MassDOT/MBCR "Gold Star Memorial Train" visits PAR

[BandM4266]

I just found a photo on Nerail with MBTA 1528 and MARC 66 sitting in E.Deerfield yard. Does anyone know why they ventured so far west?

http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo ... ate&page=2

[Badandy]

Supposed to meet PanAm OCS there today,couple together and continue through
the Hoosac Tunnel. This according to the Yahoo GRSightings. Andy

[GP40MC1118]

That's MBTA 66, not MARC...though I suspect its MPEX 66 when all is said and done..
D

[Dick H]

According to the GRS Sightings Yahoo Group, the
PAR OCS train arrived at East Deerfield this evening.

[Mcoov]

Interesting that they chose THAT unit as opposed to one that was painted in silver and purple.

[MEC407]

Article in the North Adams Transcript:

NORTH ADAMS -- The city will host a public Massachusetts De part ment of Trans portation (MassDOT) Board of Directors monthly meeting today, and state transportation officials are trekking west with a special vehicle in tow.

The Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad (MBCR) Gold Star Mem orial Train, bearing the starred names of more than 150 state service men and women lost in the Iraq and Af ghanistan wars, will be on view today at Building 4 at Western Gateway Heri tage State Park from 9 to 9:45 a.m., Mayor Richard Alcombright said.
...
The gold star train was completed before Mem orial Day this year, according to MBCR. Since then, it’s visited municipalities all along the commonwealth’s railways as a tribute to the state’s fallen soldiers.

Read more at: http://www.thetranscript.com/headlines/ ... source=rss

[F-line to Dudley via Park]

This trip and meeting have anything to do with the $2M grant the FRA announced last week for the PAS double stack feasibility study?: http://www.fra.dot.gov/roa/press_releas ... 7-12.shtml

[newpylong]

yup...

[MEC407]

Photo by John Bazan: http://photos.greatrails.net/s/?p=203802