Any Boston & Maine fans left...

[Stourbridge Lion]

Not seen any activity in this forum since B&M 1715 in N (http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=74382) on April 19th, 2006.

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[BNSF7173]

Despite my outward look (BNSF) I'm a hardcore B&M fan as I grew up next to the main line as a kid in NH. No work on my Conn. Valley Branch of the B&M has taken place so no pics yet. I do have a B&M GP40-2 in the works after I finish the CB&Q GP30.

BTW, My wife finished the living room in B&M blue and set up a display of O B&M engines, cars and art work so I can "go home" when I get homesick.

[Hytec]

I spent the 40's and early 50's in Hoosick, NY on the Fitchburg Div. I often rode from North Station to Ashland, NH in open vestibule coaches behind smoky tea-kettles to stay with my Grandparents in Sandwich, NH. I even rode 6000 from Hoosick Falls, NY to Ayer, MA, through The Tunnel in April, 1953.

The B&M will ALWAYS be Maroon and Gold with a Minuteman shield!


http://www.railimages.com/albums/hankcoolidge/abt.jpg

[BoxcabE50]

The B&M will ALWAYS be Maroon and Gold with a Minuteman shield!

Classic. And very classy!

:thumbs_up:

Boxcab E50

[BNSF7173]

Hank, your layout looks great! Yeah the Minute Man scheme was the B&M's golden era, too bad Pat McGinnis laid the trackwork for disaster! Here is a photo of the East wall of my livingroom, sorry it is so dark, but you get the idea.
http://www.railimages.com/albums/album72/aaa.sized.jpg

I like anything B&M as long as it ain't Guilford Gray!

[BM50]

There are plenty of us left. With all due respect to Trainboard, this isn't the best place for discussing the B&M past or present.

The B&M Yahoo group is where you will find ongoing discussion about many varied B&M subjects. There are many knowledgeable folks on the group including some former employees from the 50s and 60s.

Even though I'm a member of the B&MRR Historical Society, the forum on their website is not very active.

Duane Goodman

[Hytec]

Duane, sorry to hear that the B&MRRHS participation has fallen off. However, I suspect that I know one possible reason, at least from my perspective.

When I logged on a year or so ago, I was besieged with pop-ups that blocked further page loading until I cleared each individually. When I finally "closed" all of the unwanted screens, I was blocked by a screen "demanding" that I become a member of the B&MRRHS.

Haven't been back since.

[BoxcabE50]

If anyone were interested, I could post up scans from my B&M train order collection. I've examples from 90 different offices.....

:D

Boxcab E50

[Stourbridge Lion]

There are plenty of us left. With all due respect to Trainboard, this isn't the best place for discussing the B&M past or present.

The B&M Yahoo group is where you will find ongoing discussion about many varied B&M subjects.

I too am a member of the D&H Yahoo group and there is a ton of D&H topics there all the time in email format. Someday I hope people will get tierd of that old messy format and move to TrainBoard. Maybe you as a B&M fan can keep us up to date of interesting topic going on there as well as see if they would rather trade formats and use TrainBoard rather than having a bunch of email messages to sort through.

:lightbulb: :lightbulb: :lightbulb: :lightbulb:

[BM50]

I don't see any of the members moving over from the Yahoo Group, as they are pretty content there. As far as sorting through emails, I don't get messages in that format. I read them on the group site and can pick and choose what to read based on subject line (like this one!).

Duane Goodman

[BM50]

If anyone were interested, I could post up scans from my B&M train order collection. I've examples from 90 different offices.....

:D

Boxcab E50
I would like to see the train orders. What time frames do they cover?

Duane Goodman

[BM50]

Duane, sorry to hear that the B&MRRHS participation has fallen off. However, I suspect that I know one possible reason, at least from my perspective.

When I logged on a year or so ago, I was besieged with pop-ups that blocked further page loading until I cleared each individually. When I finally "closed" all of the unwanted screens, I was blocked by a screen "demanding" that I become a member of the B&MRRHS.

Haven't been back since.
You're right, the popups are annoying. The site manager is a member of the Yahoo Group and has acknowledged the problem, but he gets his marching orders from the society so his hands are tied.

Duane Goodman

[Hytec]

......but he gets his marching orders from the society so his hands are tied.Thanks for the explanation, and I understand completely...everybody works for someone.:zip:

[BoxcabE50]

I would like to see the train orders. What time frames do they cover?

