Amtrak Downeaster : Across New England with the mighty F40PH

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ค. 2024
  • Hi folks,
    Today we are travelling between Portland, Maine to Boston, Massachusetts onboard Amtrak cute Downeaster service. I'm finally seeing a cabbage unit!!!
    Enjoy :)
    - TRIP INFORMATION -
    RECORDED IN DECEMBER 2020
    Railroad company: AMTRAK
    Train type : F40 NPCU #90214, Amfleet and P42 #88
    From : Portland to Boston North station
    Time : 2h32
    Price : 15$ - 12,63€
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    Thumbnail credit : Amtrak Prod : / amtrak.prod
    Massive thanks to my following Patreon for their help :
    Claudio Bickel ; Iwan Di Tullio ; Martin Haynes ; Cyril ; Laurent Gilson ; Louis Haywood ; D Austin Horowitz ; Thomas Alfred Roell ; Jos Bowmaster ; Captain Ginyu ; Beni Heiniger ; Andreas Konrad ; Greg Wenzler ; Christopher Style ; Dick DeBartolo ; Brian Sikorski ; Guillermo Franco ; Sandeep Ayyappan ; Nicholas Torres ; Peter N ; Claire Nat ; Killua , Nick Reed , Randy Dean ; Philippe Branco ; Erorus ; Tom Van Baren ; Ian Earle ; Robin Roemisch ; Hannah Slovek ; Michael Romero ; Fin Ross Russell ; Vel ; Benny AndTheJets ; Ciana Dassonville ; James Pickup ; Frederic R Merchant , Jeremiah Pettus ; Liz Wallace ; Roy Hunte ; Peter Sandri ; Robyn Jackson ; Jeanette ; William George ; Alessandro Anfuso ; John Michael Dornoff ; Trevor Key ; David Nayer; Fabricio ; John Christopherson ; Frank Schmidt ; RJ Avnet ; Linda Vainomae-Hoffmann ; Jeffrey Williams ; TJY ; Shane Edmonds ; Dave Ferrell ; Marcelli ; Joe Hoeft ; Browne Sebright ; Bea Dan ; Alexander S Zaytsev ; Matt P ; Yes! ; clearingrubble ; Charlie Myers ; Chris Roberts ; Ataka Grizzly ; Bill ; jpjh ; Larry Phenis ; Patrick Fox ; David Bonet ; Eric Schmidt
    00:00 : Introduction
    01:13 : Portland Transportation Center
    03:02 : Arrival of the train
    04:05 : Boarding the train
    04:20 : Waking up in Dover, ME
    04:43 : Seat review
    05:50 : New England landscape
    06:30 : Walkthrough of the train
    07:55 : Café car
    08:52 : Breakfast
    09:31 : New England landscape
    10:22 : Party of four
    10:49 : Toilets time
    11:23 : Rainy morning
    11:57 : Arrival in Boston
    12:44 : F40 NPCU
    14:01 : Conclusion & outro

ความคิดเห็น • 251

  • @coltigh4232
    @coltigh4232 2 ปีที่แล้ว +101

    "Since I'm starving, it's time to destroy the cafe car."
    That is an absolute mood and I feel it.

    • @Bleifuss88
      @Bleifuss88 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      He will not be allowed into the US anymore now :D

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  • @ethelkelson3232
    @ethelkelson3232 2 ปีที่แล้ว +53

    I love your trip reports. But you got a few small things wrong. It’s Durham New Hampshire and the town you were in before you crossed the Merrimack river was Haverhill ,Massachusetts. I’ve been on this train many times and enjoy seeing it with your eyes. Next time try the chocolate Whoopi pies.

    • @moishglukovsky
      @moishglukovsky 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thank you! I’m watching and wondering… “Hammerick”? I even started looking on a map.

  • @vrkoven
    @vrkoven 2 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    What you missed by not taking a later (post-dawn) train was the stop at Old Orchard Beach, which is most entertaining, as you get to see the downtown/beachside honky-tonk main street, the Coney Island of New England. It's a hoot.

    • @wilfstor3078
      @wilfstor3078 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Oh trust me, the 2 week long visit to the Old Orchard/Ocean Park area was the highlight of any summer for my family.

