Railroad Forums
Moderator: Otto Vondrak
Benjamin Maggi wrote:I don't know much about this line, but was hoping to get some pictures of it.You, and everyone else, Ben.
Anyone able to point me in the right direction?Yes. From your location, east.
Are their engines stored outside, or under cover?Both. Kept in the enginehouse in Greenwich whenever possible, though they will often leave a locomotive near where they finish switching work at the end of the day in the warmer months. With frost coming, they'll probably be making the trip back to Greenwich to avoid storage outdoors.
When is the best time to catch a train?This is a question that has pondered railfans for generations. Some say they have a regular schedule, and have actually claimed sightings. Others dispute the existence of the Batten Kill, and claim it is only legend.
pablo wrote:Once upon a time, we would see the line operating regularly. Posts like these suggest to me that the line's best years are behind it, which is a shame.The line usually operates twice a week, they switch their customers (Cargill feed, Carovail seed, and the timber transload at Cargill). Sometimes they decide not to run for various reasons- too caught up in track work or whatever. Sometimes they can't get the engine started. Sometimes Pan Am or D&H doesn't show up with cars. It's also a seasonal business too, catering to agriculture. Because they're a small company, they pretty much dictate when they'll operate, and sometimes it's not on a regular schedule. It's also a bit out of the way- so it's not the easiest operation to shoot! Oh, and the WEATHER...
Benjamin Maggi wrote:So... if I wanted to try and catch a train one day (meaning, commit essentially a whole day to tracking their train) where would be the best place to start? The Enginehouse in Greenwich? The D&H interchange?Even though D&H brings interchange, it's still the B&M/Guilford/PanAm line. Your day will begin wherever the engine is at... which could be Greenwich, could be Greenwich Junction, could be Eagle Bridge.
Also, are there any indicators that would give me a clue as to whether they are going to run a certain day?Yes. Please join the Yahoo group I linked to earlier, good indicators are posted there all the time. The indicators are same that I posted above- customer need, interchange, crew and loco availability, etc.
I thought about calling them the morning of and asking but am not sure if that would work.You could call the railroad, their number is listed. State who you are, your intentions ("Hi, my name is___, I'm from___, and I'm a railroad photograper..."). If they don't pick up right away, I find if you leave a number they may try to contact you.
Did we ever hear a music sweeter than the one that thrills, as it floats along the Deerfield, as it echoes o'er the hills.-E. A. Fitch
How we watch that little engine as it stalks across the plain; was there ever music sweeter, was there ever sight completer, than the coming of the train?
B&M 1227 wrote:The Batten Kill is currently in the process of installing a second interchange track at Eagle Bridge. Some grading has been done and there's a big pile of ballast and new rail in the parking lot off Rt 67. It's nice to see some more effort put into their infrastructure, even if paid for by the state.That's good news! Switching at Eagle Bridge was usually a very tight operation...
