MBTA equipment transfers north and south routes

Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum

Help Support Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

DSS&A

Lead Service Attendant
Joined
Aug 21, 2015
Messages
422
How does MBTA transfer commute rail locomotives and coach equipment between north lines and south lines?
 
Hi, thanks for the information. I found it on Google maps. Did Pan Am use this track to interchange with Conrail/CSX before CSX moved out of Boston?
 
It's called the Grand Junction. CSX used to use it to get to the produce market and scrap company on Everett. That business has all gone to Pan Am now as CSX doesn't come east of Framingham anymore.

Pan Am never used it as far as I know.

Amtrak also uses it on occasion and one of the most interesting moves was taking the "Great Dome" "Ocean View" on it to get from the west to run on the Downeaster. This is as close to Boston South Station as a full-length dome has ever been. A regular dome has been in South Station at least once (Quad Graphics private car - came in via the Midland) and Amtrak did run an experimental dome car test to see the possibility of putting a dome on the LSL a long time ago. They felt the clearances were too tight unfortunately. That would have been a great asset on the route.

Another interesting tidbit is that when the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus train came to town, the passenger cars were parked on the double track between Mass. Ave. and Memorial Drive (gaps were left for the pedestrian crossings).
 
Last edited:
Back
Top