When Did the P&W start interchanging in Willimantic?

I missed this...how often do they make the run?

Ed

March 5th was the first revenue run.

M-F, usually in Willi around noon, and out of town 30-40 minutes later. Sometimes they meet NECR 608 in town as well.

How will this impact train watching in New London / Groton? I visit the Coast Guard Academy periodically.

Looks like NECR loses some revenue miles. P&W is probably thrilled to reduce exposure to the NEC. I suspect they also have a little bit of pain transitting the sub base.

Worth noting that the Willimantic-Plainfield branch, and the interchange, is pretty much closed since the derailment in Lisbon. I believe cuts of 5 cars are allowed to travel at 5 MPH, something like that? Until there is regrading and such to bring it up to track class.

The interchange between the NECR and the P&W at Willimantic CT is not closed. NR-4 operates from Plainfield to Willimantic 5 days a week.


Rich B

Cool, I didn't know that.
Is there a reason the 608/Ethanol extra still interchanges @ New London instead of Willimantic?

I believe that the track from Willimantic to Versailles is "exempt" track and therefore any hazardous cargo can't traverse it until its upgrade is complete.

The Willimantic branch is in the process of being upgraded. When complete the Ethanol will interchange in Willi and head toward Plainfield on that track.

80 car loaded ethanol train expected to head east over the Willi branch today.

NECR brought down over 99 cars just for P&W early today… 80 ethanol plus mixed interchange, they had the SD60’s running, 9014-9059-3901-4005 They just blew by north from Plainfield, heading towards to Worcester this late afternoon.. 9059 leading..