Dates are many and varied. A lot of 1960's, 1970's. But other decades as well. Focus is on getting an example from as many locations as possible.

Washington? The state?

:D

Boxcab E50

[Hytec]

Ken, are these B&M orders, or elsewhere? I would be interested in seeing B&M from the Fitchburg Division, and the NH Div.

[Stourbridge Lion]

As a Fallen Flag's moderator I encourage people to start several topics to show the rich history of these railroads. Show off that model and how it compairs to the real thing. Start a Roster topic / Class and show off vintage photographs you have in those shoeboxes. If you hear of something in a Yahoo Group forum that is interesting share it with us. Share events coming up by the Historical Society for that Fallen Flag so we know about it as well.

:lightbulb: :lightbulb: :lightbulb: :lightbulb:

[BM50]

Yes, Washington state. I know I'm pretty far from B&M territory, but I've always liked and researched the pre-McGinnis era, particularly the 1946-1954 time frame.

Duane Goodman

[BoxcabE50]

Ken, are these B&M orders, or elsewhere? I would be interested in seeing B&M from the Fitchburg Division, and the NH Div.

Hank-

I don't know the RR by division. My passion is collecting train orders. But these are indeed genuine B&M. I will be uploading some shortly.

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Yes, Washington state. I know I'm pretty far from B&M territory, but I've always liked and researched the pre-McGinnis era, particularly the 1946-1954 time frame.

Duane-

Excepting service time, have lived all my life either in Montana, or western Washington.

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Amherst, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/1.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Athol, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/2.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Ayer, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/3.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Barber, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/4.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Bellows Falls, Vermont:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/5.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BNSF7173]

Boxcab, your making me homesick:teeth: Got any from Concord NH, my old home?

[Hytec]

Ken, those are fascinating. I hadn't paid attention to orders before, let alone read them while looking at a route map.

BTW, most are Fitchburg Division, except for Bellows Falls (VT) which is Conn River Division. I believe Amherst is also Conn River, but I could be mistaken because I thought the south end of Conn River was Greenfield, and Amherst is south of Greenfield on the line that connects with the New Haven at Springfield.....?

[BoxcabE50]

Boxcab, your making me homesick:teeth: Got any from Concord NH, my old home?

Should have at least one!

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Ken, those are fascinating. I hadn't paid attention to orders before, let alone read them while looking at a route map.

Hank-

I've been collecting these for many long years. Am constantly amazed by how few people do the same. The bulk of RRdiana collectors seem hooked on keys, locks, lanterns, timetables, and choo choo pictures. Having overlooked paper completely. Trains could not move without these items! Tells me that most RRdiana collectors don't know much about railroads at all!

:(

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Berlin, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Berlin.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Boston, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Boston.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Bradford, Vermont:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Bradford.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Brattleboro, Vermont:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Brattleboro.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Canaan, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Canaan.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Chelsea, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/11.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Claremont Junction, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/12.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Clinton, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/13.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Concord, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/14.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Concord, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/15.jpg


:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Danvers, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Danvers.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Dover, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Dover.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Draw 7 (Boston), Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Draw_7.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

I hope this is somewhat interesting. Have quite a few more. You guys let me know................?

:D

Boxcab E50

[BM50]

Duane-

Excepting service time, have lived all my life either in Montana, or western Washington.

:D

Boxcab E50
What city/town did you live in here? I live in the Bremerton area.

Duane Goodman

[BoxcabE50]

Duane-

My parents live in Bremerton. My wife's father in Port Townsend. A bit off topic, so maybe we should take this off list. Drop me a PM!

Anyhow, were those orders shown above interesting? More?

:D

Boxcab E50

[Hytec]

Ken, you have a fantastic number of B&M Flimsies, all of which bring tears to my aged eyes. Especially since more than half were originated within my lifetime......:omg:

Interesting note regards the flimsy datelined Berlin, NH - the Berlin Branch was the site of the last two operating Ball Signals on the B&M. One was at Waumbek Jct. and the other was at Whitefield where the Berlin Branch crossed the Maine Central Mountain Division. These signals operated daily at least until passenger service was dropped on December 2, 1961, perhaps longer. Freight service didn't end on the B&M Berlin Branch or the MEC Mountain Div. until the mid-80's, so they may have operated until then.