  • @paulgracey4697
    @paulgracey4697 2 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    As a long time user of Amtrak in its F40PH days I should say that seeing one is fine, but hearing one up close in station, engine roaring at a setting that maintained the Head end Power for the consist, well, be glad the one you saw was a "Cabbage" conversion.

    • @samuelitooooo
      @samuelitooooo 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Sounds like F40PHs in Chicago today

    • @counterfit5
      @counterfit5 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@samuelitooooo or the ones on MBTA not too long ago

  • @RichardChonak
    @RichardChonak 2 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    In the late 1970s there were no passenger trains at the Durham-UNH station, but the building was in use as an ice cream shop. The "Dairy Bar" is still in operation along with the Downeaster train service.

  • @Del-Lebo
    @Del-Lebo 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    "Rain and train" Yup cozy cozy! And the "destroy the cafe car"...Epic!

  • @DoomThinking
    @DoomThinking 2 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    I imagine that with these types of travel times and riderships this route would be serviced by some commuter DMU in europe (Talent 3 or Lint or somthing similar), without a great onboard bar service like this service.

    • @No-le9qf
      @No-le9qf 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Actually Amtrak had a gota new order where Amtrak gets several DM locomotives for the NEC routes,new chargers gets serval EMUs,DMUs with cab cars along with siemen venture cars to replace the Amfleet 1s/2s(used on brightline)

    • @AVeryRandomPerson
      @AVeryRandomPerson 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@No-le9qf The Amfleet IIs are still staying, they haven't even ordered enough to fully replace the Amfleet Is

  • @Ry_guy7
    @Ry_guy7 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is my local service and I feel pride watching this video. The station in the beginning is also local to me. My Mimi lives close to another stop too. I took it once to the Maine terminus in Brunswick just to enjoy time with Family. I will never forget that day (I rode a heritage unit too and soon after caught the same engine, Amtrak 100). So yeah this video brings me joy and I love it.

  • @RVail623
    @RVail623 2 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    There are both: Durham, ME & Durham, NH. Southbound from Portland, ME you'd be at Durham, NH 5:43.

    • @Mrjjjjjjjjjj80
      @Mrjjjjjjjjjj80 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Also the UNH label on the sign seems to stand for University of New Hampshire, Durham?

    • @edisonz2006
      @edisonz2006 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Mrjjjjjjjjjj80 Correct

    • @fredfrederickson
      @fredfrederickson 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Ahh New England towns with the most original names lol

    • @LexJones207
      @LexJones207 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@fredfrederickson A bunch of people came from old England and brought a big pile of town names to New England.

  • @flashrocket9158
    @flashrocket9158 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    with Amtrak's $66B funding, they also plan to extend the line to Rockland, a line that hasn't been used for passengers since the Maine Eastern closed in 2015. I also wish they could expand midland to Bangor.

    • @bradfordtownley9363
      @bradfordtownley9363 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      The line to Rockland is now being operated (leased?) by CP and is being refurbished. Here's hoping!

  • @hirampriggott1689
    @hirampriggott1689 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I always found Amtrak to be cozy during winter when the weather is not so nice. The lights are dim enough to be relaxing.

    • @de-fault_de-fault
      @de-fault_de-fault 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Agreed, on a cold, wet day in particular, settling into the Amfleet interiors is like putting on a favorite old sweater that’s stretched out just a bit. The lighting is so relaxed, and the seats are so soft, it’s the perfect place to catch a nap or watch the rain and be glad you’re not in it.

  • @nickmorgan1690
    @nickmorgan1690 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The ride is a different animal during the summer. Once you hit Old Orchard Beach it becomes a drunk train.

  • @johanfalk2875
    @johanfalk2875 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I’m as American as it gets and have never heard of a whoopie. Must be a very regional pastry. Awesome ride! Riding a train on a cold rainy day is def a vibe haha.

    • @MrFrankd1962
      @MrFrankd1962 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Whoopie pies are very New England and vary from bakers. A nice moist cake sandwich with a (can be) very sugary creme filling between the cakes. Seasonal ones are the best when you find them.

    • @Beargizmo3
      @Beargizmo3 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      My wife recently ordered a dozen whoopee pies from a place in Maine (we live in NH)

    • @doncarlton4858
      @doncarlton4858 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Whoopie pies are a northeastern New England treat. Traditionally with chocolate cake and cake icing filling. My Mother made the best. In the mid Atlantic states they're called "gobs".

