Passenger Trains > MBTA/Amtrak Detour move on Pan Am's Worcester Main

MBTA's former CSX (B&A) Grand Jct line bridge over the Charles River in Boston is shutdown for emergency structural repairs so the MBTA and Amtrak Downeaster equipment shuttles that run from Boston Engine Terminal/North Station to/from Southampton St/South Station via Beacon Park yard are temporarily taking the roundabout route via Ayer/Worcester/Framingham a few times a week, retracing the route of the State of Maine train that once used the B&M Worcester mainline. Today's return trip to BET/N Station is shown crossing Still River near the Oxbow Wildlife Refuge on an American Bridge Co truss bridge built in 1910 to hold two tracks. Several T locomotives, one bi-level coach, and a partial Amtrak Downeaster train set with Cabbage car and Genesis are in today's consist.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/09/12 16:59 by JPB.

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I believe been some discussion of Direct Portland to New York train using this route.

KansasCityChief Wrote:
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> I believe been some discussion of Direct Portland
> to New York train using this route.

Would need lots of investment - currently 10-20MPH from Barbers (Worcester) to Ayer, and not much faster Willows - Lowell.

Dave

That would be one very long trip for that distance.


KansasCityChief Wrote:
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> I believe been some discussion of Direct Portland
> to New York train using this route.

Wonder if there is enough power on that train.

Pan Am Rail...nothing like jointed rail on the main line...!