moving parts of the multi-unit with
its controller being connected.
Another view of the multi-unit and controller during testing.
The four 65-hp motors that will be used
to operate the Narcissus, returned to
Seashore Trolley Museum after having been
fully rehabbed at AC Electric.
A view of the inner workings of one
of the newly rehabbed motors for the
Narcissus.
Brian Tenaglia (l) and Bill Catanesye working on one of the
trucks that will have their frame and several components
utilized for building two trucks for use operating the
Narcissus.
Parts that are removed from one of eight different trucks
for use in building the two trucks used to operate the
Narcissus, are first sandblasted and then coated with primer
before receiving coats of paint.
We are still in need of funds for creating the interpretation programs that will tell this fascinating 100+-year-old story of the Narcissus. For information on donation options, scroll down this post and find the one that best fits your position. Fund 816 to help with the restoration and Fund 817 (PLI Education-Interpretation programs ) should be noted when making a donation.
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Click Here for the post that has the short virtual 3-D video of the digital model of the Narcissus, with components added to the file from earlier this year (the gold leaf file had not been added yet).
Restoration work continues on the Narcissus. The Narcissus is more than 110 years old now and has so many incredible stories to share. The restoration of this majestic icon of Maine's electric railway history is but one of those incredible stories.
The Narcissus is featured in the national Gold Award-winning novel, Teddy Roosevelt, Millie, and the Elegant Ride. The "Elegant Ride" is the Narcissus. Theodore Roosevelt was a passenger on the Narcissus on August 18, 1914, between Lewiston and Portland, Maine, while campaigning for the Progressive Party candidates.
Independent book publisher, Phil Morse, holding
the Gold Book Award Winner plaque for
the Middle Reader category for The Eric
Hoffer Book Award. Congratulations to
award-winning Maine author,
Jean M. Flahive
Seashore Trolley Museum Promo Video
The paperback edition of Teddy Roosevelt, Millie, and the Elegant Ride can be purchased online through the Seashore Trolley Museum's store website. Books purchased through the Museum's website directly benefit the Museum and the Narcissus project.
Click Here to go to the Museum Store web page to order online
Click Here to go to the Amazon page to order the ebook or audiobook online
Paperback books are available at these local bookstores in Maine:
Center for Maine Crafts, West Gardiner Service Plaza
The Book Review, Falmouth
The Bookworm, Gorham
Letterpress Books, Portland
Maine Historical Society Store, Portland
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, Portland
Morph Gallery & Emporium, Kennebunk
New Gloucester Historical Society, New Gloucester
Nonesuch Books and More, South Portland
Seashore Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport
Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shops, All Locations
Thompson's Orchard, New Gloucester
Teddy Roosevelt, Millie, and the Elegant Ride
by Jean M. Flahive
Illustrations by Amy J. Gagnon
Listen to a 2-minute, 30-second, Retail Audio Sample of the Audiobook
Millie Thayer is a headstrong farmer's daughter who chases her dreams in a way you would expect a little girl nicknamed "Spitfire" would run full tilt and with her eyes on the stars. Dreaming of leaving the farm life, working in the city, and fighting for women's right to vote, Millie imagines flying away on a magic carpet. One day, that flying carpet shows up in the form of an electric trolley that cuts across her farm. A fortune-teller predicts that Millie's path will cross that of someone famous. Suddenly, she finds herself caught up in events that shake the nation, Maine, and her family. Despairing that her dreams may be shattered, Millie learns, in an unexpected way, that dreams can be shared.
A resource for teachers
Companion curriculum State-standard-based units,
vocabulary, and reading activities for use in grades 3-8
are available online as downloadable resources through
Seashore Trolley Museum's website
www.trolleymuseum.org/elegantride/
Maine Historical Society has created eight companion lesson units in Social Studies and ELA that were inspired by Teddy Roosevelt, Millie, and the Elegant Ride - These State-standard-based lesson plans for use in grades 6, 7, and 8 are easily adapted for use in grades 3-5. Vocabulary and Reading activities for grades 3-8 along with the eight lesson plan units are available free and may be downloaded through Seashore Trolley Museum's website www.trolleymuseum.org/elegantride/
Go to the Teacher Resource Page in the pull-down for more details.
A 60-second intro to Teddy Roosevelt, Millie, and the Elegant Ride by author, Jean Flahive
Click Here to watch the video on YouTube
Award-winning author, Jean M. Flahive
Please Consider a Donation to the Narcissus Project to help us tell the incredible story of the Narcissus through the interpretation portion of the Narcissus Project.
Here is an example of how donations to the Narcissus Project now will help with the interpretation portion of the project. The interpretation programming will include exhibits, displays, and education programming. In 2019, through generous donations to the Narcissus Project, we were able to conserve, replicate, and have high resolutions digital image files made of the original, 1910, 28.5-foot long, surveyor map of the elevation and grade of the 30-mile private right-of-way of the Portland, Gray, and Lewiston Railroad (Portland-Lewiston Interurban) Click Here
Thank You!
the crowd gathered in Gray, Maine on August 18, 1914.
