Massachusetts Central Railroad (MCER) Discussion

[H.F.Malone]

CV "door and a half" outside braced automobile boxcar that was at Barre Plains is now at RMNE in Thomaston, CT. It was trucked there in 2004.

[GP40MC1118]

Both are now enroute to MCER...Last known to be in East St.Louis off KCS to CSX.

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[Benjamin Maggi]

I was thinking of driving from Albany, NY to Mass to railfan the line and try and get some pictures of the new engines. I don't see much on here about the Mass Central in the past year or two, and their website isn't all that helpful. Before today I am not sure if I had even heard of the line. So, I want to come up to speed on it.

What are good places to try and catch their trains? What days do they run? And do they frequently use these Bluebird engines?

Thanks.

[Benjamin Maggi]

I was thinking of driving from Albany, NY to Mass to railfan the line and try and get some pictures of the new engines. I don't see much on here about the Mass Central in the past year or two, and their website isn't all that helpful. Before today I am not sure if I had even heard of the line. So, I want to come up to speed on it.

What are good places to try and catch their trains? What days do they run? And do they frequently use these Bluebird engines?

Thanks.

[MCER401]

Why the new power? That's a big purchase for them, and they even sprung for fresh paint. They hardly have need for the two working units they have now.

[thebigham]

^^The Bluebird engines are not on the property yet.

[ebtmikado]

The 2 GP-38s were in Palmer yesterday.

Lee Carlson

[thebigham]

The new units are on the property:

http://photos.greatrails.net/s/?p=209773" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[daylight4449]

I've been hearing rumors that two GP40s will be joining the Mass Central on lease... I don't know if this would be bonafide, or if they do show up whether they will be long-term hires like the GP38s. Has anyone heard similar rumors?

[atsf sp]

Does anyone know the reason for the need for this increase in power on the road? They were testing that GP15-2. Is that unit still on property? Also will the old GPs be traded in?

[daylight4449]

Does anyone know the reason for the need for this increase in power on the road? They were testing that GP15-2. Is that unit still on property? Also will the old GPs be traded in?

That is what I've been attempting to ascertain, but neither I nor my friends have had much luck. It does raise good questions on what will happen to the older GPs, but considering that the 38s, and potentially these 40s, are on long-term lease as opposed to outright purchase I wouldn't be surprised if ,at the very least, the Milwaukee rebuild stays around, in case it becomes an economic detriment to keep the units on lease... As for the GP15, it appears it is off the property.

[fl9m2004]

Would these 2 engines be replacing 2009-2007

[MEC407]

The lettering on the long hoods definitely improves their looks: http://photos.greatrails.net/s/?p=209833" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Benjamin Maggi]

I am driving to Boston this weekend from Albany and will be passing by Palmer on I-90 probably around 10:30-11 AM. How likely is it that the engines will be parked outside where I could get some photographs? Also, we drive back Sunday evening. Same question?
Thanks.

[ebtmikado]

They will be parked inside the fenced area at the jct. of Rt. 20 and Rt. 181. You can view them from outside the fence.

Lee Carlson