    • @merrimacksacoproductions4497
      @merrimacksacoproductions4497 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Should you ever find yourself on the Downeaster, I’d highly recommend their Whoopie Pies along with a Captain Eli’s root beer, two of my personal favorites!

  • @victoriaegan6476
    @victoriaegan6476 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I live in New Hampshire (the state next to Maine) and riding this train to Boston is on my bucket list. Thanks for showing me what it looks like. And, you are right about riding the train during foliage season. The tree colors are unbelievable!

  • @rockinghamrailvids
    @rockinghamrailvids 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    As someone who has grown up railfanning the Downeaster and seeing its NPCUs in action this video makes me very happy. Keep up the good work!

  • @doncarlton4858
    @doncarlton4858 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    You're traveling on the Western Route of the Boston and Maine Railroad. It's the inland route. The Eastern Route is now chopped up and is part of the commuter rail to the North Shore of Massachusetts. Sporadic freight traffic is in the rest of the Eastern Route. It is the most scenic route, but the B&M decided the Western Route was more conducive to heavy frieght traffic to Halifax, NS.
    I worked with a few people who lived in Southern Maine and used this train to commute to work in Boston. Covid and the holidays is why the patronage was so low. A friend of mine worked upgrading signals on this line for nearly three years to prepare it's return to mainline passenger service.
    The rattling! Welcome to Amtrak! The Downeaster shares the track with heavy freight traffic that pounds the rail!

  • @danielt4250
    @danielt4250 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I love these less-known American route reviews!

    • @JoeyLovesTrains
      @JoeyLovesTrains 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Fun fact, this line isn’t actually connected to the rest of the Amtrak network. It’s connected to the national rail network, but does not intersect on connect with any other Amtrak line

    • @danielt4250
      @danielt4250 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@JoeyLovesTrains Yeah since Boston North Station is Only connected with MBTA so it's interesting...

  • @HumbertoMesa
    @HumbertoMesa 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Congratulations to the staff ... thanks for another ride.

  • @brendamannino6775
    @brendamannino6775 ปีที่แล้ว

    I live near the track in a Wells and watch ( and video) the Downeaster frequently. It flies by ! Have also ridden it from Wells to Boston and back, very enjoyable.

  • @Andrew_G4CH
    @Andrew_G4CH 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I was raised in New England and hearing that being called a Whoopie Pie brings back so many memories :D

  • @1970boobear
    @1970boobear 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Great. Now I can't get "Downeaster Alexa" by Billy Joel out of my head lol. Loving this video!! 👍😍
    Ps. I'm boarding the silver meteor for the 1st time thanks to your video! Cheers 🍺

  • @maaviationtrainselevators8787
    @maaviationtrainselevators8787 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I think this has been one of my favorite videos of yours. I have been on the Downeaster from Boston to Portland and back twice in my life before, I need to correct you on some things. Dover and Durham are in New Hampshire not Maine. And when you said Hammerick, MA I think you meant Haverhill. Also I think your train might have had a detour. After leaving Haverhill, The Downeaster usually goes on the Wildcat Branch to go along the MBTA Lowell Line to make it's stop in Woburn then goes to Boston, The Downeaster doesn’t usually go along the MBTA Orange Line because that goes along the MBTA Haverhill Line. And after your train left Haverhill I think it just went straight down the Haverhill Line into Boston.

    • @iflydrones
      @iflydrones 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I helped my son move into his apartment in Somerville this summer ( July 2021 ) and the Downeaster is still on the route along the MBTA line ... I even have video at th-cam.com/video/bt0YccR_m3o/w-d-xo.html showing it crossing the Mystic River ... for the 3 days I was there I saw the train pass in both directions multiple times a day

  • @christbianchi
    @christbianchi 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great video! I love this route!! I take it all the time!

  • @MiddleboroLakevilleRailfan
    @MiddleboroLakevilleRailfan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I literally just rode this the last week of august! I rode it on the 23rd up to old orchard beach. I highly recommend getting off there if you love the beach

  • @davidhumberger5078
    @davidhumberger5078 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for your trip report! Your content is wonderful 😎❤️

  • @richardc488
    @richardc488 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for your travels!

