Central Mass Railroad in Clinton

The Central Mass ran passenger service to Boston from points west and over the years that service was cut back as demand dwindled. I believe passenger service on the Central Mass stopped going to Clinton in the early-to-mid 50's. Was there a station along the line that it serviced, or did it connect with the Worcester & Nashua line and head north to the bi-level station and then return?

Yes, trains turned up the Worcester Branch to Clinton and used the lower level there. That connection at Clinton Junction was added in 1903 with the Wachusett Reservoir reroute. Marlborough service was added in 1902 with the addition of a connecting track at Gleason Junction. Prior to that, Hudson was the outer limit of commuter service; the sparsely populated areas west of Clinton never had viable commuter schedules.

Boston's Commuter Rail: The First 150 Years lists 14 weekday inbound trains in June 1906: 4 from Northampton, 1 from Lancaster, 2 from Clinton, 5 from Marlborough, and 2 Wayland short turns.

1917 timetable has 3 from Northampton, 2 from Lancaster, 1 from Clinton, and 2 from Marlboro. One Clinton and one Marlborough, and marginally one Lancaster (9:11am arrival) were suitable for commuting.

1929 timetable has 1 Northampton, 3 Lancaster, 1 Clinton, 2 Marlboro. Same commuting viability.

All passenger service west of Clinton ended on April 23, 1932. 1946 timetable has 3 Clinton and 1 Lancaster, all AM inbound/PM outbound.

Lancaster service ended in the early 1950s. By 1957 there were two Clinton and two Hudson trains. Cuts on May 18, 1958 ended the two Clinton trains, leaving just two Hudson trips. Oddly, those two were rerouted over the Marlborough Branch from Gleason Junction to Hudson.

One round trip was cut on June 14, 1959. It was trimmed back to South Sudbury on January 18, 1965, and cut entirely on November 26, 1971 after a brief increase to 4 daily round trips.

Great info, many thx

Depending on your level of curiosity, you might try getting the The Central Mass. -- preferably second edition -- from the B&MRRHS.

I agree on the book, it is an excellent read with nice photos, especially the Wachusett relocation. I have the first edition, considering I paid $6.95 for it in the mid-late 70's , buying the second edition for the added info doesn't seem like such a waste.

I have a copy of the book and love all of the pics and details available.

In the final years of service to Clinton, the B&M closed the Clinton Enginehouse. From that point on Central Mass. trains originated at the Middlesex engine terminal and coach yard in Lowell. I think the May 1958 cut-back to Hudson corresponded to assigning RDC equipment.