The following rule regarding Ball Signals at Whitefield, NH is quoted from the April 30, 1951 B&M Employee's Timetable:

"One ball or one red light will allow trains on the Boston & Maine Railroad to pass over Maine Central track. Two balls or two red lights will allow trains on the Maine Central Railroad to pass over Boston & Maine track. All (B&M) trains and engines will stop 500 feet from Maine Central track."

The Whitefield ball signals were mounted from a 25-30 foot pole with a "T" cross arm at the top. There was one ball and kerosene lantern hung from a pulley at each end of the "T" cross arm. When a ball was lowered, its lantern went into a bucket which hid the light from the engineer's view.

One note for those unfamiliar with Ball Signals...the term "Highball" originated with the operation of Ball Signals. If a ball was high, a train was cleared to pass in accordance with applicable rules. Ball signals were used by many, if not all railroads in the eastern US during the 19th and early 20th Centuries.

[BoxcabE50]

Hank-

Am sitting here holding a crew copied (1981) order at Waumbek Jct. Too late for those ball signals. But better than nothing. Also have a 1980 flimsy from Whitefield.

If interested, I have examples from about 70 more locations. Can scan and upload. Let me know....

:D

Boxcab E50

[BM50]

I too enjoyed seeing the Berlin to Woodsville train order. The routes in and out of Woodsville are my primary interest. If anyone's interested, the engine in the order, number 4265, was the lead unit of the B&M's four F7A&B sets.

Duane Goodman

[Hytec]

Ken, I suspect that the ball signals were still in use at both Waumbek and Whitefield in 1980/81. Their operation probably would have required that one of the on-board crew go to a dispatcher phone next to the signal for orders.....just guessing here. MEC and B&M were dispatched from different locations, so this would have been the only means of coordination. Besides it would cost too much to change, since there was little revenue for either railroad in this area.

Do you have any flimsies addressing Concord, Franklin, Laconia, Meredith, Ashland, Plymouth, and Woodsville? The joint B&M/CP Alouette ran daily on this line in both directions between Montreal and Boston until the late 50's. Also, there was still a fair amount of freight at this time. I believe that Guilford is still running local freights out of Concord as far north as Laconia. (Laconia-Plymouth are my old stomping grounds.)

[BNSF7173]

Hank, I know the ball signal was still in place as a historic reminder and in good shape when I went up there 10 years ago or so. By then the use was not neccesary as Guilford shut most of its NH lines down in the 1980's. There is a great video out called "Red Alcos, Green Mountains" and it shows Whitefield in the video. My dad who still lives in Boscawen NH (good luck finding that unless your a native) wants to retire in Whitfield.

Since we are on the topic, how many of you know about the spin off Suncook Valley RR that conected to the B&M in Hookset and went north to Center Barnstead? Of particular intrerst, My parents property has the old ROW running on their property along with one of the original RR bridges! I have a picture of one of the center cab engines they had, an interesting story I'll post later.

Boxcab, these train orders are great, my layout is a long way from operations, but I think I'll use my Adobe Illustrator to make some up like the ones your posting for future operations! Any from Penacook, Boscawen NH?

[Hytec]

Last I heard a few years ago, Guilford is still running coal to the power plant in Boscawen a couple times a week. The trains were handed off from CSX at Rotterdam Jct., NY, and routed over the ex-B&M Fitchburg Division through Lowell, then up to Concord/Boscawen. This service may have been stopped because the current Guilford system map (http://www.guilfordrail.com/Maps/map.htm) does not show the line from Bow to Boscawen any more.

Although, looking at the system map more closely, I suspect that it may not show all active, though little used branches. For instance, there is a spur from Rochester, NH up to a tire plant near Farmington that was still active a few years ago. This line was notable because at the NH Route 11 crossing, the train had to stop, the conductor dismount, manually activate the flashing crossing signals, then wait for the train to clear the crossing before de-activating the signals. I have a photo of that train bursting through a 4-5 high snow bank left by a highway snowplow.

On the other hand, the map does show an active line between Whitefield and St. Johnsbury, VT., so when your Dad retires to Whitefield you may get to see some action...if you are VERY patient...!

[BoxcabE50]

I'll scan more a little later today. Hope they'll be just as interesting.