  • @de-fault_de-fault
    @de-fault_de-fault 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    10:32 last week I rode from Boston to Metropark (NJ) in this end spot of an Amfleet 1 with my wife and our five year old daughter and it was perfect for us, but I was also thinking it would be a tight squeeze for adults facing each other. But across the aisle was a party of three adults and they seemed to manage well enough. They stayed on even longer than we did.

  • @wjgthatsit2357
    @wjgthatsit2357 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    ah yes, the Dirigoian people's express!!! runs more efficiently than any other locomotive in the universe!!! praise the glorious leader Janet. T. Mills for her mighty invention!!!

  • @valeriebassett3107
    @valeriebassett3107 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video, love the way you word things. Keep the videos coming and please stay safe and healthy.

  • @josephr9551
    @josephr9551 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I live in Portland, Maine. If I had known you were here, I would have taken you out for a couple of locally brewed beers. I hope you liked the whoopie pie. It's way too sweet for me. Please come to Maine again.

  • @ozgirl45
    @ozgirl45 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Another great video! Thank you.
    I’ll be travelling on Amtrak from Newark airport to Philadelphia on Sunday. In July I did the reverse trip. It was scarcely long enough of a trip to really appreciate it as the train was full (because it didn’t start in Philadelphia and the covid restrictions were being eased so there was pent up demand for travelling) and I had to drag my suitcase between cars until I found somewhere to put it. But it was amazing to get back on a train - and the cute shuttle train from the Amtrak station to the EWK terminals is always a bonus.
    I can’t wait until the Canadian/US land border is opened up so Amtrak can restart service from Montreal to NYC and Philadelphia. That’s a great trip if anyone wants to try it. It’s very long because of the border procedures (but those have to be done at an airport anyway) but the view going to NYC of Lake Champlain is amazing, as is the return trip up the Hudson.

  • @joshweinstein5345
    @joshweinstein5345 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love your reports, especially this one as I didn't even know about the Downeaster (and my family is originally from the Boston area!) Now I know the next Amtrak route I want to ride!👍

  • @scottyerkes1867
    @scottyerkes1867 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    New England does have charm. Sorry it rained during your review. Glad your experience was enjoyable.
    Thank you Thibault👍👍😄😄💚💚

  • @JohnsTrainVideos
    @JohnsTrainVideos 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I can't get over how smooth and quiet this train is. I don't just mean that as a reference to this video either. I live vear near the route, and you can hear commuter rail trains smacking down the track all day long. Then a downeaster comes by and its so quiet, if the locomotive is in the back pushing, you literally won't hear it coming. It can sneak right up on you.

  • @claudeleger2296
    @claudeleger2296 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    We took it in 2001 from Portland to Boston on a same day trip return and it was fantastic!

  • @mrchairman08
    @mrchairman08 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    If it says Hood it's got to be good.

  • @theobrattinga500
    @theobrattinga500 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video !!

  • @NortheastCorridorFilms
    @NortheastCorridorFilms 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    You finally have done it!
    Ive done Downeaster my whole life

  • @GS345650
    @GS345650 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video! Nothing beats the Northeast - we ski in NH every year around this time & I remember how rainy it was

  • @EmeraldCrimsonShadowPeach2K5
    @EmeraldCrimsonShadowPeach2K5 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good video as always. Keep up the good work.

  • @robertoha5104
    @robertoha5104 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow wonderful videos.greatings from Mexico

  • @adithyaramachandran7427
    @adithyaramachandran7427 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice review. Christmas time + peppermint whoopie are the memories from my visit to Quincy market in Boston.
    Driving in the Boston area is a pain, the train is more relaxing. Wish they had more services to Springfield and Albany though.

  • @erichhouchens3711
    @erichhouchens3711 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    What you're looking at is just the shell of an F40. The engine/prime mover has been removed and the fuel tank filled with lead shot(balls). A door has been cut in the side to access the former engine room. This allows the space to be used for baggage service. The P42 at the other end is actually powering the train as well as providing HEP or Electric Train Heat (ETH) to use the British/European term.
    This is done to provide the engineer/driver with added protection at grade crossings. An F40 "Cabbage" unit can be roughly compared to the BR class 82000 Driving Van Trailer (DVT) units. The former Metroliner EMU cars that were converted to cab cars were often referred to as "Silver Coffins" by train crews due to there lack of protection in grade crossing accidents. This of course is a take on the practice of naming passenger cars with the prefix "Silver" back in the 50's (mostly on the California Zephyr).

