Monday, October 25, 2010

10/23/10 NOTES

We stopped at Palmer MA today.  Have had very little luck here for the last few visits.  Today was pretty dull.  An NECR freight with 4 diesels came up from CT and detatched its power in the yard.  Other than loaned CSOR switcher #2340, that was all we saw.  Not even Amtrak.  Not even the sun...

© 2010 Jonelle DeFelice

© 2010 Jonelle DeFelice

Maine reaches deal to buy imperiled rail lines - TRAINS Magazine

Maine reaches deal to buy imperiled rail lines - TRAINS Magazine

Maine reaches deal to buy imperiled rail lines

Published: October 20, 2010

AUGUSTA, Maine — The State of Maine has reached a deal to buy 233 miles of track from Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway to prevent their abandonment, Business Week has reported. The state has been fighting for more than a year to preserve rail service north of Millinocket, Maine, and the agreement apparently reaches that objective. “Lifting this cloud of uncertainty not only helps stabilize these rail-dependent industries, but with improved services, lays the groundwork for future expansion and new business opportunities,” said David Cole, the state’s transportation commissioner. The line mostly serves lumber and paper-industry customers. Under the agreement, the state will pay MM&A $20.1 million for the rail line. It’s received a $10.5 million federal grant to help fund repairs and maintenance on the line. MM&A will continue operating the line until the state selects a new operator. The deal is to be completed within 90 days.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

10/13/10 NOTES

Took a ride out to East Deerfield yard today.  'Geeps #51 & #52 were working the hump at the east end of the yard.  MEC #501 was in Pan Am paint and was turning into train ED190.  What I assume was an NECR work crew with a bunch of track cars were stopped at Millers Falls at 1:40PM. 

By the time I got into Harvard on my way home, I heard loaded P&W coal train PWBO on the way toward Ayer.  I just missed them at Still River, then saw them passing Harvard.  I decided to stop at Ayer station and wait for it to come out of the Hill Yard, even thought it was getting late.  Good thing I did... it had two of the new Providence & Worcester units, #562 & #582.  They were still in BNSF paint, with rather humorous patch-jobs.  I had a chat with the conductor while they waited on the east leg of the wye for a clear track.  Lighting at Ayer was awful, but I managed to snag a couple of decently lit shots down at Willows...



Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Historic Massachusetts depot burns in East Brookfield

Historic Massachusetts depot burns - TRAINS Magazine

Historic Massachusetts depot burns

Published: September 22, 2010


EAST BROOKFIELD, Mass. — Massachusetts state police have been assisting local police and fire officials to help determine the cause of a Sept. 18 fire that damaged the historic train station in East Brookfield, Mass., according to an article in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. East Brookfield is located about 14 miles west of Worcester, Mass., along CSX Transportation’s main line linking Boston and Albany, N.Y. The station, constructed in 1894 by the Boston & Albany Railroad, was a significant example of a Richardson Romanesque architectural design as executed by the firm of Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidge. CSX currently owns the stone-and-brick building. The railroad halted freight traffic through town for about an hour Saturday night while firefighters battled the blaze. City officials say the fire destroyed the building’s roof and damaged the interior. A grassroots effort to preserve the building is taking shape, although it is not yet clear whether the station can be saved or restored. To find out more, visit the East Brookfield Historical Commission website: http://www.eastbrookfieldma.us/Historical-Commission.htm

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Grafton & Upton: Locomotive, 2 tankers derail

Grafton & Upton: Locomotive, 2 tankers derail

GRAFTON — A locomotive and two tankers derailed near Route 140 about 2 p.m. yesterday. One of the tankers contained alcohol, according to Grafton & Upton Railroad owner Jon M. DelliPriscoli. The other was carrying a phosphorus acid.

Nothing leaked from either tanker and there were no injuries.

The locomotive was disconnected from the two tankers and moved away so officials could work to upright the tankers. Officials later called off efforts to clear the area when attempts to right the cars with a heavy-duty industrial wrecker failed, according to Douglas P. Pizzi, spokesman for the Grafton & Upton Railroad, a privately owned short line railroad that runs 16-1/2 miles from North Grafton to Milford. He said a rail crane would be brought to the site on Monday to lift the tankers off the track until it can be repaired.

The accident was caused by “rail spread,” he said, which happens when the rails are pushed apart by the weight and force of the rail cars traveling over them. The train was moving at about 5 miles per hours when the derailment occurred behind the Grafton Inn. Mr. DelliPriscoli said he believed drainage from the recent rain caused problems with the track. The owner called the incident a simple derailment that did not require reporting. The locomotive was heading to a trans-loading yard in West Upton where the cargo was to be transferred to truck.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

No More Pan Am District 4

As of October 2, 2010, there is no longer a District 4 on Pan Am Railways.  District 3 now covers everything west from about MP312.  It was always helpful having a district change half way between Ayer and Hoosac Tunnel.  When chasing a freight, you could tell just how far it had gone even if you didn't catch what milepost it was near.  Now, you better have a clue about those mileposts!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

10/2/10 at East Deerfield MA

The yard was full of new-to-the-roster EMD power, including MEC #s 602, 617, 616, 606, 605, 502, and more!