Image courtesy of Gray Historical Society
The Narcissus as the Sabattus Lake Diner in Sabattus, Maine,
circa 1940. Photo by John Coughlin in the Kevin Farrell
Collection at Seashore Trolley Museum
L. Henri Vallee (right) and family members in the
Narcissus, when it was Vallee's summer camp in
Sabattus, Maine circa 1958. Photo courtesy Daniel Vallee
Inside the Donald G. Curry Town House Restoration Shop, the Narcissus is in the midst of major work as we strive to complete its restoration. We are now planning the interpretation portion of the Narcissus Project. Donations to the Narcissus Project may be used in the future to help tell the incredible 100-plus-year-old story of the Narcissus. Your donation to the Narcissus is helping to make the dream of the project's success, a reality.
See below for Donation options -
It starts with YOU
Your Donation Matters
Make a Donation TODAY
Please Help the Narcissus.
Donation Options to Help the Narcissus Project:
The New England Electric Railway Historical Society
is the 501c3 organization that owns and operates the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, ME, and the National Streetcar
Museum in Lowell (MA).
The New England Electric Railway Historical Society registered with the IRS (EIN# 01-0244457) and was incorporated in Maine in 1941.
Check or Money Order ***** should be made payable to:
New England Electric Railway Historical Society
In the memo: for a donation to the Interpretation programming
please write: PLI Education Fund 817
For a donation to help with the restoration write: Narcissus Fund 816
Mail to: Seashore Trolley Museum
P. O. Box A
Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Credit Card ***** donations can be one-time donations or you
may choose to have a specific amount charged to your card
automatically each month. Please contact the Museum bookkeeper, via email at finance@trolleymuseum.org or by phone, at 207-967-2800 ext. 3.
Online Donations - may be made by using a Credit Card:
Click Here to make an online donation through the Museum's website - When at the Donation page: Fill in donor info, etc., when at "To which fund are you donating? Scroll down to "Other" and type in 816 Narcissus, then continue filling in the required information.
Click Here for PayPal - to make an online donation: you can use email: finance@trolleymuseum.org and in the message box write:
For "Narcissus Fund 816" - if supporting the restoration
For "PLI Education Fund 817" - if supporting Interpretation programs
Donation of Securities ***** We also accept donations of
securities. You can contact the Museum bookkeeper, via email at finance@trolleymuseum.org or by phone, at 207-967-2800 ext. 3,
for brokerage account information for accepting donated securities.
BONUS ***** If you work for a company/corporation that will
"match" an employee's donation to an approved 501c3 non-profit
educational organization, please be sure to complete the necessary paperwork with your employer so that your donation is matched :)
Questions? ***** Please contact Narcissus project sponsor:
Phil Morse, narcissus@gmail.org or call 207-985-9723 - cell.
Thank You :)
Thank You for our Current Funding Partners
* 20th Century Electric Railway Foundation - 2020/2018 - Major Gift, 2017/2014 Matching Grants
* Renaissance Charitable Foundation (LPCT) by Fiduciary Trust Charitable Giving Fund
* Renaissance Charitable Foundation (LPCT) by Fiduciary Trust Charitable Giving Fund
* Mass Bay RRE - 2018 Railroad Preservation Grant
* Thornton Academy (Saco, ME) - Staff & Alumni - Matching Grant Challenge 2014
* New England Electric Railway Historical Society (Kennebunkport, ME) - Member Donations
* Amherst Railway Society - 2015 Heritage Grant
* National Railway Historical Society - 2016 & 2015 Heritage Preservation Grants
* Enterprise Holding Foundation - 2015 Community Grant
* Theodore Roosevelt Association - Member Donations
* John Libby Family Association and Member Donations
* The Conley Family - In Memory of Scott Libbey 2018/2017/2016/2015
* The W. S. Libbey Family - Awalt, Conley, Graf, Holman, Libbey, McAvoy, McLaughlin, Meldrum, O'Halloran, Salto, - 2018/2017
* The Hughes Family 2017/2016/2010
* New Gloucester Historical Society and Member Donations
* Gray Historical Society and Member Donations
* Gray Public Library Association - Pat Barter Speaker Series
* Scarborough Historical Society - PRR/PLI
* LogMein - Matching Employee Donation
* IBM - Matching Employee/Retiree Donations
* Fidelity Charitable Grant - Matching Employee Donations
* Richard E. Erwin Grant - 2017/2016
The Narcissus, with interior back-lit, stained glass windows is majestic.
Make a donation today to help restore the interior of this Maine gem.
Help Theodore Roosevelt's Maine Ride get back on track! Once restored,
you will be able to ride in luxury on this National Register Treasure at
Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine.
PWM photo
Please Consider Making a Donation to the project of the National Register of Historic Places member, Narcissus. We are currently raising funds to advance the restoration and to tell the incredible story of this Maine gem.
Various News stories during the summer of 2015 about the
Narcissus and its connection to Theodore Roosevelt. TR
was a passenger on the Narcissus on August 18, 1914.
Photo by Patricia Pierce Erikson
The Narcissus - July 31, 2015. Make a donation today.
Help Theodore Roosevelt's Maine Ride get back on track!
Once restored, you will be able to ride in luxury on this
National Historic Treasure at