    • @awdrifter3394
      @awdrifter3394 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      So this train is pushed only?

    • @erichhouchens3711
      @erichhouchens3711 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@awdrifter3394 Pushed south to Boston and pulled north to Portland and Brunswick.

    • @awdrifter3394
      @awdrifter3394 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@erichhouchens3711 cool. Thanks for the info.

    • @AVeryRandomPerson
      @AVeryRandomPerson 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Metroliners were especially dangerous out west, where vehicles were bigger and there were more grade crossings

    • @SteveSnow1
      @SteveSnow1 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      The safety of an ex-F40 is definitely an upgrade over the Metroliner cab cars. The other main reason they used them were the trucks which were rated for (relatively) high stability at track speeds. Plain old passenger car trucks weren't stable enough to lead a train by themselves. Plus, the weight of even an empty F40 is still substantial.

  • @rezaalan3991
    @rezaalan3991 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great trip, that cabbage unit 😲😲😲

  • @nomadicashish303
    @nomadicashish303 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Beautiful view 👍

  • @jy6283
    @jy6283 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    If you want to ride a real working F40 engine, you should go to Canada. Via Rail is still using it as their main locomotive on at least half of their corridor trains and all of their long distance and regional train. And it could be also an occasion to ride either an LRC coach or a HEP (date from the 50s) or maybe even a renaissance (nightstock car built for the never running night train under the channel tunnel ...) but if you want to try it on the corridor, don't wait to much new Siemens trainset (probably similar to those orders by Amtrak) are coming to replace those aging trainset in the corridor ...

    • @lburton874
      @lburton874 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Via refinished the F40s in 2012. The old Budd rail cars in the video look very similar to the 50 year old hep cars Via still runs on the long distance trains.

  • @benjamintocchi7909
    @benjamintocchi7909 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I used to love riding the Downeaster when they ran the great dome car for leaf peeping!

  • @TutorialesDePiano2024
    @TutorialesDePiano2024 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I need to ride amtrak for the first time nice video @Simply Railway

  • @cosakita6120
    @cosakita6120 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm from Portland and ride the Downeaster all the time! Great video!

  • @jediraptor07
    @jediraptor07 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I believe the dome car that used to run on the Downeaster (9:43) is currently owned and operated by the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad down in Cumberland, Maryland. Another spectacularly scenic ride, and they should hopefully (fingers crossed!) have the C&O 1309 steam locomotive up and running by the end of the year. If you ever find yourself in that area, definitely check it out.

  • @paulw.woodring7304
    @paulw.woodring7304 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The Amfleets are not quite 50 years old, having been delivered in 1975 and '76. They are on at least their third or fourth refurbishment since delivered. From what I've seen of most European equipment, most coaches over there would have long been scrapped by this age. Good old Budd stainless!

    • @bahnspotterEU
      @bahnspotterEU 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      There are still 40-50 year old coaches running in Europe too. Private operators like FlixTrain in Germany or RegioJet in Czechia/Slovakia and neighbours use a lot of this old stock. Portugal, Sweden and much of Eastern Europe also still has equipment from the 70s in use.

  • @AVeryRandomPerson
    @AVeryRandomPerson 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    1:51
    Amtrak Cascades still has 5 NPCUs and at least 1 set is out every day, the San Joaquins has 3 Comet sets with NPCUs, and the Hiawatha still uses them

  • @lindavainomae3489
    @lindavainomae3489 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the review - now I know what a cabbage loco is! :)

  • @aviano72
    @aviano72 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    wow for a moment there i thought you were actually going to _destroy_ the cafe car 😂🤣

  • @olofssonaugust2536
    @olofssonaugust2536 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Yay new video!

