Tintypes by the Trains

On select dates in 2025, award-winning Maine photographer Troy R. Bennett will be on-hand making authentic, 19th century tintype portraits from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each handmade image is a one-of-a-kind heirloom object which can endure for generations. Come “dressed the part” for an authentic train ride and have your memories captured in this unique and fun experience.

How does it work? Well… Tintypes are the 19th century version of “instant” pictures. Metal plates are coated and sensitized in a small, mobile darkroom on the spot, then loaded them into the back of the camera. The picture then gets exposed outdoors (in the WW&F’s railyard) for four-to-eight seconds. Poof! Presto! Boffo!

The plates are developed and fixed while you watch. The whole process takes about 10 minutes. The final varnishing step is done at home, after a thorough wash. Finished plates will then get mailed out later in the week.

You may also like the following events from Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington Railway Museum:

• Next Saturday, 10th May, 11:00 am, Mother's Day Train & Tea Luncheon with Back River Bistro in Alna
• Next Saturday, 10th May, 11:00 am, Sheepscot Valley Steam Train in Alna
• This month, 17th May, 11:00 am, The Great War Remembered: World War I Reenactment Weekend in Alna