To elaborate on the earlier posts regarding Trains 402/404 today (Friday 2/6), Train 402 powered by 011, broke down shortly after departing Concord Station. 404 came up behind in order to push it all the way to North Station. 404 was powered by Screamer 1008. There were complications in executing this maneuver- mainly bacause couplers and hoses were completely frozen. The 011 was also completely dead- meaning no HEP/no heats/no lights for the people on Train 402. After the coupling was made, the crew was having a very difficult time getting the brake reserviors on the combined 402/404 to function properly. I was listening on my scanner and heard they only had 35 PSI after 20 minutes,when they needed about 100 to go. Eventually, they released the handbrakes and the brake reserviors charged properly. After almost 1 hour of sitting there, 402/404 departed Concord at about 8:35 and arrived at North Station around 9:35. In all my years of commuting, this has been one of the most challenging weeks, not only for the passengers, but for the crew. You can see the fatigue on their faces. I hope something improves soon as to me the commuter rail system seems at the tipping point... (end of editiorial)... Ironically, one of the oldest engines in the fleet (1008) rescued one of the newest (011). Something tells me the MP36's will not be around 40 years from now to rescue the engines that will replace them....
-Mike