Gil, or anyone- In the current MA & PA thread, the town of Fitchburg is mentioned. I've heard the name of a company called the Fitchburg Railroad. Was this somehow affiliated with the B&M? Does anyone know of a map on the 'Net for the FRR? Or an on-line history? Boxcab E50
The Fitchburg was one of the original railroads that were all eventually merged to form the B&M. If my memory is correct the Fitchburg ran from Boston to Fitchburg. You might do a search for the B&M Historical Society or something like that. There is an organization but I am not sure they are on line.
Also here's a site mostly about the Hoosac Tunnel, but includes some info about Alvah Crocker and his Fitchburg Railroad. Enjoy, Bill Fitchburg Railroad
Interesting! Somehow, I'd never paid close attention to those predecessors of the B&M. Silly me... I'd thought the B&M had been around for much, much longer. Somewhat like the B&O. I was certainly off base on this one! Boxcab E50
I can't count the times I have worked in or passed through the tunnel but I can remember only one time when I could see both portals from central shaft. Usually the fumes from the diesels were dense enough to block the view. At the top of the central shaft there are two 50 HP electric motors driving large fans to suck the fumes out of the tunnel. The west portal also has a door that slides up and down to keep the cold air out in the winter to help cut down the icing that forms from water seapage on the tunnel roof.
You weren't in the tunnel at this time? If so, I'd suppose that a respirator was required? Good to see you posting, Gil! Boxcab E50
The fumes were not that bad but the haze obscured the portals. I can only remember one incident where an eastbound freight entered the tunnel with a tonnage train at a slower than normal speed and actually stalled when the diesels did not get enough clean air to run. The crew had to be rescued. They put an order out that if you could not maintain 20 mph or better approaching the portal you were not to enter the tunnel.
