Photos from the "old days"

TPR37777 wrote:When the Budd cars sounded off did the tone correlate to their size or were their horns indistinguishable from locomotives? I was thinking that they may not have had air brakes and thus no air horns.

They had regular locomotive air horns, sounded just like regular locomotives. In fact, other than the little "goose" horns they came with from the factory, many if not most RR's had them equipped them with multi-chime horns. And they DID have air brakes.

3rdrail wrote:

TPR37777 wrote: Did you listen to the trains at night as a child and dream of far away places? Did you stay close to the rails when you ventured off on your own, or are you now beyond the reach of the "music" many of us hold so dear? When you first came on did a transit police agency even exist or was the elevated orange line part of your patrol area?

To be honest, I found, as most persons do who live next to any reoccurring loud sound, that I didn't hear them. At the Tollgate Bridge, speed restrictions be damned, they were doing pretty close to a buck. So, what you heard was a sudden diesel growl changing in pitch as it Dopplerized, followed by a rapid succession of freight or/and passenger cars rolling over jointed rail. It was all over within ten seconds ! I always have had an intense interest in the area where I live - Boston, and that tied in with my railway interest, so I thought more in terms of South and North Stations, the Dover Street Yard, the Arborway (where I think that I got my inspiration), etc. I was treated graciously by most railroad men- welcomed into cabs, given "souveneirs", had explanations given to me regarding what this and that was for, etc., so now, I hate this "Stay off the Property" growl that you hear so often, because it means that new kids can't have the same magic that I had. As regards to "going beyond the music" as you put it, to the contrary, I believe that my interest in railways has increased over the years rather than decline. Hahaha- I enjoyed your last question. How old do you think that I am ? hahaha!!! Ever since I was small, I had two consuming interests- trains and the Boston Police Department. There was never any doubt as to what I was going to do when I grew up, that is, to be a Boston cop. So that's where I eventually wound up, but I will say that I found that my job put me in a position where I could sometimes work and enjoy "trains" at the same time. Often, around 4-5 AM, when the radio calls got down to a tolerable level, I'd be prowling through rail yards in the cruiser. I got invited into a private car one night at Southampton. She was a beauty. Unfortunately, the owner's name has slipped by me, but if you're reading this, thank you for a memorable experience. Well, that's the condensed version of my life's story. Thank you for your interest, TPR. This seems like an appropriate thread for others to share recollections regarding growing up around trains. I'd like to hear your story, TPR, and anyone else that would like to share. Aside from what probably is many things in common that we all share, it's fun to listen to the differences that shape our experiences, but ultimately bring us to the same place.

Paul, I envy you. My 22 square-mile patrol area for the last 27 years encompasses absolutley NO active rail operations (with the exception of a once-in-a-blue-moon movement at the Wattaquadock Hill Road crossing - a rare event, usually in daylight - I'm the night supervisor so I even miss THAT lowly event). Over the line in Lancaster, MA, CSX crosses Rte. 117 and some of the back roads, but that's about it.

All of B&M's Budds shared the same two-chime horn with all of the 44-tonners, Alco S-1's, S-2's, S-3's, and S-4's. See photos of these horns in the "Horns on B&M First Generation Diesels" thread.

fl9m2026 wrote: Paul, I envy you. My 22 square-mile patrol area for the last 27 years encompasses absolutley NO active rail operations (with the exception of a once-in-a-blue-moon movement at the Wattaquadock Hill Road crossing - a rare event, usually in daylight - I'm the night supervisor so I even miss THAT lowly event). Over the line in Lancaster, MA, CSX crosses Rte. 117 and some of the back roads, but that's about it.

Never was able to access the B&M while working though. My political status never rose north of Mass Ave. Had to do B&M on my own. I have found RR guys very friendly to people in public service - police, fire, EMS, etc. I have met many friends over the years through work (one being my good friend George Sanborn), and in general, I find that there is a common bond between anyone who works with the public (and knows what a treat it can be). Stewardesses love me. I usually entertain them with comedic war stories in First Class on plane trips and have them peeing their pants (but enough about that !) And while we're on the subject of mutual respect and gratitude, I never have publicly said it, but Amtrak was absolutely fantastic during the long World Trade Center crisis. With dirty, banged up gear slung over our shoulders, we boarded their trains walking in off the street coming and going and were never questioned. To the contrary, they would usually give us our own section of a car or a car itself to ride in. So, if there are any Amtrak employees reading this (and I suspect that there are- Dave always puts up fantastic posts that nobody wants to miss !), I say Thank You !!! from the bottom of my heart. You made a rough time a little easier. Your common sense, patriotism, and sensitivity will not soon be forgotten by any cops who rode your trains. Thanks also Dave for letting me get that in your thread. I don't want to derail it, so please, no responses are needed folks. Let's get on with these great photos !

Paul, its always nice to see you post anything! You're reminicences about things, be it transit, railroad, or cop related, are always a good read. When I get some more free time, I'm going to get back to scanning some neat old stuff.

Thanks, and I'll be looking forward to it, buddy !

Tonight, in my opinion, we have a real nice shot of ALCO Pacific 3709 leaving North Station with train #311, the 4:40pm non-stop express to Lowell. To the left is probably a Haverhill local behind 2-year old GP-7 1570 and to the right is a Maine Central E-7, the date is May 27,1954.

Fantastic shot!

Dave- not for nothing buddy, but these photos are fantastic and you have the knowledge and accreditation to put out a fantastic book. Ever think of it ? I'd be your first customer.

Well, thank you Paul, I don't know about having the skill it takes to write a book, maybe when I retire from the RR in four more years.

During the 1950's, my dad worked for the Freight Claims Department at Billerica Shops, on his lunch hour he'd go out back and take pictures, here is a sampling.The date is September 24,1958, shop switcher 111 has paused for lunch in front of the remains of FT 4221 and F-2 4225. June 1,1953, ALCO Pacifics 3705-3708-3700 are being stripped of anything useful before being cut up for scrap.On November 12th,1954, the hard-luck, overnight train from Montreal, "Red Wing" derailed in front of the station at Nashua,N.H., 3820 was the trailing unit and here is what's left of her, out in back of the Shops.

OUTSTANDING photos, David! Your dad had a good eye for composition. While the subject matter is sad (valiant B&M iron succumbing to the scrappers torch), the photos are beautiful. Now, I know I'm probably predictable here but... any photos of my beloved RDC's you might be able to share? I can NEVER have enough in my collection!

Best Regards,

Mike

DID somebody say BUDDS!RDC-1 6108 out behind the Diesel House at Boston Engine Terminal on November 9,1955. RDC-1 6152, also out behind the Diesel House at BET on Septmber 19,1956.

Dave- Why does this Budd above me here have a different front end ? (Windows are smaller, roof line different, headlights, smaller cab windows, etc.) Also, do you know what year the B&M went from the minuteman to the script logo ? Thanks.

The Budd Company made some design changes about 1955-1956. The first 64 cars had the bigger cab windows, different headlight treatment and a little different trim treatment. I think Budd also squeezed one more corner seat into the "New Look" cars for 90 seating capacity on the RDC-1s compared to 89 on the earlier models. The B & M had 9 cars toward the end of 1954 and then placed a big order for 55 at that time. After the first 64 cars, later purchases were the "New Look" cars. Those 64 cars spelled the end of most off-peak conventional local trains, some through trains and steam. The B & M got 45 more cars after the 55 car order.