Railfanning in Vermont

[Anonymous]

Some of you might say, "Railfanning in Vermont..... never heard of it," or "There are trains in Vermont? Wait, where's Vermont?" Well beleive it or not, there are trains in Vermont. Not as much as out west though. But there ARE some trains.

I designed this forum with railfans from Vermont in mind. But it can be a place to share train stories, or for ow-ta-stay-tas to learn about the rails in Vermont.

I don't expect this forum to get many replies, because not many people on this website are from Vermont. But I am interested in hearing more about "Railfanning in Vermont," from Vermonters, ex-Vermonters, or maybe just somebody who has researched the rails in Vermont. WHOEVER! [8D]

[Anonymous]

Be - I live just across the river in New Hampsha but my usual haunts are anywhere from White River Junction to Bellows Falls. I live about halfway between them. I usually follow the NECR (I work right next to their mainline) but occasionally check out what the Green Mountain is doing.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by trainnutz

Be - I live just across the river in New Hampsha but my usual haunts are anywhere from White River Junction to Bellows Falls. I live about halfway between them. I usually follow the NECR (I work right next to their mainline) but occasionally check out what the Green Mountain is doing.

COOL! Where do you live? (You don't have to tell me that if you don't want to[:)]) Because if you live in, say, North Stratford, you get a lot of action on the SLA. If you know much about the SLA please tell me, because it's my favorite local railroad. Any fun experiences?

Are you familiar at all with the Vermont Ry. running through Saint Johsbury? So many questions. Not many people on this forum are from around here. So I need you to answer some of my questions[:D]. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

[COOL! Where do you live? (You don't have to tell me that if you don't want to[:)]) Because if you live in, say, North Stratford, you get a lot of action on the SLA. If you know much about the SLA please tell me, because it's my favorite local railroad. Any fun experiences?

Are you familiar at all with the Vermont Ry. running through Saint Johsbury? So many questions. Not many people on this forum are from around here. So I need you to answer some of my questions[:D]. Thanks!

If you haven't yet, check out my profile (saves me some typing here). I don't know much about the SLA other than what I've seen on tape. Check out "The Trains of Northern New England" from Big 'E' Productions (they advertise in Trains). I have the 1997 version but they have a more up-to-date version that I would like to get. It covers Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont and has some good footage.
As for the Vermont Ry, I know a bit about that. What you are seeing is the newest part of their system. They started with the line from Burlington area to Bennington area and to Rutland. They picked up the Clarendon & Pittsford and then, in the late '90s, they merged with the Green Mountain, which runs fron Rutland to Bellows Falls (one of the places I visit).
Now for a history lesson. The line through St J was built as the Connecticut & Passumpsic Rivers, running from White River Junction to Newport. It went through several operators, ending up with B&M owning it then leasing the portion from Newport to Wells River to the CP. In 1996, Guilford (B&M) embargoed the line and CP sold their segment to Iron Roads, who ran it as the Northern Vermont. In 1999, the State of Vermont bought the WRJ-Wells River segment and contracted with the Vt Ry to operate it. Then in 2000, Iron Roads/NV got the contract and ran trains the entire segment. The Iron Roads System, which included the Bangor & Aroostock, was sold and became the Maine, Montreal & Atlantic. The Northern Vt segment was not included in the deal and was taken over by the State of Vermont, who awarded the contract to Vt Ry. They now run the WRJ - Newport line as the Washington County RR.
Hope this answers some of your questions adequately.

[SSW9389]

I lived in New Hampshire in the late 80s to the mid 90s and often fanned the Connecticut River line and the CV up toward Burlington. Trains were few, but fun to see.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Trainnutz, you sure do know your stuff![tup][wow]

Lately, I've been thinking. If you're farmiliar with US Route 114, then you know there are many tractor trailers that fly along the road and use it as an interstate between Island Pond and Lyndonville. They fly across the MANY narrow bridges along the route, and can have caused many accidents. I have been thinking that there should be a railroad between Lyndonville, and Island Pond. That way we could get those trucks off the road, and keep the road SAFE. It could start in Lyndonville (where the West + East Branch Passumpsic meet) and head north following the East Branch Passumpsic. It could end up in the Lumber Yard in Island Pond. There is one steep section. But there could be some blasting to ease the line up the hill on the west side of the valley, and then we could ease it down the same way. It seems like a good idea, but railroads are expensive to build, but it is only 18 miles long! I think I will send a letter to the governor. Any agreements, disagreements, comments, etc.? Hope so! I think it's a good idea![C):-)]

[Anonymous]

Any time we can move truckloads to rails means greater safety and economy, I agree wholeheartedly. Unfortunately not everyone thinks that same way. You have to look at what those trucks are carrying and what their final destinations are. Granted, the line is only 18 miles long, but at a million+ per mile, who's going to put up the capital to build it? Banks and finance people need to see solid numbers of potential income generation in order to loosen the pursestrings. Who would run the line? All variables that must be considered.
Please don't think I'm putting you down. I would love to see more ideas like yours to take shape. But these days people and companies tend to be a bit more cautious with their money and the government does not want to spend on steel wheels. By all means, write to the governor - he seems to be a nice guy who keeps an open mind. Just don't be discouraged when they politely say "no." If you can plant the seed, and be patient, it just may come about.