  • @adamm2837
    @adamm2837 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I rode the Vermonter a few weeks ago and I thought the refurbished interior look of the Amfleet I cars was very nice. Its hard to believe they are 45 years old in some aspects. However the small windows and the fact that the seat pitch doesn't align well with the window pitch, causing some seats to have obstructed views, was the biggest complaint with these cars. On the journey home, the coach I was in also had the constant rattling noise, which seemed to originate in the railing on the luggage rack. The Vermonter, unlike the Downeaster in your video ( which was taken still in the midst of many COVID restrictions, was near full in each direction. As a matter of fact, the conductor on the trip south announced the train was sold out south of Northampton, MA!
    I don't believe you have done the Vermonter yet, have you? If not, I highly recommend it! It is a very nice ride though Vermont, passing though many little towns that have some pretty interesting history to them.
    Great video as always! I'm always excited to see a new Simply Railway video, no matter where in the world you're riding!

  • @miditrax
    @miditrax 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for posting this - am going to take the Downeaster from Boston to Brunswick next month

  • @pakroomitrains
    @pakroomitrains 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome 👍👍👍

  • @TyDeSimone
    @TyDeSimone 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I’m pretty sure I suggested this route to you before on one of your older videos that you made during the pandemic or a little before that. I’m glad to see you do it.

  • @itsdad0c
    @itsdad0c 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Fiiiive Rooound Triiiips
    Four Seats Abreast
    Three Coachclass Cars
    Two Power Sockets
    And an Amtrak F40PH

    • @Neville60001
      @Neville60001 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Love this version of *12 Days Of Christmas* .

  • @adambispham6015
    @adambispham6015 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You were in Haverhill, MA not Hammerick (or something similar). Great video as always

  • @sebastianflores4479
    @sebastianflores4479 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ohh man thank you for this!! I’m thinking of going to the New England states in October!

  • @GaryGP40
    @GaryGP40 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've ridden this train and it's great. Funny enough, it goes right behind the building I work (I can walk down the hall and I am right next to the tracks) and once in a while it goes by my house (which is odd as its not on the NH main line). Fun train to take to see Portland and enjoy a nice ride. I was super happy when Amtrak brought this service back. It was sorely lacking, and it is well used which is great! If they keep adding to it, you might be able to get to Mt. Katahdin and Canada pretty soon! :D

  • @01cthompson
    @01cthompson 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Last time I was in Freeport they were excited to be getting twice weekly service.

    • @iflydrones
      @iflydrones 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      You can see my video of the Downeaster entering Freeport this summer ( July 2021 ) at th-cam.com/video/bt0YccR_m3o/w-d-xo.html

  • @manzelli1981
    @manzelli1981 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I totally support eating Whoopie pies at breakfast. Power move, sir 👍

  • @DanielsUKT
    @DanielsUKT 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice trip report. I liked the really big seats they must be very comfortable also new England is the region I would like to visit the most if I get the chance to visit America in the future

  • @nnbtv67
    @nnbtv67 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video! I've just travelled on the Downeaster, first from Portland to Brunswick, then the same route as you, Brunswick to Boston North Station. Loved it, although I wish the schedule was more regular (and that there were more than five trains a day, although since many Amtrak services have just one train a day, I shouldn't complain too much!).

  • @dukctape
    @dukctape 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    that cafe menu is something to envy. even other state-supported routes aren't so lucky. the pennsylvanian even uses the standard NEC menu despite using the Amfleet IIs meanwhile this is using Amfleet I and gets a special menu!!! jealous

  • @BrokebackBob
    @BrokebackBob 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Remember young one, you'll be rattling too once you get as old as that train! 😁

  • @stevetalkstoomuch
    @stevetalkstoomuch 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I think you mean Haverhill MA not Hammerick. Fun fact: New Hampshire doesn't pay anything towards the support of this train, yet reaps the benefits. Typical cheap old Yankees.
    The Amfleet is iconic and I hate to see it go. It should live forever.
    I hope you got the chance to ride the MetroNorth New Haven line and the new M8 units. And get Frank Pepe's pizza in New Haven.

    • @conchfritter
      @conchfritter 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      He needs to do the shoreline east train if he makes it to New Haven !

    • @counterfit5
      @counterfit5 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      New Hampshire kind of does that a lot…

  • @kai_m6367
    @kai_m6367 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What an amazing video, I think SunRail is a good service. Also, the alc 42s are about to be in service in the next 5 to 8 months.

  • @colanitower
    @colanitower 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I like the low-slung outside appearance of the Amfleet cars. They look like high speed even when standing still at the platform. A '60s but still modern vibe.

    • @ronclark9724
      @ronclark9724 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Amfleet cars were designed that way to enter the low clearance old tunnels on the northeast corridor...

