by typesix
This track on lower level was never used in regular service, see this thread about the lower level:
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As far as I know, the New Haven had a balloon track in the vicinity of South Station with which to turn their locomotives.That's correct as regards trainsets, and it's still there and in use by Amtrak to turn Amfleet consists. The double-track loop along the Southeast Expressway at the Southampton Street yard dates from New Haven days. However the NH also had a turntable at the Dover Street roundhouse (in the middle of what's now the Amtrak/MBTA yard) that was used to turn steam locomotives and single-unit diesels. The turntable lasted into the Penn Central years and disappeared in the 1970s when the whole area was rebuilt with the addition of the Red Line shops and yard.
Charliemta wrote:It was really shortsighted to eliminate the underground loop in years past, given that the NEC is now electrified and could have used it, as could an electrified Fairmount line. When the postal building is torn down, maybe the loop can be restored, although the building at the corner of Dorchester Ave and Summer Street would probably also have to be torn down (no big loss there!)Unused and remote sections of South Station were becoming a menace in the 70's with undesireables congregating in certain areas. I know of at least one tragic murder of a child who had been lured and murdered in an old Railway Express office whose body was wrapped and dumped by the old Loop. You have probably never heard of it. It was popularly known as "The Giggler" murders which were perpetrated by one Kenneth Harrison who was later convicted and died in prison. (What a shame.) (Among his other victims, he murdered a guy in a water filled sink hole in the Combat Zone one night, and an elderly woman and six year old female child who he dropped into the Fort Point Channel.)
3rdrail wrote: . It was popularly known as "The Giggler" murders which were perpetrated by one Kenneth Harrison who was later convicted and died in prison. (What a shame.) (Among his other victims, he murdered a guy in a water filled sink hole in the Combat Zone one night, and an elderly woman and six year old female child who he dropped into the Fort Point Channel.)Just read about it, and yes, I have never heard about it. http://www.celebrateboston.com/crime/gi ... killer.htm