Amtrak Downeaster Discussion Thread

[markhb]

The L/A project study is outlined here with links to the documents from the first phase. Whether it would be strictly to the airport on the STL or take MEC into downtown Auburn and Lewiston Upper is still up in the air AFAIK.

[gokeefe]

Downeaster to LA?

If so it would only be certain trains. As others have noted it would be tremendously detrimental to the service to "fork" the route. A separate service seems like a good option but is obviously cost prohibitive.

[arthur d.]

Message from Rumor Control: Gerry's Variety in Exeter NH has been sold and will be closing for renovations. As this is home to the local Quick-Trak machine, it could make things interesting. Consider yourselves warned.

[sicariis]

Here’s the listing if anyone is interested:
https://www.pelletiergroup.com/listing/ ... -nh-03833/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Jonathan603]

I wonder how long it will be closed for and if they will be reopening with the Trackside Cafe still?

On another note, here is some drone footage I shot on 3/21 featuring 686 passing Rockingham junction 15 units long!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWqw29erHjs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Jonathan603]

Was on 693 today and it stopped for 10 minutes or so to let 694 pass in Exeter. However, 693 instead of running forward to CPF256 it stopped at the other end of the double track in Exeter and once 694 passed it reversed up back onto the single and then continued its journey east. Sorry if this is a silly question but why not pull forward to 256 and wait?

[Rockingham Racer]

When did Exeter get double track? This is news.

[Jonathan603]

When did Exeter get double track? This is news.

This is the location I was referring to.

[sicariis]

The Rockingham Junction siding is so rough it’ll shake out your fillings, smart move backing up. Pretty sure its slated for a rebuild this summer.

[Backshophoss]

The platform doesn't reach the passing track,not sure if there's a "Mini High" platform.
The reverse move off the passing track makes sense,no hiking for the conductor throwing the switch to boot.

[Dick H]

It is 2.72 miles of single track between the Exeter Station and CPF358.
The mini-high level platform at Exeter can be seen here in a photo by Dan Comick in 2014
http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?20140 ... n&BOOL=ALL" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There are power switches at both CPF258 and CPF256. No hand throwing
of switches for meets there. AFAIK, no hand throwing of switches is
necessary for any Downeaster meets anywhere, except in case of a power
switch failure.

[Backshophoss]

The conductor or an AC still has to flag the reverse move back onto the mainline.

[gokeefe]

AFAIK, no hand throwing of switches is necessary for any Downeaster meets anywhere, except in case of a power switch failure.

Correct (to the best of my knowledge ...).

[twropr]

On April 2 trains 687 and 688 were held up by AYPO with sticking brakes at Newmarket. From the radio conversation it appeared that AYPO stalled after resuming movement and that 687 push him east a bit - does anyone have more details? Apparently there is a short grade over there that AYPO could not make it over with its own power?
Andy

[arthur d.]

When did Exeter get double track? This is news.

Technically, the west end of the controlled siding that begins at 256 is in Exeter.