Vermont Railway, NEC and Amtrak in White River Jct, VT

[Staytec]

That bridge that Vermont Railway is going over at the 1:00-ish mark has been completely bent out of shape (literally) by Tropical Storm Irene. What a shame They're trying to fix it, but to me it looks like it's gonna need to be replaced.

[Seekanddestroy1ful]

why is the Amtrak Vermonter running push - pull

[macmonter1]

@Seekanddestroy1ful

I believe it's because the Vermonter makes a reverse move in Palmer, MA. A plan is in place to upgrade the track on a more direct route between Brattleboro, VT, and Springfield, MA, that will eliminate the current longer trip and the need to reverse direction. Then, there will no longer be a need for push-pull operation.

[Seekanddestroy1ful]

@macmonter1 thanx were i see amtrak its always 1 or 2 locos up front

[NewEnglandRailfan79]

@macmonter1 That is correct. The plan for the upgrade has also been approved so the Vermonter will soon only have one engine. :(

[macmonter1]

@NewEnglandRailfan79

The reverse move requiring an engine at both ends of the Vermonter may not go away with the more direct route between Vermont and Springfield, MA. A local rail-fan told me that the new route will require a reverse move for the train to leave the Springfield, MA, station. Can anyone verify that?