Final Customers - Boston Area

[Area4]

I saw that the last run was on November 5? Anyone know if that's correct?

There is some grumbling that CSXT is going to finally be giving what's left of their Boston area traffic to Pan Am.

[Area4]

It seems B721 is no longer an active local. Can anyone else confirm this?

[GP40MC1118]

B721 is no more, it's last run was last Monday. Came off the Grand Jct at Beacon Park around 1140pm for
the last time to Framingham.

D

[Area4]

Wow, a significant change to the landscape in Cambridge. Does anyone know how long B721 ran for? I've know it for 14 years I've been here. It would be fair to say that I known many people who enjoy seeing a freight train going right through MIT area with no greater appreciation of trains whatsoever.

Very sad.

[bostontrainguy]

So we are talking a few food reefers and scrap metal to Everett here? Some cement maybe? Wonder if NS has any more connections that could possibly grow some of this business?

[b&m 1566]

So no more CSX past Framingham ever again?

[GP40MC1118]

Via the Worcester mainline, probably. They still go north to Leominster, south to Mansfield, Readville, SE Massachusetts. I don't
think they go much east of Readville to S. Boston anymore.

D

[Area4]

Ironically, B721 car count was dramatically up the past few weeks when I happened to see it but I'm guessing Houghton contract ended, tracks taken up there, and that was the reason to terminate it and hand to PAR.

[roberttosh]

I would imagine that this new arrangement will lead to some pretty decent size Pan Am trains heading into the Boston terminal area from points North.

[GP40MC1118]

Heard unofficially, that the transfer of Everett to PAR was part of a deal between PAR, CSX and Mass DOT
that involves the PAR Worcester/Ayer mainline (ownership to MDOT, operation to CSX). CSX has a daily job
called B728 which takes SEPO/POSE up and down instead of a PAR crew.

D

[b&m 1566]

So, the Worcester line will soon be under ownership of the state with CSX taking over operations? Will crew changes take place in Ayer then?
And the Grand Jct., will strictly be for equipment swaps for the commuter rail and the Downeaster?

[GP40MC1118]

Yes, Grand Jct down to MBTA moves and Downeaster equipment moves with the occasional
Geo Train, Sperry car runs...

D

[craven]

Was at the Framingham North yard on Tuesday and saw the scrap Iron cars lined up. In the past these would be assigned to the B721 which would head east on the B&A around 2:30.

If the connection to the Grand Jct. has been severed in Alliston, Then what route are these cars taking to bring the Scrap to Everett ??

[bostontrainguy]

I believe what they are talking about as far as tracks being torn up is the short spur to Houghton Chemicals. The Grand Junction should still be intact.

[GP40MC1118]

The Grand Jct is intact and not severed. CSX has transferred their Everett traffic to Pan Am. Now
moves on Q426/427 (SEPO/POSE) from Worcester to Ayer.

Those scrap cars in the north yard might be scrap, C&D and New Bedford sludge gons for Southeast Mass.

D