The Bangor and Aroostook Railroad (BAR) of northern Maine was at the northeastern tip of the United States rail network. Its location offered no bridge traffic between other railways, but required dependable service when winter weather made transportation difficult. Potato loadings peaked during winter months, and a fleet of ten-wheelers built by Manchester Locomotive Works provided reliable service through the early 20th century. Consolidations for the heavier winter freight service were built at other American Locomotive Company (ALCO) plants. Potato traffic remained relatively constant through the great depression, and declining bridge traffic revenues which brought insolvency to other railroads were irrelevant to BAR. BAR provided reliable paychecks attracting competent maintenance per