Don't remember it passing through Franklin, but vivid memories of the RBB&B circus train through Warwick in the 50's and 60's.
I lived about a half block from Warwick's Elm Street crossing. When we heard the circus train was coming, all the neighborhood kids would run down to the crossing to wave the train by. I remember eastbounds being daylight runs, but don't remember any westbounds- they may have come through at night. Since all trains had to stop at Warwick for a crew change, the eastbound train would be just starting, on a slight upgrade, so they'd roll by slowly through town. I can still see the performers hanging out the vestibule dutch doors, waving to us kids.
The train passed through twice a year, on its way into and out of southern New England via the Poughkeepsie Bridge. The Maybrook kids got the best show of all; Maybrook was a watering and excercise stop for the animals- so twice a year they got to watch a circus parade in the yards there.
(Note: edited to correct the travel directions- you can blame my creeping senility. I know I do
