This is a trip from Brunswick ME to Worcester MA to see family via Amtrak and MBTA.
Friday Mar 25 we arrived at Brunswick from Lewiston where we were staying in plenty of time. There is parking at the station for $2 a day. After paying for parking we walked over to the platform. A few minutes later the equipment for train 684 pulled in from the layover facility:
Cab baggage 90220
Cafe/Business class 48140
Amfleet 1 coaches 82767, 82517, 82709
P32 loco 124
After the usual brake test was done we boarded. We had BC tickets which I had gotten using AGR points so this was basically a free trip. We boarded at the middle coach and walked up to the BC section which is in the south end of the first car. Left Brunswick 11 AM on time.
Shortly after getting settled Jamie the cafe attendant fetched us drinks. She was a great attendant always checking on the BC passengers to see if they needed anything. At this point there were only 3 of us in BC and maybe a dozen in coach. We took this opportunity to get an early lunch before things get busy South of Portland. North of Portland we passed train 681 with engine 108 which appeared close to on time.
At Portland we picked up 11 more in BC and a number of coach passengers. Left at 11:48 still on time. We had seats on the left side so a good view of the ocean and marshes south of Portland.
There was no freight interference which helped with us staying in time. Only one freight we passed just South of Rigby Yard. Still on time at Saco and Wells. At Wells and for a few miles south we could see brush clearing and earth work in preparation for extending the second track and adding a second Wells platform.
I noticed in various spurs along the way a number of LPG tank cars. That still seems to be a common product shipped by rail. Also clay slurry which is used by the paper mills which are Pan Am's biggest customers.
We met DE # 683 just before Exeter NH. We lost a couple of minutes here by Haverhill we were about 5 minutes down. Not bad as things go but we had a somewhat tight connection in Boston, due in at North Station at 2:20pm with our Worcester train leaving South Station at 2:50pm.
Coming into Boston I moved to an empty seat on the right hand side to check on progress of the Green Line extension to Medford. It appears to be well along with catenary in place and stations nearing completion still needing signage etc. Arrived in BON at 2:30 10 minutes late. I figured if we took the Orange Line to BBY the Worcester train left there at 2:56 so we might just make it. I had to put money on our Charlie Cards, did that and headed for the OL Forest Hills bound platform. A train came along a few minutes later. I was hoping for one of the new CRRC trains but it was a set of the older Hawker Siddley cars which are really showing their 42 years of age. Pulled in to Back Bay up the escalator and down the stairs to track 5, got to the platform just as the train was pulling in. Glad we made it as next train was not until 4:11. Had to buy tickets on the train which is a $3 surcharge. Got into Worcester on time at 4:21. There is a temporary platform now as there is construction to add a 2nd platform so for now there is a bit of a hike to the impressive station building. Our daughter in law met us at the station and took us to their home. That night we checked out a new Spanish restaurant near them. It was quite good it was our first time having tapas and that is a fun way to try different dishes.
I will post my review of the return trip after Tuesday when we return to Brunswick.
Friday Mar 25 we arrived at Brunswick from Lewiston where we were staying in plenty of time. There is parking at the station for $2 a day. After paying for parking we walked over to the platform. A few minutes later the equipment for train 684 pulled in from the layover facility:
Cab baggage 90220
Cafe/Business class 48140
Amfleet 1 coaches 82767, 82517, 82709
P32 loco 124
After the usual brake test was done we boarded. We had BC tickets which I had gotten using AGR points so this was basically a free trip. We boarded at the middle coach and walked up to the BC section which is in the south end of the first car. Left Brunswick 11 AM on time.
Shortly after getting settled Jamie the cafe attendant fetched us drinks. She was a great attendant always checking on the BC passengers to see if they needed anything. At this point there were only 3 of us in BC and maybe a dozen in coach. We took this opportunity to get an early lunch before things get busy South of Portland. North of Portland we passed train 681 with engine 108 which appeared close to on time.
At Portland we picked up 11 more in BC and a number of coach passengers. Left at 11:48 still on time. We had seats on the left side so a good view of the ocean and marshes south of Portland.
There was no freight interference which helped with us staying in time. Only one freight we passed just South of Rigby Yard. Still on time at Saco and Wells. At Wells and for a few miles south we could see brush clearing and earth work in preparation for extending the second track and adding a second Wells platform.
I noticed in various spurs along the way a number of LPG tank cars. That still seems to be a common product shipped by rail. Also clay slurry which is used by the paper mills which are Pan Am's biggest customers.
We met DE # 683 just before Exeter NH. We lost a couple of minutes here by Haverhill we were about 5 minutes down. Not bad as things go but we had a somewhat tight connection in Boston, due in at North Station at 2:20pm with our Worcester train leaving South Station at 2:50pm.
Coming into Boston I moved to an empty seat on the right hand side to check on progress of the Green Line extension to Medford. It appears to be well along with catenary in place and stations nearing completion still needing signage etc. Arrived in BON at 2:30 10 minutes late. I figured if we took the Orange Line to BBY the Worcester train left there at 2:56 so we might just make it. I had to put money on our Charlie Cards, did that and headed for the OL Forest Hills bound platform. A train came along a few minutes later. I was hoping for one of the new CRRC trains but it was a set of the older Hawker Siddley cars which are really showing their 42 years of age. Pulled in to Back Bay up the escalator and down the stairs to track 5, got to the platform just as the train was pulling in. Glad we made it as next train was not until 4:11. Had to buy tickets on the train which is a $3 surcharge. Got into Worcester on time at 4:21. There is a temporary platform now as there is construction to add a 2nd platform so for now there is a bit of a hike to the impressive station building. Our daughter in law met us at the station and took us to their home. That night we checked out a new Spanish restaurant near them. It was quite good it was our first time having tapas and that is a fun way to try different dishes.
I will post my review of the return trip after Tuesday when we return to Brunswick.
Last edited: