Fitchburg line refurbishment

I was up there and happened to catch the 1:25pm come into Wachusett station. It caught me off guard, because it came in from the west. I was looking for it to come from the east. It sat at the station for about 10 minutes.

Lincoln (MA) station between 2:45 pm and
3:05 pm

Odd "consist" headed out on the inbound track
at Lincoln (MA) station. White pickup led,
followed by 2 excavators and 1 crane, all
on rails!!

I was on the lane into Lincoln Meadows, so
I could not get a pic through the trees.
When I got onto the footbridge, I
could see them stopped a ways up
the line, waiting on a stop signal
(3 red lights).

I caught up to them by following a trail,
but I was up on a high ridge, again with
trees blocking my sight.

By the time I got back to the footbridge,
they were heading out.

I have never seen construction vehicles
on steel wheels running on rails before!!

Gary

I always wanted to ride in one of the pickups that also rode the rails. Never knew anyone who knew anyone, etc.

wicked wrote: ↑Sat Oct 14, 2023 8:32 pm I always wanted to ride in one of the pickups that also rode the rails. Never knew anyone who knew anyone, etc.

Its a pretty weird experience the first time. looking out the hood of a truck and not touching the steering wheel while driving is a different feeling

My girlfriend and I got to ride one of those on the Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railroad last year during the Common Ground Fair when one of their shuttle trains broke down, and they were using hi-railers to take people back to the parking lot.

Not sure if anyone still watches this thread but does anyone know if the MBTA still owns the former fitchburg yard? They are storing their retired single level coaches awaiting retirement there.

The MBTA probably still owns track that used to comprise the former layover yard. I wouldn't be surprised if the MBTA or MDOT owned it all though. Just not sure.