Late Autumn in a familiar place: on October 31st, I met Rich Reed & company at Palmer for a visit at Palmer Hobbies and lunch at the Steaming Tender. Rich was dressed in costume as one of the Blue Brothers from the early ‘80s film.
Rich Reed as one of the Blues Brothers. Lumix LX7 Photo.
Afterwards we observed New England Central’s freight from Brattleboro, job 611, that arrived at the Palmer diamond led by tunnel motor (originally an EMD SD40T-2, now designated an SD40-2) number 3317 in Genesee & Wyoming corporate paint—colors that are remarkably well-suited for the day: orange, yellow and black.
New England Central 611 cross in CSXT’s former Boston & Albany at Palmer. Lumix LX7 Photo.Lumix LX7 Photo.
From Palmer we traveled up to West Warren to roll by Amtrak’s westward Lake Shore Limited against a backdrop of late-season foliage.
Amtrak 449 the westward Boston-section of the Lake Shore Limited passes the old mills at West Warren, Massachusetts on Halloween Day 2015. Lumix LX7 Photo.
Proprietor of Palmer Hobbies, Bill Lanza, has opened his doors!
Come in and have a look around!
Palmer Hobbies’ Bill Lanza assists a customer.Fine Turf on sale at Palmer Hobbies.New products for viewing.Bill Lanza (left) and Rich Reed (right) discuss locomotive details.Palmer Hobbies is prominently located on Main Street. Come in and read their magazines!
Palmer Hobbies features a variety of model railway products, magazines, and, of course, railroad books!
Patrons of the old Tucker’s Hobbies (formerly Tucker’s Hardware) in nearby Warren, Massachusetts will find familiar faces.
The new store is easy to find. It’s located at 1428 Main Street in Palmer, Massachusetts. Take the Massachusetts Turnpike to Palmer, turn right and drive toward Depot Village. The shop is located in the center at the lights near the Hess Station and across from the CVS drug store.
Palmer Hobbies is near the famous Palmer Diamond, where New England Central’s former Central Vermont crosses CSXT’s Boston & Albany route. It’s across the tracks from the popular Steaming Tender restaurant (near CP 83).
On June 11, 2014. A CSX tie gang works the old Boston & Albany route. In the distance is the popular Steaming Tender railroad themed-restuarant.
Phone: 413-436-5318. Open Tuesday to Saturday. (Closed on Sunday and Monday).