:D

Boxcab E50

[BNSF7173]

Last I heard a few years ago, Guilford is still running coal to the power plant in Boscawen a couple times a week. The trains were handed off from CSX at Rotterdam Jct., NY, and routed over the ex-B&M Fitchburg Division through Lowell, then up to Concord/Boscawen.

Sure your not getting Boscawen confused with Bow? Guilford gave trackage rights to everything north of Manchester to a small line, New England Southern. The tracks in Boscawen have been torn up just north of Penacook near Hannah Dustin Park. I have not seen a train on that branch since 1983 or better. Hannah Dustin Park is right off Route 3, my dad used to take me there to watch the rebuilt GP9's run through. Wish we had taken pictures:sad:

[Hytec]

How right you are.....:embarassed:

Would you believe a major Senior Moment? :sad:

[Pete Nolan]

WOW!

I've completely missed this forum. I'll be coming back.

[BoxcabE50]

Ely, Vermont:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/16.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Enfield, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/21.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Exchange Street (Worcester), Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/31.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Fitchburg, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/41.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Gardner, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/51.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

OOPS!!! My files somehow became slightly scrambled. Missed a couple.

Concord Yard, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Concord_Yard.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

East Portal (Hoosac Tunnel), Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/East_Portal.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Franklin, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Franklin.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BNSF7173]

Would you believe a major Senior Moment?

No worries Hank, the only reason why I remember is the fact I used to railfan that area in the 1990's. And I lived there.
Boxcab, keep em comming!

[Hytec]

Ken, the Order from East Portal (Hoosac Tunnel) is interesting in that a) Engine #3621 is a Pacific, b) Train #63 is passenger, and c) they are left-hand running for nearly 30 miles from Greenfield to the Tunnel, which was rare for the B&M.

Also, at this time, 1931, all traffic through the Tunnel was pulled by electric motors, including passenger. The motors were attached to the front of the steamers at East Portal (westbound) or North Adams (eastbound), and the firemen reduced firebox draft to minimize smoking while transitting the 4-1/2 mile Tunnel. Electric motor operation through Hoosac Tunnel had been discontinued by 1947 after the Fitchburg division was dieselized.

[BoxcabE50]

Greenfield, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Greenfield.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Groveton, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Groveton.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Halcyon, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Halcyon.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Hamilton Wenham, Massachusetts. I've also seen this copied as Hamilton-Wenham, or Hamilton & Wenham:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Hamilton_Wenham.jpg


:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Holyoke, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Holyoke.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Johnsonville, New York:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Johnsonville.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Keene, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Keene.jpg


:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Lakeport, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Lakeport.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Lincoln, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Lincoln.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Lisbon, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Lisbon.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Littleton, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Littleton.jpg


:D

Boxcab E50

[Hytec]

Ken, the Johnsonville order was for a daily freight local out of Mechanicville, NY. This local also came through where I lived in Hoosick, NY, about 6 miles south of Hoosick Jct.

Most of the track between Hoosick Jct. and North Bennington, VT was Rutland RR property. This order reminded me that in spring of 1952, I boarded Rutland's Green Mountain Flyer at North Hoosick, the community where Hoosick Jct. is located. The Flyer had trackage rights on the B&M from Hoosick Jct. to Troy, NY. I was on the coach that was transferred from the Flyer in Troy to Albany, NY, where it was connected to the Laurentian, a joint Delaware & Hudson/New York Central train from Montreal that continued on to New York City. I remember the transfer being lots of excitement because the distance between the two terminals was about 15 miles across the Hudson River and the switcher took the better part of an hour to transfer our one car.

BTW, Engine #1226 was an SW-8.

[BoxcabE50]

Hank-

Please keep those memories flowing! They help me develop a better mental picture of what was happening!

I also have about three dozen Rutland offices I can share. Along with MEC, and more....

:thumbs_up: :D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Lowell Tower, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Lowell_Tower.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Lynn, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Lynn.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Manchester, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Manchester.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Mechanicville, New York:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Mechanicville.jpg


:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Medford Junction, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Medford_Jct.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[Hytec]

Another note about the line north from Hoosick, Jct. - Amtrak had planned to upgrade that trackage to accomodate their train from New York City to Rutland, VT. I don't believe the Rutland train ever came to pass, but the trackage may have been upgraded...dunno?

