Circus train pulled by CSX

[MBTA F40PH-2C 1050]

i read else where that the Ringling Brothers Circus train was pulled throuhg CSX terriotry and then tranferred to the P&W and arrived in Providence last night. Where would they park the train? The show is May 8 at the Dunkin Donut Center in Providence

[ACLfan]

The train usually arrives in town around 5 to 8 days prior to the beginning of each show period. Ringling's customary practice is to divide the train into two sections for each performance stop. The cars with the circus performers are usually set out on a siding with good transportation access to the location of the performance (Dunkin Donuts), while the cars with the performing animals are taken to a more remote location where the animals can be walked and "acclimated" to their new surroundings prior to the start of the shows. Then, they may (or not) be moved to a more convenient location to the performances.

ACLfan

[MBTA F40PH-2C 1050]

thank you :D

[chuchubob]

The train usually arrives in town around 5 to 8 days prior to the beginning of each show period. Ringling's customary practice is to divide the train into two sections for each performance stop. The cars with the circus performers are usually set out on a siding with good transportation access to the location of the performance (Dunkin Donuts), while the cars with the performing animals are taken to a more remote location where the animals can be walked and "acclimated" to their new surroundings prior to the start of the shows. Then, they may (or not) be moved to a more convenient location to the performances.

ACLfan

That wasn't the case in Atlantic City, where the circus was located prior to Providence. The train arrived Monday for a Wednesday first performance. In previous years the entire train was parked near the venue, but this year the local railroad didn't have enough room (business is too good right now), so the equipment and animal cars were parked near the venue for the traditional parade from the train to the circus, and the employees' portion of the train was stored at a remote location, with chartered bus service providing transportation to the venue.

Circus train from Philly to Atlantic City; CSX train to Winslow Junction:

http://www.subwayspot.com/gallery/album11/04_04_26_17

http://www.subwayspot.com/gallery/album11/04_04_26_26

Equipment and animal cars to Pleasantville (next to Atlantic City) conveyed by Southern Railroad of NJ:

http://www.subwayspot.com/gallery/album11/04_04_26_55

http://www.subwayspot.com/gallery/album11/04_04_26_56

http://www.subwayspot.com/gallery/album11/04_04_26_57

That's right, the SRNJ GE U18B is in P&W livery because it was recently purchased from the P&W.

The employee half of the train was stored on the Cape May Seashore Lines in tuckahoe, NJ.

http://www.subwayspot.com/gallery/album42/04_05_03_02

CSX took it back to Winslow Junction for the trip to Providence.

http://www.subwayspot.com/gallery/album42/04_05_03_20

http://www.subwayspot.com/gallery/album42/04_05_03_45

[CSX Conductor]

The circus train does not arrive 7 or 8 days prior in most cases.

Also F40, both of the circus trains travelled over the B&A on the same day. Too bad you don't live in western Mass, huh?!? LOL

I believe that the Red train is staying in Worcester and the Blue train is gone to Providence.

As far as where it is parked, I can only assume that the train in Providence will be stored in the old Pawtucket, RI yard (parallel to the NEC by the PAwtucket MOW yard).

The train in Worcester will be parked in the P&W's yard.

Both trains were interchanged with the P&W since we have no room for the daily vans trains as it is in our East Worcester Yard, and the P&W goes down to Providence via the Blackstone river valley.

Keep an eye on the other site I told you about, they will have good info on the trains departing after the shows.

Usually the train is switched out and re-built for the trip to it's next destination during the overnight hours after the last show. (for exmaple last show on Sunday, prep the train for early morning departure on MOnday.)

[ACLfan]

My goodness! The weather must be REALLY bad in Mass. this week! Or, is it just the people on this thread?

I never imagined that there were so many self-proclaimed "expert know-it-alls"! I am truly humbled by the experience!

ACLfan