Unusual Downeaster consist

[Stephen]

Amtrak Downeaster 686 on Tuesday the 8th arrived into North Station with a unusual consist.
South to north, it was a cabbage, 5 coaches, engine #12, another cabbage, 1 coach, and engine 817. I believe that both 12 and 817 were online.
Since the second section was so small, I assume it was not a double-draft, but simply a move to reposition equipment.
Stephen

[CSX Conductor]

even if the second one was a small consist, I would consider it a double draft

[joshuahouse]

What is a cabbage?

[DutchRailnut]

cab/bagage control car, made out of demotored F40's
a lot of these have no Bagage compartment anymore so the cabage is a mis-nomer

[wolfmom69]

I saw Train #681 arriving O/T at Dover on Wednesday with the P-42 #12 leading,5 coaches,the business class car,food service car and cabbage trailing. Usual consist is 3 coaches,business class & the food car. Didnt look that crowded,so wonder what was up also?? Bud

[CSX Conductor]

Possibly going to add cars for the summer (i.e. vacationers to Old Orchard)

[joshuahouse]

I thought it must be something along those lines (lord knows its a variation on a theme) but had never heard that discription. Is there really much baggage on your average Downeaster? Dispite the fact that Amtrak isn't in the commuter business from what I've read the whole system has always given me the feel of a commuter train.

[ferroequinarchaeologist]

On the subject of the Downeaster, we planned a day trip to Portland but found that there was no practical return schedule, so we're going by car. Also affecting the decision were the following observations:
First run of the Downeaster - December 15, 2001.
Last time the Downeaster was washed - December 15, 2001.

PBM

[wolfmom69]

The extra cars have been down at the Portland Amtrk, for a week now! I think I will tell President Bush,that David Gunn is "hiding" equipment,to help get more subsidy!!! Bud