Metro North Equipment move from Danbury, CT to Brewster, NY

[grumpyff 1,159]

Due a washout affecting Metro North's Danbury Branch, near the Bethel Station. Approximately 125 feet of track was left suspended 20 feet in the air. Here is a link to some photos of the damage My link: http://www.goacre.com/Danbury_Washout.htm . As a result, Metro North had 5 locomotives and 25 coaches stranded in Danbury. Metro North decided to rescue the equipment by making a rare move across the Beacon Line to Brewster, NY The line also known as the Maybrook is owned by the Housatonic RR up to the NYS Border, where Metro North has ownership. This line runs parallel to Route 6, and then through Brewster, where a connection to the Harlem Line exists north of the Southeast Station. I was able to catch the movement of the final 3 locomotives and 13 coaches on Wednesday March9, 2011. Due to lack of maintenance, signals, and road crossing protection, the move was made a 10 mph. Here are the photos

Getting ready to depart Danbury

Traffic being flagged to stop for the train Cab Car 6306 is leading.

Edited March 11, 2011 by xfirefighter484x

[grumpyff 1,159]

Power was provided by three locomotives spread throughout the consist. P32-ACDM #222, BL-20GH #126, and BL-20GH # 110 on the rear

[grumpyff 1,159]

crossing an elevated section in Danbury

Behind the Shop n Stop in Mill Plain, CT

Passing under Route 6 near the restaurant "Rosy Tomorrows

Edited March 10, 2011 by grumpyff

[grumpyff 1,159]

nearing the NYS Border

Edited March 10, 2011 by grumpyff

[grumpyff 1,159]

The first road crossing in New York was Joe's Hill Road, but the road itself is washed out

crossing the bridge over Route 6 in Brewster

On the trestle behind Brewster Honda

[grumpyff 1,159]

Approaching the Crosby Ave crossing in Brewster

#110 bringing up the rear at Crosby Ave

The next and last road crossing was Pumphouse Road in Brewster

[grumpyff 1,159]

Now headed south on the Harlem Line. the two BL20GH's are working hard to get up to speed.

Crossing Route 312 in Brewster headed to Grand Central, where it ended up being spit back into three trains. The 110 with three coaches went to Croton Harmon, the #126 and three coaches came back up to Brewtser, and the #222 and 7 coaches went back into passenger service

[Alpinerunner 61]

Awesome pics thanks for sharing! Did you follow the train all the way (meet it at xings) or did you compile these from different photographers. If the former, that's dedication!

[grumpyff 1,159]

Yeah I followed it all the way, there were about 6 people that followed it stopping at various point, but all the photos shown are mine.

Edited March 10, 2011 by grumpyff

[grumpyff 1,159]

Reading another forums, power from Ct to NY was provided only from the Genesis #222. From NY top Grand Central the 126 and 110 provided power.

Here is a video shot at Dykemans (near the RT 312 crossing by another photographer that was there.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TlOqhhh9_c

Edited March 10, 2011 by grumpyff

[99subi 121]

My Uncle live a few houses away from the crossing on pump house road. its been soooo long since i have seen a train on those rails. I only remember seeing them as a kid. Pretty cool

[x635 4,066]

AWESOME photos of a unique situation! Thanks for sharing, K!

Also, that's a railfan photographers dream! A unique route at 10MPH....makes for great photos ops in a variety of places as you've proven.

How long do they expect repairs to the regular route to take?

[grumpyff 1,159]

From what I have heard and read, about two weeks to fix the washout, and then reduced speeds until the new fill settles in.

[x635 4,066]

From what I have heard and read, about two weeks to fix the washout, and then reduced speeds until the new fill settles in.

Wouldn't it be better if the put some precast storm tunnels there?

Also, I'm suprised they don't run/rehab the Beacon line from Danbury-Brewster. Probaly would be faster then the current route for people living in Danbury, Brookfield, and New Milford I would think.

Again, awesome photos and I am very jealous! There are so many trains that run through here I really need to get back into railfanning.

[xfirefighter484x 234]

You referred to this as 'The Beacon Line' is that aka Maybrook Line?

[sympathomedic 383]

I thought a bridge on the Beacon had been taken out by a truck that had knocked it down last summer. Was that fixed, or am I mis-thinking?

[Guest MahopacFF101]

I thought a bridge on the Beacon had been taken out by a truck that had knocked it down last summer. Was that fixed, or am I mis-thinking?

The bridges or overpasses over Routes 311 & 164 which regually attract trucks too tall are north of where this movement took place

[grumpyff 1,159]

Yes to both. The line was also called th Maybrook line. The Bridge at Rt 164 and Bullethole Road in Patterson is part of this line. The line originally two tracks but one was taken out at some point. The bridge knocked down did not carry track. Not that it mattered here, the train did not move that far west. THere are reports of a major washout on the Maybrook/Beacon Line in the Pawling area.

[SageVigiles 1,194]

I was at Danbury PD tonight and while I was teaching I saw a Metro North flatbed tractor trailer moving a loader, as well as a MTA Supervisor truck. They must be moving in to do the work, though probably not a good idea to start NOW during the storm.

[M' Ave 1,466]

I THINK that the P32 was the only engine providing power in this move. The two BL20's were just idling. GREAT photos!!!!

[citystation1848 15]

Great Pictures K! What a rare move, it's great you followed them!

[xfirefighter484x 234]

Yes to both. The line was also called th Maybrook line. The Bridge at Rt 164 and Bullethole Road in Patterson is part of this line. The line originally two tracks but one was taken out at some point. The bridge knocked down did not carry track. Not that it mattered here, the train did not move that far west. THere are reports of a major washout on the Maybrook/Beacon Line in the Pawling area.

Thanks, thought so! I was never a true RR Buff, although I have always had an affinity for it. Its too bad the rides didn't come this far West, I would definitely have had to go follow it, if I had not found the original thread until AFTER the move was made, lol!

Thanks for the pictures of the move, AND the washout, definitely not things you see every day!!!