Newark America West Fitchburg

Went and checked on the status of the Newark America spur in West Fitchburg today. The spur is all complete, with only some ballast needed were they put down a new snap panel. They even added a new make shift derail at the top of the hill. Past that there is a switch with both tracks going inside the facility. Still not sure what they are gonna be hauling in/out, but they sure are currently doing a big business with tons of trucks in/out.

Couple more shots of the spur...

how old are those tracks? they've seen straighter days.

Newark America's main business is paper recycling from what I read...

JoeF

Not sure how old the track is, or when the last time Newark got rail service, but the spur isn't in that bad of shape.

I worked in Fitchburg during the 1990's right across from CPF-FG and that's how I got interested in trains. If memory serves me correct, I found that spur abandoned in the early 90's, then at some time later it was revitalized and definitely had service. But then it was abandoned again and I remember walking part of it about 5 years ago and track was missing, all overgrown, I'm pretty sure the switch was removed, so I figured it was gone for good (I remember coming back from that walk with hundreds of ticks all over my pants!). Now it is being opened again. Amazing! Must be some good traffic potential.

Let's hope the siding stays in use this time, as according to johnhenry this rehab/reuse (and then shut-down) story has happened before.
It seems all that "unrecycled" paper litter makes the siding look in worse shape than it really is.

atholrail-
Had signal equipment for the turnout been installed? The turnout will probably be spiked normal until that's done, or D-3's job will get even more complicated.

What a dwarf signal? Is that what your thinking of? If so, no. I don't believe any signal work will be required, but I could be wrong.

jaymac wrote:atholrail-
Had signal equipment for the turnout been installed? The turnout will probably be spiked normal until that's done, or D-3's job will get even more complicated.

Most likely will be an electric lock switch if indeed is connected to the mainline...I'm not qualified on this territory

jaymac wrote:atholrail-
Had signal equipment for the turnout been installed? The turnout will probably be spiked normal until that's done, or D-3's job will get even more complicated.

Gonna be a hand throw.

That had been posted earlier. I was just wondering if circuit protection was in place yet or if they're waiting for new rail to go down.

It has to be for the switch to be operational in CTC. Of course it might not be in service yet as you said.

Swung by yesterday. All new signs have been posted within the facility warning truckers and vehicles of a now active rail spur. They look to be extremely close to receiving their first cars, maybe already?

Caught FI-1 working Newark this afternoon. Unsure how many cars they spotted, but they left with 1 load.