  • @reestyfarts
    @reestyfarts 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Years ago I rode Canadian passenger rail from Vancouver, BC to Brownville Junction, Maine. That was my last train ride in Maine.

  • @Shuotography
    @Shuotography 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I think the Amtrak Cascades also still has some F40 NPCUs in service. They are not found on every train on that line but some trains still have them.

  • @jamesbuchan416
    @jamesbuchan416 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    You should come do a review of the Ocean or Corridor services up in Canada with VIA. ✌🏻

  • @trish2179
    @trish2179 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I ❤Amtrak!!!

  • @virginiatolles1664
    @virginiatolles1664 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The windows are smaller on Amfleet 1 cars than they are on Amfleet 2 cars. Even so, they are larger than they were on a previous generation. Those cars were banned, because the windows weren't large enough to climb through in an emergency. Yes, the dear Amfleet 1 cars are nearing fifty years of age, but they are the most beautiful rail cars ever designed. I'll miss them. Of course, I still miss the F40PH locomotives, too!

  • @jamesshanks2614
    @jamesshanks2614 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The F40PH you saw isn’t an F40PH anymore, it’s a baggage car control unit with the original 645 engine removed and converted to a baggage compartment. It takes the place of a control cab car and is much safer to operate due to being a repurposed locomotive without engine or traction motors. It receives power from the train through the HEP connection to provide battery charging and lights and heat to the unit. A great way to reuse an outdated engine. It doesn’t even have its original headend generator anymore as it was removed with the prime mover. Personally I don’t miss them as you definitely needed hearing protection when it was providing HEP to the train. As the engine running at 897 rpm the noise level was well over 130 DBs.
    I remember shortly after the Budd cars went into service and Budd was still filling the 500 car order we got two E8 from the engine house at New Haven, Ct. with two V-12 Detroit generators rated at 275 KW each when I tried to put both online the main breaker kept tripping so I told the conductor to turn off the tempo control switch in every car, this was in February and I told him then I will be able to feed the train with one generator then take one trainman and have him return each car to normal heat and by the time he gets to the next car the load would have reduced at the heating elements go up to temperature. The crew shut off each car and when I go the ok I closed the breaker and the electricians and train crew were surprised when the train powered up. The train was 22 cars long that day. I later enroute to Boston went back and found the generator was running a load of 225 amps to the train before arrived at New London. The train was delayed 37 minutes due to being unable to use both generators.
    Amtrak later resolved the problem by equipping all new engines with a single 1100 kilowatt generator which easily handles the high inrush of power when you first close the HEP breaker.
    By the way we had no further trouble with the HEP after we left New Haven.
    I miss the old days.

  • @Abnerbandanovotempoinscrito1mi
    @Abnerbandanovotempoinscrito1mi 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Lindo trem amtrak de Boston show gostei simply

  • @KiingOfFlipz
    @KiingOfFlipz 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is so ironic. I rode the Downeaster from Boston To Portland today.

    • @Beargizmo3
      @Beargizmo3 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Probably more coincidental than ironic.

  • @Czechmate823
    @Czechmate823 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    As a New Englander for over 40 years, and not to be picky, but Durham is in New Hampshire, not Maine. But I loved seeing the video !!!!

  • @Esperantisto
    @Esperantisto 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Yes, the Durham UNH station is in New Hampshire. You can take the train between Durham North Carolina and Durham New Hampshire...

  • @ferwxyz
    @ferwxyz 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    nice here before 100 views

  • @douglaswhite7328
    @douglaswhite7328 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Haverhill (pronounced Hay-Vrill), MA. Great report.

  • @teresavandal4973
    @teresavandal4973 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    There is one thing I think I should point out about this video, and some of the others you have put out where you show the outlets at the seats. What you may think of as two outlets; because of how outlets are manufactured and sold in many other countries around the world; doesn't happen here. For "everyday situations"; (i.e. whether a homeowner is replacing a broken/faulty outlet, or a house is being built or whatever); you will never find single plug outlets in the hardware stores, or Walmart, or anywhere else unless you find a way to have them specially made. So it is very frustrating to say there are two at each seat location because; on Amtrak trains; having them placed on the wall under the window means that only the window seat person has control of the outlet(s). The person sitting in the aisle seat either has to hope and pray the person at the window seat will be considerate; (which isn't always the case); or they have to bring their own power source to be able to keep their items charged. A better spot would be in between the seats so they can share.