[Hytec]

The Johnsonville and Mechanicville orders both controlled the same local movement, although 10 years apart. The difference being that Johnsonville "JV" Tower was taken out of service in the early 60's and control of that area was transferred to Mechanicville. Johnsonville is about 8 miles west of Hoosick Jct., and Mechanicville is about 10 miles further west.

Johnsonville tower had controlled the interlocking where the B&M main line split, routing passenger traffic south to Troy and routing freight traffic west to Mechanicville. B&M discontinued all passenger service to Troy in January, 1958, terminating it at Williamstown, MA instead. Interestingly, Johnsonville Tower was still standing in November 1999, although the Troy Branch trackage had long since been removed.

[BoxcabE50]

Hank-

Got any pictures of these towers and stations?

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Meredith, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Meredith.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Mystic Junction (Boston), Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Mystic_Jct.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[Hytec]

Got any pictures of these towers and stations?I do, but sadly they are in the books that I mentioned in my other B&M thread. I have a hunch that if I scanned and posted them, Robert Willoughby Jones would hire some guys from Chicago's South Side to fit me for concrete boots so I could test the depth of the Gulf of Mexico.:omg:

"I don't think so, Tim....!" :thumbs_down: :teeth:

[BoxcabE50]

Hank, or anyone- Am curious about a place name. I earlier posted a train order from Hamilton Wenham. Have also seen it copied as Hamilton-Wenham, Hamilton & Wenham. What's the history behind this combination.

:D

Boxcab E50

[Hytec]

Ken, Hamilton-Wenham is the station that serves the towns of Hamilton and Wenham on the Massachussetts North Shore. Hamilton-Wenham is about 5 miles north of Beverly, which is on most maps.

This line originally was the Eastern Railroad from Boston to Portland, ME. The B&M later absorbed it and made it their Eastern Division. It now is part of the MBTA commuter system, terminating at Newburyport, MA on the Merrimac River, near the NH border.

As an aside...I went through Hamilton-Wenham 2 years ago when I visited my brother in Ipswich.

[BoxcabE50]

Hank-

How is this station situated? Have those two locations grown together over the years? Maybe a map would help me visualize the layout?

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Nashua, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Nashua.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Newbury, Vermont:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Newberry.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

North Adams, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/North_Adams.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

North Bennington, Vermont:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/North_Bennington.jpg


:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Here's a well known location! North Conway, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/North_Conway.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Norwood Central, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Norwood_Central.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

NY Tower (Newburyport), Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/NY_Tower.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Orange, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Orange.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Ossipee, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Ossipee.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Palmer, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Palmer.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[Hytec]

Ken, Hamilton and Wenham are typical of many 300+ year old New England towns. Many towns were founded during the 1600's by opposing religious groups, often only a mile or two apart, as in this case. When the Eastern RR was built in the 1840's, they probably chose to construct one depot between the two towns to save money. The towns grew because of the railroad and their proximity to Boston, and now the only way to tell the difference is by the Town Limit signs on Rte 1A, and by listening to back-room discussions at the annual Town Meetings. To look at this area, I recommend Google Earth, a free download with excellent satellite imagery, or you could use one of many mapping programs such as Microsoft Streets & Trips which show railroads in addition to roads.

Regards the North Adams order, it's interesting that North Adams would issue an order for the Mechanicville area, when Mechanicville issued their own orders....?

Regards the North Bennington order, this is for the same track as the earlier Johnsonville and Mechanicville local freight orders. North Bennington was on Rutland RR trackage, but the Rut and B&M had power swapping agreements for many years, both in this area and on B&M's Conn River line. Also, I believe the B&M had controlling interest in the Rutland, or perhaps owned it outright.

[Hytec]

Ken, I have found an easy way to view the Hamilton-Wenham station and surrounding area using Google Earth. Enter "Beverly, MA" and Google Earth will place the view in the middle of downtown Beverly. Move very slightly to the south and west and you will see where the MBTA Newburyport branch to the north diverges from the Gloucester branch to the east. Follow the Newburyport branch north and the next station will be Hamilton-Wenham. You can continue further north to the next station, Ipswich where my brother met me.

One note, you will see what appears to be a lot of empty space between the towns rather than wall to wall people-boxes of other major metro areas. The land in this area is quite hilly, also they have excellent zoning control, so there has been far less uncontrolled and random development, leaving large amounts of green space.

[BoxcabE50]

OK. I'll go do some exploring. See what I can find.

