Mass-Central at Palmer, Massachusetts.

brian solomon

February 17, 2019

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In theory, on any given weekday you ought to be able to make a representative photograph of Mass-Central’s local freight arriving in Palmer.

This goes on duty in the morning at Mass-Central’s Palmer yard, makes its run up the Ware River Valley and returns, typically dropping its interchange for CSX and New England Central at CSX’s former Boston & Albany yard.

However, catching a locomotive with the cab-facing south and at the correct end of the train can be more difficult. It’s luck of the draw to get the locomotive facing south. And for operational reasons, the locomotive may be placed in the middle or at the end of the interchange when passing the old Palmer Union Station.

I was lucky a couple of weeks ago, when I made this view at CP83 with Mass-Central GP38-2 1750 leading the train. All that’s missing is the sun.

Exposed with a FujiFilm XT1 with 90mm telephoto.

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Tagged in :

#Boston&Albany, #railroads, CP83, Gallery, Mass-Central, Palmer, Union Station

brian solomon

Author of more than 50 books on railways, photography, and Ireland. Brian divides his time between the United States and Ireland, and frequently travels across Europe and North America.

3 responses to “Mass-Central at Palmer, Massachusetts.”

Robert Dingman

February 19, 2019

I may be prejudiced; but, this place was a lot more exciting in the 1940’s and early 1950’s when the B & A Hudson’s powered the passenger trains, the Berkshires’ powered the freights and the Ware River line used an early RS 3, I think. Not to forget the CV used 2-8-0’s on their locals and CN used CLC F units for the Montreal to New London through freights. I have pictures…somewhere.
brian solomon

February 17, 2019

Yes, that’s what I meant. I’ll adjust it! Thanks!
Charlie

February 17, 2019

I think you mean the 1750.

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