    • @ronclark9724
      @ronclark9724 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      When they were built nearly 50 years ago, these Amfleets didn't have power outlets. They were added later during one of their refurbishments as simply as possible. Most passengers sit adjacent to a friend or family, otherwise sit closest to the window and power outlet. Very rarely are these trains completely full...

  • @Baystateboy125
    @Baystateboy125 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Do you have the best job if that’s what you call it. Riding trains anywhere and not a worry in the world!

  • @joshgardner8238
    @joshgardner8238 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    10:04 Thats the Mason & Hamlin Piano factory. If you are ever in the area it’s well worth a tour they produce very high end instruments.

  • @thomasstambaugh5181
    @thomasstambaugh5181 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Newer is NOT better. The heritage equipment that was replaced by Amfleet cars was even more comfortable. I'm reserving judgment until I ride the new equipment.
    The Downeaster and Vermonter are VERY popular. Business-class seats on the latter can be hard to come by on points north of New Haven.
    I noticed that you came into Boston on the Haverhill line. The route normally uses the Lowell line, then takes a branch to join the Haverhill in Ballardvale. The Lowell line has been closed on weekends for several years now in order to accommodate the GLX (Green Line Extension) program that is building an LRV alongside the commuter rail tracks for a portion of the Lowell line.
    I notice that you missed the Downeaster segment between Portland and Brunswick. That's a great ride, and Brunswick is a very nice college town (Bowdoin College) with several pleasant inns and restaurants within an easy walk of the Amtrak station.
    Rumor has it that a new Amtrak station is in the works closer to downtown Portland that will not require a reversing move to get in (southbound) or out (northbound).

  • @luisalfredoanaya5602
    @luisalfredoanaya5602 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    It,s admirable almost like a Japanese train

    • @Dynamic67i
      @Dynamic67i 18 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Yeah, but not as fast as one for sure

  • @davetaylor4744
    @davetaylor4744 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Haverhill, Ma The Crown Jewel of the merrimack valley

  • @centredoorplugsthornton4112
    @centredoorplugsthornton4112 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    "Last Amtrak route with NPCU cabbage cars." Lessee, no longer running on any Midwest routes.
    Food service on the Downeaster is concessioned out, the counter person may not be an Amtrak employee. Only route on Amtrak to have that.

    • @AVeryRandomPerson
      @AVeryRandomPerson 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      The JPBs in California love to lost that idea around from time to time

  • @wolfbyte3171
    @wolfbyte3171 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Greetings from Woburn! (the last stop before Boston, you were probably in the toilet or something :P) Haven't gotten the chance to take the Downeaster yet (maybe the inaugural trip with new rolling stock? or w/e), but I've seen it pass a few times as I wait to take the commuter rail into Boston. I know North Station isn't great, but it's got some charm. Plus, pigeons!

    • @doncarlton4858
      @doncarlton4858 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      The train apparently detour over MBTAs Haverhill Line, it never went through Woburn

  • @AmtrakProductions
    @AmtrakProductions 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome !

  • @LadySpindriftVlogs
    @LadySpindriftVlogs 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Cab + Baggage = Cabbage... Why didn't I know that? I guess that's where they store any Checked Baggage along the way. You learn something new.

  • @aednichols
    @aednichols 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I took the Downeaster this summer and on both legs there were dual P42s, no NPCUs.

  • @notch8c40
    @notch8c40 ปีที่แล้ว

    Whatever way is boston, there will most likely be a F40, This is because of diesel pollution in the north station, And in the seats with parties of 3 or more, One end has more room than the other for some reason.

  • @Bobrogers99
    @Bobrogers99 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    FYI, Dover, Durham and Exeter are in New Hampshire. This is significant because this is the only passenger rail in the entire state!

    • @Beargizmo3
      @Beargizmo3 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Doesn't the Vermonter stop in Claremont?

    • @Bobrogers99
      @Bobrogers99 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Beargizmo3 You're right. It does wander over to the NH side of the river there!

  • @yeahman70
    @yeahman70 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Someday you should do Amtrak empire sergice

  • @hyuku9522
    @hyuku9522 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi from Indonesia ✌