:D

Boxcab E50

[pdlethbridge]

I just posted a picture of our roundhouse with B&M steam

[BoxcabE50]

pdlethbridge-

Welcome To TrainBoard!

Please let us know where we can view your steam photo?

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Portsmouth, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Portsmouth.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Potter Place, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Potter_Place.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

PT Tower One (Portland), Maine:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/PT_Tower_One.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Randolph, New Hampshire. This is on a USRA form. But it's simply old stock being used up. The USRA was gone in 1920:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Randolph.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Rigby Yard (South Portland), Maine:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Rigby_Yard.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[Hytec]

Pdlethbridge, Welcome to the Train Board, we're glad to have you aboard...especially in the B&M Forum. I would love to see your photo. Do you need help posting it?

[Hytec]

Ken, the Randolph order raises an interesting question...I didn't realize the USRA was still managing (regulating?) the railroads as late as 1925....?

The Portsmouth order shows that the ex-Eastern line was still in existance and useable in 1979. Guilford ripped it up between Portsmouth, NH and Ipswich, MA shortly after they absorbed the B&M, so they could salvage the steel. As I mentioned earlier, the MBTA goes north from Ipswich to Newburyport, but that's only because the "T" had to rebuild that 12 mile portion from the ground up at taxpayer's expense.
Thanks for NOTHING, Guilford!

[BoxcabE50]

Ken, the Randolph order raises an interesting question...I didn't realize the USRA was still managing (regulating?) the railroads as late as 1925....?

Hank-

I have examples such as Randolph from other railroads. USRA was indeed (1920) long gone. The RR company, being frugal, was simply using up old paperwork stocks.

You also see this after mergers. Using up old pads of blank orders. Even shuffling inventory around, so oddities occur. I have seen orders copied after the Burlington Northern merger. Such as on CB&Q forms, in western Washington state. Nearly a thousand miles from the nearest CB&Q location.

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Rochester, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Rochester.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Rockingham, New Hampshire. Bummer. It's only an annullment. But I guess that's better than having nothing:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Rockingham.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Rockport, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Rockport.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

St.Johnsbury, Vermont:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/St_Johnsbury.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Salem, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Salem.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Salem Tower, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Salem_Tower.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Sanbornville, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Sanbornville.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Hank, or anyone- How do you pronounce this place name? Schaghticoke, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Schagticoke.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[Stourbridge Lion]

I knew you collected Train Orders; but, WOW! to you have a collection

[BNSF7173]

Hank, or anyone- How do you pronounce this place name? Schaghticoke, New Hampshire:


Sha-ti-coke, can't say it like I used to, lost my NH accent. Old timers probably pronounced it Shat-thi-cock. Man have not heard that town name in like 20 years:omg:

[BoxcabE50]

Pronouncing place names can be quite an art. We have stuff in my region, that folks outside cannot articulate.

For example, I'm a bit of a Maine Two Foot buff. In Maine was once the Bridgton & Saco River. Saco pronounced there as SAW-koh. But we also have a location, (ex-GN RY), in Montana spelled Saco. Which here comes out as SAY-koh.

:eek:

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

I knew you collected Train Orders; but, WOW! to you have a collection

A few here and there. There are roughly about 12,500 more, all from different railroads and locations, which I've not posted in my RI albums. I don't think there's enough room...... Some day I hope to have them all scanned. Some day.....

:D

Boxcab E50

[Hytec]

Hank, or anyone- How do you pronounce this place name? Schaghticoke, New Hampshire:Uh, sorry to correct, but "Ska-ti-coke" is in New York State, halfway between Mechanicville and Johnsonville, just north of Troy.

[Hytec]

Pronouncing place names can be quite an art. We have stuff in my region, that folks outside cannot articulate.:eek:

Boxcab E50Eh-Yup, got a point theyuh.:teeth:

For instance, the are many towns named "Berlin" throughout the Northeast. It's BUR'-luhn in New Hampshire, but ber-LIN' in New York. Then there's "Woostuh" Massachussetts, written Worcester.

[BNSF7173]

LOL, my wife came to visit once and was helping me by map to get to a train show in MA. "Take a left here and we will go through Wourchester, ." She said it like Wor-sch-see-shire-ter. "what?" "That town she" said with a puzzled look. Oh you mean Woo-stah!:teeth:

[Hytec]

Ken, Rockport is in Massachussetts, not Maine. It's an artist colony out on Cape Ann, just west of Gloucester...pronounced GLOH'-stuh. :sad:

[Hytec]

The pronounciation that I most enjoy is "Coos", as in COOZ Bay, OR, but COE'-os County, NH.

The Indians are still chuckling over all their place names that the white man can not pronounce to this day.:embarassed:

[BoxcabE50]

Ken, Rockport is in Massachussetts, not Maine. It's an artist colony out on Cape Ann, just west of Gloucester...pronounced GLOH'-stuh. :sad:

Oops! Will correct! :omg:

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

For instance, the are many towns named "Berlin" throughout the Northeast. It's BUR'-luhn in New Hampshire,....

Same as the Milwaukee Road town in Wisconsin.

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

South Acton, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/South_Acton.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

South Manchester, New Hampshire. Appears to be a crew copy:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/South_Manchester.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Springfield, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Springfield.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[Hytec]

Ken, or anyone, what does "C&E" stand for in the "To" field? Most orders appear to have it, although a few do not.

[BNSF7173]

Ken, or anyone, what does "C&E" stand for in the "To" field? Most orders appear to have it, although a few do not.


Conductor & Engineer if I remember right.

Hey that Guilford one takes me back. NEGs 503 is the New England Southerns former Rock Island GP18. Cool.

[BoxcabE50]

Ken, or anyone, what does "C&E" stand for in the "To" field? Most orders appear to have it, although a few do not.

Hank-

As already noted, indeed "Conductor & Engineer."

Some interurbans, and even larger electrifications did use C&M. "Conductor & Motorman."

Not always on each order. Depends upon the purpose of the order. Such as those you see with Opr or Operator, Yardmaster, etc.

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Tower H (Boston), Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Tower_H.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Tower X (Boston), Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Tower_X.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Troy, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Troy.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Walpole, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Walpole.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Waltham, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Waltham.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Crew copied. But better than nothing. Waumbek Junction, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Waumbek_Jct.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Wells River, Vermont:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Wells_River.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Wendell, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Wendell.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

West Concord, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/West_Concord.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

West Peabody, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/West_Peabody.jpg
:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Whitefield, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Whitefield.jpg
:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Winchester, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Winchester.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Winchester Tower, Massachusetts:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Winchester_Tower.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Windsor, Vermont:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Windsor.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Woodsville, New Hampshire:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/Woodsville.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

WR Jct (White River Junction), Vermont:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/WR_Jct.jpg
:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

XO (Mechanicville), New York:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/835/XO.jpg

:D

Boxcab E50

[BoxcabE50]

Well, that wraps up my paperwork tour of the B&M. It's a view few today know about. And sadly, RRdiana collectors have overlooked for too long. (No trains could move without these!) Hope it brought some enjoyment to a few people.

I'll dedicate this thread to all B&M fans, and to the memory of our late friend, and TrainBoard Moderator, Gil "signalguy" Abar.

:thumbs_up:

Boxcab E50

[Hytec]

Gil was a great guy, a B&M Signals Super on the Conn River and Fitchburg Divisions for many years. Highball To You, Gil! :thumbs_up:

Back to Flimsies...those two that ordered Waumbek Jct. in '80 and '81 definitely show that some control was still in use at the Jct., probably the Ball Signal, which the photos in Robert W. Jones' books also corroborate.

Ken, Thank you very much for providing a wonderful, and nostalgic trip back to my youth. It has given me great Pleasure....:teeth:

[railhead]

Boxcab,

Thanks for sharing, those orders for Lynn, Swampscott, and Salem hit home. I lived in Lynn as a high schooler. My foster brother and I would ALWAYS be trackside to check out late afternoon freight trains; we'd be pretty disappointed whenever we missed one...

Mike

[BoxcabE50]

Train orders can provide a wealth of information. I love 'em. Collect with a passion. Have many that remind me with personal memories. And they also can give me a glimpse of life, in a place I never saw, nor will ever visit.

:D

Boxcab E50

[Stourbridge Lion]

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[Hytec]

I agree, but I've been kinda busy arranging to build and move to a new house about 25 miles north, away from the water. Spent the past few days packing up rolling stock and dis-assembling the layout. :sad:

Now I get to design a whole new B&M, Saucier Division.....:w20z6q: :w20z6q: :w20z6q: