I love the Downeaster and I'm glad you did too! Portland is such an awesome city. One interesting quirk: the Downeaster isn't actually the only Amtrak service in New Hampshire! The Vermonter has a brief bit where it crosses the Connecticut River and stops in Claremont, NH. Perhaps unsurprisingly, that's the least used Amtrak station in NH!
Thanks for the comment! To be fair, I looked at the map and totally didn’t realize that Claremont was in NH. My bad, should have double checked it. Glad my enthusiasm for this train came across and you enjoyed the video! I was generally very happy with the public transit in Boston too, but this is an opinion many people on TH-cam wouldn’t allow me to have…
Oh for sure, I had no idea Claremont was a station that existed until I started looking up the least used station in each state! As for transit in Boston, I think the MBTA has the best website, branding, and overall communication of maybe any transit agency in the country, but the actual operations of the network leave a lot to be desired. I'm glad you enjoyed it though - in particular, I'm glad you got to ride the absolute gem that is the Mattapan Line! (I take it for granted, but Boston is definitely one of the US's most quirky transit cities, with pretty much every line offering some really cool stuff)
@@MilesinTransit I think it’s the quirks that made me enjoy it so much. Like, I was there on vacation rather than as a commuter, so instead of being annoyed that the Green Line runs at 7 miles per hour, I could marvel at all the weird station designs and such. It’s like Chicago for me. Others might be like “whoah that’s a long platform!” or something and I’ll be there like “ugh the train didn’t show up again.”
The term "Down East" comes from the days of sailing ships. Sailing from Boston to Maine, a ship traveled downwind (at least when the prevailing wind was blowing).
I did a search for 'business class Downeaster' and got this video, thanks!! I went to Boston from Portland on the Amtrak Downeaster St Patrick's Day, 2024. I traveled coach going with a group. The train was packed, every seat taken by people wanting to see the parade and other St Patrick's Day festivities in Boston. There was a long line of students getting on the train in Durham/UNH. Now I know what business class is like, I'll try it when I go down on my own. Coach was fine too, but it can be nice to have a single seat with the one by two configuration. The train was great, friendly service, comfortable, clean and on time. Boston is so hard to drive and park in, it's great to get on the train and just be there. North Station has calmed down since you shot this. It does look like a warehouse inside but the construction and noise was apparently done. On the way home, we had a nice breakfast in the station at the Hub, which has lots of good food choices in addition to the Dunkin. Mike's Pastry was very popular and there was good pizza, Indian, Soul Food, Japanese and a bar. Near the entrance to North Station is a good convenience store. Thanks!!
@@Thom-TRA And a close-but-no-cigar is Bellows Falls, Vermont, where the platform ends mere feet from the NH border (before the the tracks cross into New Hampshire and on to Claremont). Also White River Junction is within a few hundred feet of the NH line (and that could probably be marketed as WRJ, VT/Lebanon NH).
if the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority actually brings back the Brunswick-Rockland route, it will be well worth another trip to Maine. They stopped running that line in 2015, but it is one of the most beautiful lines I have ever been on and there are talks to have a twice daily for summer 2023. It runs along the coast and actually goes downeast lol. Definitely something to keep an eye on
I've ridden on the Downeaster a couple times to Freeport from Dover and I've frequently watched these trains race through Rockingham Junction at incredible speeds!
This video inspired us to take the train from Boston when visiting a friend in Portland earlier this year. It was pretty fascinating as our first US train trip outside of local city metro/subways. First off, the train wasn't running all the way from Boston so we had a replacement bus service to... Woburn I think? Here in the UK a replacement bus normally takes significantly longer than the train but we picked up the Amtrak about on time. Actually lucky we did, not being used to US trains we weren't familiar with the idea that only a couple of doors the length of the train were used for boarding at intermediate stops, so had we not had to navigate this when we boared, we'd probably have missed Portland (which happened to a fellow passenger in business class, as the train crew didn't make any announcements when we were arriving into stations. Also picked up some heavy rain when we hit Portland and rain was pouring in torrents through the vestibules adjoining cars. All that said it was pretty fun to take an Amtrak rather than fly in. Thanks for the inspiration 😁
I’ve taken this train many times. Main problem was I had to travel by subway or cab from Amtrak South Station to this station. Friday evenings were the most interesting time on the train because of Bostonians heading north for the weekend. I would also use the station to take the bus to Bangor.
North Station is noise, confusion and pigeons. I rode the commuter line from Boston to Woburn many times. Trains have always interested me so I really enjoyed your video. Thanks.
If you want more details, the problem with the inner Haverhill Line is that it's got a lot of grade crossings and closely spaced stations, and is single-tracked for a good portion of the route, so much faster sustained speeds can be reached on the Lowell Line even though it's less direct. Some proposals for improving Commuter Rail service to the outer Haverhill Line call for trains to use the WIldcat Branch, and run the inner Haverhill Line only as far as Reading (or use the line as far as Reading for an Orange Line extension, which was proposed in the 70s and is why some of the northern Orange Line has a third track to enable express service)
Yes I’m having a hard time sleeping but I like the channel. We took a train from Roanoke VA to Boston MA but the Downeaster was running using buses so we rented a car. Maine is where our family is from & we still go up from time to time. Trains are just plain fun! 🚂
Nice video. FYI, Pan Am Railways was a (poorly maintained) freight railway that has been bought by CSX, which has a much better reputation for maintenance. Pan Am used to be Guilford Transportation, which purchased the Pan Am logo, colors, etc., for use on its trains. My sense is that, until CSX invests in a re-paint, we're going to see Pan Am locomotives for some time to come. There's presently talk of extending the Downeaster all the way up to Bangor, Maine. If you're interested in staying abreast of this initiative, please consider joining the Maine Rail Group.
FYI The Cabbage car 90213 was used in the movie, Disaster on the Coastline. I also had the Franken Forty when we were going to our niece's wedding in Portland. We were lucky because the Dome car was on.
I have been on the Downeaster at least twice. Once in June 2010 and again in November 2013. I live close to Portland, and cross the bridge along route ME-207 when I go to and from work. It is somewhere between Portland and Old Orchard Beach.
I was hoping to go on the Downeaster a couple of weeks ago when I was in Boston. I was hoping to see how the trip looked with the autumn / fall leaves. Unfortunately I could not travel due to illness. I will certainly have to try again next time. I always enjoy seeing the place names in New England. Coming from the UK a lot of the place names are familiar but just look a little different. You just can not compare Boston in England to Boston in New England. I used to love Chicago but with my love of history Boston is now my favourite. I do like the food on Amtrak. I have used both the resturant and cafe cars. My only slight dissapointment was the lack of Coke rather than Pepsi but I see from recent videos this has changed (apart from the Downeaster it seems). I was quite dissapointed that I did not even get a lobster roll while I was in Boston. There is always next time I hope. Enjoying your videos. I would like to see what you would make of a trip on the Ghan, it is one trip on my bucket list.
It just so happens that my wife and I were on the Downeaster from Boston to Portland for our Niece"s wedding. It had the same cabbage car. On the minus side, we couldn't a taxi from north to south station on Sunday. So we wound up going to BackBay to get our train which was an Acela. It was so crowded with college students going back to college that we had to sit in the bistro car. On the plus side, our Downeaster had the dome car both ways! Next month, I'll be going to Poughkeepsie to do the Walkway over the Hudson and then go to Albany to ride along side of the Hudson to see the foliage. So I agree that trains are awsome! You're lucky to have a wife who also likes.trains. Mine tolorates them. Oh well!
Even though the Downeaster is separated from the rest of the Amtrak Network, the MBTA Orange Line connects Boston North Station to Back Bay, which is served by the Acela, Northeast Regional and Lake Shore Limited.
I'm going to be taking this train in the Summer of 2023 to attend a funeral in Bath, Maine ( 15 miles from Brunswick). I'm looking forward to the trip, but I wish it was under happier circumstances. From Greensboro, NC to Brunswick, ME on 3 trains, The Crescent to DC, Acela to Boston and Downeaster to Maine. I could fly, but that isn't nearly as much fun.
I took this train for the first time the July before last, July 2021. Was pleased with my journey to Portland Maine from Boston although I traveled regular class and I liked how you showed the information about the bidding program. I did get the idea from TH-cam but from a different TH-camr. I did notice that Boston north station seemed very dark inside even back then and I wish they had some bright murals or skylights, something . Maybe they should get some ideas from Brightline which is a train that travels from Miami, West Palm Fort Lauderdale in Florida that’s a relatively recent private train. Even though the station was dark there was a very nice volunteer that helped direct me to the right place.
This was the Great Dome Car that Amtrak ran during the fall foliage season. It was on the Downeaster. It ran from August 19th. until September 24, 2017. Monday thru Friday on trains 682, 683, 688, 689. Sat. 692, 693, 697. On Sun. 690, 691, 698, 699. A few weeks later, the Amtrak President, I forgot his name, took the car out of service. Many railfans, me included were glad that he left.
Not sure why this popped up on my TH-cam suggestions, I'm just seriously impressed that you pronounced "Haverhill" correctly. I figure you must be from the area, cause no one gets that one right
I found this video in my recommended section and I watched it because I will be in Portland, ME in mid April 2023 (sadly I will not be using the train but instead my new EV (NYC metro to Portland) which will need only one recharging stop, at a minimum, each way). It was nice to see where the station is as I had found it on Google Maps a few weeks earlier to check how far it was from the hotel I will be in. Keep up the good work. BTW: my bucket list is to ride every metro system in the U.S. and I only have Los Angeles, Miami and Cleveland left to do (for personal reasons I may never do Miami).
Seemed like a great day trip by train(pity about the return trip but as we both know it is all part of the rail experience). Business class sure looked more comfortable. I have added this train to my ever-growing train 'bucket list' (as well as the lobster roll - never tried one). I didn't know that it was separated from the rest of the Amtrak network. I wonder if they will ever join the 2 terminal stations in Boston? Anyway, thank you for sharing & take care. Trains are truly awesome (as is traveling business class).
If you eat the lobster roll, prepare to tap into your savings account. They’re pricy! But very good. Connecting the two terminals would involve digging a tunnel through Boston. While this would have great potential transforming the commuter rail into an S-Bahn style system, I don’t see much of a future in it, considering the challenges with moving the highway underground (the “Big Dig”). Most passengers transferring between Amtrak trains would take an Orange Line train from North station to Back Bay. I’m glad you enjoyed the video! I highly recommend the Downeaster, and New England in general. Some of the most beautiful towns in the United States.
Thom, this is another great video! I really enjoy your unique style of combining tech info, travel info, and humor. That makes your videos highly entertaining and watchable. Although I've logged tens of thousands of miles on Amtrak, I've never been on the Downeaster... now I will.
Loved this video! Coming from the UK next year and going to be taking the Downeaster to Portland from Boston and back again. Sad to hear others commenting the cabbages are being phased out! It looked really photogenic when you boarded at North Station.
Your discussion of "down" when referring to the otherwise "up" state of Maine, I'm reminded of when I used to play piano at the Christopher Ryder House on Cape Cod, where they have the same idea: When you're driving to the northernmost point of Cape Cod, you're said to be traveling "down Cape". Strange people in New England...
A history of the attempts to connect Boston South Station to North Station might be of interest here. N.B. for hockey fans, the Boston Bruins also play at the TD Garden.
Yeah I’m here because I really like trains. !! Also, when I’m in a new place I don’t really like to rent a car and figure out new stressful highways or toll roads. Also rental cars are really expensive or even not available and I also like traveling in a more sustainable way. . So nice to relax on a train and read or whatever or conversation with my travel buddy.
@@Thom-TRA October 5th we’ll board the Cardinal in Ashland, KY and ride in a roomette to NYC. After two nights there we’ll board the Vermonter, in Business Class, and ride to the end of the line in St Albans City, Vermont. Two days and three nights in St Albans, hopefully seeing colorful fall foliage , and then back to NYC on the Vermonter, another two nights in NYC, and the Cardinal back to Ashland. No airplanes on this trip! First time on both the Cardinal and Vermonter, first time in Vermont, first time for my wife in NYC. We’ll have two opportunities for fall color: New River Gorge in West Virginia and Vermont.
Hi Thom. Welcome back! Thank you for the trip report. I've added it to my bucket list. It looks like an interesting route through lovely countryside/ocean views! The business class seat looked really comfortable and at a bargain price. I've had lobster but never a lobster roll! Take care of yourself 🙂
Glad to be back! This train certainly deserves a bucket list spot. I like it especially because it’s perfect for day trips: “frequent” and short. Lobster rolls are tasty, just be prepared to take out a mortgage, they’ll cost you an arm and a leg. You take care too now!
Well done, and thank you so much for an excellent video ! The Downeaster is one of my favourite Amtrak trains, and there is always a good vibe from your fellow passengers. It was unfortunate that the cafe -car was closed on your return to. Alston, and that has never happened to me ! Perhaps you could try it again, and go on to Brunswick ?
I’d love to take it to Brunswick! Yeah, the cafe would have been nice if it was open. Thankfully our amazing host family had a delicious meal prepared that we didn’t even know about! I can see why you like the Downeaster! It had always made me curious, and it wasn’t hard to convince Lindsey to go on a day trip when we were in Boston anyways! The trip did not disappoint!
Nice video. You got some really well composed shots of train movement along with the review of the train itself. I’ve only taken the Downeaster from Exeter to Boston and back, so I enjoyed seeing this content. I would suggest that you include info about timeliness. I think delays around Boston are common due to regular problems with the MBTA trains. Since the Downeaster has either an engine or control car on each end, I suppose they don’t need to reverse the train at either end, but that would be interesting to know, too. Thanks. PS, I’ve subscribed to your channel and will be looking at your content; it looks like you have a lot in good stuff.
They don’t reverse the train at each end, nor at Portland, that is why the trains always have a cab car or a locomotive on either end. Thanks for the subscription!
The blue water in the toilet is the color of the toilet chemical they used. I believe it’s the same kind that you can find in the RV section at Walmart. They put a minimum amount of water in the toilet, then a chemical pack is dropped in. Too much chemical really burns your sinuses.
I discovered your channel today. Informative and entertaining. You and your wife make a great team! (A note about Pan Am Railways, Inc) - (PAR) is a subsidiary of CSX Corporation that operates Class II regional railroads covering northern New England from Mattawamkeag, Maine, to Rotterdam Junction, New York.[1] Pan Am Railways is primarily made up of former Class II regional railroads such as Boston and Maine Corporation, Maine Central Railroad Company, Portland Terminal Company, and Springfield Terminal Railway Company. It was formerly known as Guilford Transportation Industries and was also known as Guilford Rail System. Guilford bought the name, colors, and logo of Pan American World Airways in 1998. The company is a subsidiary of CSX Corporation under rail subsidiary CSX Transportation since June 1, 2022. Pan Am Railways former parent company was Portsmouth, New Hampshire-based Pan Am Systems. It was headquartered in Iron Horse Park in North Billerica, Massachusetts.
Thanks! We shot this before Pan Am was taken over by CSX earlier this year. I am planning on doing a separate video about the railroad later this month. I will probably use a lot of the valuable information you provided, it’s super helpful! Glad you enjoyed the video! Stick around if you want :)
Looks an amazing trip with the huge luggage carriage and huge carriages must make rail travel a pleasure compared to the awful rail service here in the UK recently travelled on a journey from Cardiff to Portsmouth 2 carriage train toilet out of use and many people standing and cost over £100 for the 4 hour journey
Thom, with 2 stations, people from Maine have to traverse Boston to connect to other Amtrak routes? Its bad enough in Chicago where they also use two. Whats the comparative distance? Is there a shuttle connection maybe?
Nice. I need to start checking out the Eastern Routes after being one many of the Western ones. Do you think they will ever bring traditional dining back in the East?
And if someone is not picking you up at Portland , Maine Station, since the station is not in downtown Portland you have to walk a few minutes to where the bus stop is to get to the city of Portland and at least when I was there it didn’t exactly coordinate with the bus schedule but I didn’t wait extremely long it’s just good that the weather wasn’t bad.
This has been changed. The Metro bus system reorganized some their lines recently. There is now a bus stop right outside the Portland Transportation Center (PTC) building where Amtrak comes into. The Route #1 (Congress Street) bus which stops there will take you straight into downtown. You no longer need to walk.
Thank you for this video. I will be taking this train later this year. But thanks for the warning about them only having pepsi. I will intentionally wear my Coca-Cola shirt. LOL I kind of like the way the lady said it though "We have Pepsi products though" and the tone she said it in, I'm thinking she prefers Coca-Cola.
I did something just as evil about 5 years ago lol. Have you heard of the Ford trimotor airplane? It's the world's first mass produced all metal aircraft that was built in the late 1920s. The EAA (experimental aircraft association) has two of these planes and they fly around the country giving rides to passengers. They are exhibition rides and it's only about a 20 minute flight or so just to experience that old of an aircraft. They were in my town in early 2019 and I went out there to fly on it. But me being evil and funny, I wore my Chevrolet racing shirt and yes a few people noticed. The guy doing the safety briefing called it out. "And to all the Chevy fans out there, we apologize, your flight doesn't depart until Monday."
I found it in a thrift store in Portland 40 years ago when I lived there. I'm 72 years old now, but I remember going from Boston to Portland with my mother in the '50s. The train station in Portland was torn down in the '70s. That mistake was the impetus of Portland enacting strict rules to preserve historical buildings. There is a famous photo of the wrecking ball smashing the tower of the train station. The strip mall built where the station was, is sort of cursed. None of the stores there have ever been successful. Portland is the most beautiful city.
Yeah Pam rail have it own Pam rail y yard that downeter ttrain use to go to Boston Massachusetts I have see downester locust mullive sometimes here in Portland Maine going to Brunswick Maine
Looks like it was last Spring when you went on this trip. Thats probably a good time to go because the trees are still leafless which makes the views a lot better. I went back and forth from Brunswick in July and so the views were pretty much covered up. It was a great trip though. Do you guys take advantage of Amtraks rewards program? I would love to see a segment on this, if you do. Thanks for the great video! Scott.
Yes, this was early May 2022. Very cold out still, kind of surprising. What is Brunswick like? Worth the trip? We do always collect Amtrak rewards, but since we tend to take the cheapest option, our rewards never really collect that fast. After 2 years of collecting I could finally book 2 one-way tickets on the Carl Sandburg from Quincy IL to Chicago.
@@Thom-TRA I would definitely suggest a trip in the fall. Peak colors are last week of Sept to end of first week Oct, so the ride to Brunswick would be nice then. And Brunswick is a nice town where the train station is. I'm all the way up in Lubec, Maine. The furthest east you can go in the country. Very beautiful up here. I wish the train came up here or at least to Bangor. Maybe in the future. I'm planning a trip from here to Alpine, Texas. All by Amtrak. Alpine is in far west Texas. Again, just a really small ranching town, but it has a cool little Amtrak station there and the views for most of West Texas are really good.
@@spacedust6491 that’s cool you get to see the sun rise before the rest of us over there. I’ve heard wonderful things about New England in the fall. Can’t wait to see it for myself someday.
While you are correct that The Downeaster is an "orphan" Amtrak train, it isn't the only one. Don't forget about The Autotrain. It too is orphaned from the rest of Amtrak's system.
Yes, I guess from a station perspective you are correct, though the Auto Train does share tracks with the Silver Services for the majority of its trip, and isn’t ever used to transfer to another Amtrak train.
Did you ever get to Brunswick with the downeaster? And if so did the train go directly to Brunswick or would you have to take a bus to get into the main city of Brunswick? I’m planning next spring to take downeaster again.
I do really wish international trains between Canada and the US didn’t have to face like every hurdle imaginable. It’s embarrassing honestly. I think if there’s one train with potential to extend to Montreal, it would probably be the Vermonter.
@@Thom-TRA There is a proposal from Canada to reinvent the Grand Trunk from Montreal to Boston via Portland. Also there are plans in the making to extend passenger service from Brunswick up to Rockland and possibly up to Ellsworth (Acadia National Park)
@@Thom-TRA The Montrealer was originally an overnight Washington DC to Montreal train that ran for the most part on the route of today's Vermonter. There has been some rerouting in Western Massachusetts which occurred in late 2014. Of course the Vermonter terminates in St. Albans, VT, but used to love taking the Montrealer all the way into Canada!
0:31 why do you Say the Celtics only when you come to do the garden have you ever heard of the sport hockey? Have you ever heard of a bear? Have you ever heard of the sports team the Boston Bruins why do you always forget that the Boston Bruins also play at TD Garden
I’m just going by what I read and heard from people while I was there. Also, you can’t really say “you’re wrong, but I’m not going to go into it.” That’s not how correcting someone works.
@@Thom-TRA You're correct. Downeast was not originally a place, it's a direction for maritimers based on prevailing winds.. People have come to refer to Maine as Downeast in the meantime.
I love the Downeaster and I'm glad you did too! Portland is such an awesome city. One interesting quirk: the Downeaster isn't actually the only Amtrak service in New Hampshire! The Vermonter has a brief bit where it crosses the Connecticut River and stops in Claremont, NH. Perhaps unsurprisingly, that's the least used Amtrak station in NH!
Thanks for the comment! To be fair, I looked at the map and totally didn’t realize that Claremont was in NH. My bad, should have double checked it. Glad my enthusiasm for this train came across and you enjoyed the video! I was generally very happy with the public transit in Boston too, but this is an opinion many people on TH-cam wouldn’t allow me to have…
Oh for sure, I had no idea Claremont was a station that existed until I started looking up the least used station in each state! As for transit in Boston, I think the MBTA has the best website, branding, and overall communication of maybe any transit agency in the country, but the actual operations of the network leave a lot to be desired. I'm glad you enjoyed it though - in particular, I'm glad you got to ride the absolute gem that is the Mattapan Line! (I take it for granted, but Boston is definitely one of the US's most quirky transit cities, with pretty much every line offering some really cool stuff)
@@MilesinTransit I think it’s the quirks that made me enjoy it so much. Like, I was there on vacation rather than as a commuter, so instead of being annoyed that the Green Line runs at 7 miles per hour, I could marvel at all the weird station designs and such.
It’s like Chicago for me. Others might be like “whoah that’s a long platform!” or something and I’ll be there like “ugh the train didn’t show up again.”
Can you two do a collaboration video I would love to see that
I would also love to see that
The term "Down East" comes from the days of sailing ships. Sailing from Boston to Maine, a ship traveled downwind (at least when the prevailing wind was blowing).
I enjoyed the fact that “the ladies talking about infidelity fell asleep” was included in the segment labeled Toilet Review lol
The conversation was that dirty I guess
I recently rode Amtrak business class for the first time from St. Louis to Chicago. Got a good deal and enjoyed the experience.
I did a search for 'business class Downeaster' and got this video, thanks!! I went to Boston from Portland on the Amtrak Downeaster St Patrick's Day, 2024. I traveled coach going with a group. The train was packed, every seat taken by people wanting to see the parade and other St Patrick's Day festivities in Boston. There was a long line of students getting on the train in Durham/UNH.
Now I know what business class is like, I'll try it when I go down on my own. Coach was fine too, but it can be nice to have a single seat with the one by two configuration.
The train was great, friendly service, comfortable, clean and on time. Boston is so hard to drive and park in, it's great to get on the train and just be there.
North Station has calmed down since you shot this. It does look like a warehouse inside but the construction and noise was apparently done. On the way home, we had a nice breakfast in the station at the Hub, which has lots of good food choices in addition to the Dunkin. Mike's Pastry was very popular and there was good pizza, Indian, Soul Food, Japanese and a bar. Near the entrance to North Station is a good convenience store.
Thanks!!
I love hearing how people find my videos!
The Vermonter also has a station in New Hampshire at Claremont
Oh shoot, you’re right. That’s so close to the border with Vermont I missed it!
@@Thom-TRA And a close-but-no-cigar is Bellows Falls, Vermont, where the platform ends mere feet from the NH border (before the the tracks cross into New Hampshire and on to Claremont). Also White River Junction is within a few hundred feet of the NH line (and that could probably be marketed as WRJ, VT/Lebanon NH).
if the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority actually brings back the Brunswick-Rockland route, it will be well worth another trip to Maine. They stopped running that line in 2015, but it is one of the most beautiful lines I have ever been on and there are talks to have a twice daily for summer 2023. It runs along the coast and actually goes downeast lol. Definitely something to keep an eye on
I've ridden on the Downeaster a couple times to Freeport from Dover and I've frequently watched these trains race through Rockingham Junction at incredible speeds!
This video inspired us to take the train from Boston when visiting a friend in Portland earlier this year. It was pretty fascinating as our first US train trip outside of local city metro/subways. First off, the train wasn't running all the way from Boston so we had a replacement bus service to... Woburn I think? Here in the UK a replacement bus normally takes significantly longer than the train but we picked up the Amtrak about on time. Actually lucky we did, not being used to US trains we weren't familiar with the idea that only a couple of doors the length of the train were used for boarding at intermediate stops, so had we not had to navigate this when we boared, we'd probably have missed Portland (which happened to a fellow passenger in business class, as the train crew didn't make any announcements when we were arriving into stations. Also picked up some heavy rain when we hit Portland and rain was pouring in torrents through the vestibules adjoining cars. All that said it was pretty fun to take an Amtrak rather than fly in. Thanks for the inspiration 😁
I’m glad you were able to see the bright side even with some of the setbacks!
I’ve taken this train many times. Main problem was I had to travel by subway or cab from Amtrak South Station to this station. Friday evenings were the most interesting time on the train because of Bostonians heading north for the weekend. I would also use the station to take the bus to Bangor.
North Station is noise, confusion and pigeons. I rode the commuter line from Boston to Woburn many times. Trains have always interested me so I really enjoyed your video. Thanks.
If you want more details, the problem with the inner Haverhill Line is that it's got a lot of grade crossings and closely spaced stations, and is single-tracked for a good portion of the route, so much faster sustained speeds can be reached on the Lowell Line even though it's less direct. Some proposals for improving Commuter Rail service to the outer Haverhill Line call for trains to use the WIldcat Branch, and run the inner Haverhill Line only as far as Reading (or use the line as far as Reading for an Orange Line extension, which was proposed in the 70s and is why some of the northern Orange Line has a third track to enable express service)
Nice vid! If not mentioned before, the Vermonter stops at Claremont Jct. NH on the Connecticut River in both directions. 😊
In the UK, those non-powered locomotives are what we call ‘DVTs’ which stands for ‘Driver Van Trailer’
Yes I’m having a hard time sleeping but I like the channel. We took a train from Roanoke VA to Boston MA but the Downeaster was running using buses so we rented a car. Maine is where our family is from & we still go up from time to time. Trains are just plain fun! 🚂
Trains are definitely fun!
Nice video. FYI, Pan Am Railways was a (poorly maintained) freight railway that has been bought by CSX, which has a much better reputation for maintenance. Pan Am used to be Guilford Transportation, which purchased the Pan Am logo, colors, etc., for use on its trains. My sense is that, until CSX invests in a re-paint, we're going to see Pan Am locomotives for some time to come. There's presently talk of extending the Downeaster all the way up to Bangor, Maine. If you're interested in staying abreast of this initiative, please consider joining the Maine Rail Group.
So I guess when it's filled with luggage, the control unit becomes a stuffed cabbage?
That’s a good one!
FYI The Cabbage car 90213 was used in the movie, Disaster on the Coastline. I also had the Franken Forty when we were going to our niece's wedding in Portland. We were lucky because the Dome car was on.
I’m a huge railfan been loving trains since I was 1 years old I’m 39 now also I used to work for a railroad Njt
I took the Downeaster from Boston North Station to Portland in July. Fun trip!
I have been on the Downeaster at least twice. Once in June 2010 and again in November 2013.
I live close to Portland, and cross the bridge along route ME-207 when I go to and from work. It is somewhere between Portland and Old Orchard Beach.
I was hoping to go on the Downeaster a couple of weeks ago when I was in Boston. I was hoping to see how the trip looked with the autumn / fall leaves. Unfortunately I could not travel due to illness. I will certainly have to try again next time.
I always enjoy seeing the place names in New England. Coming from the UK a lot of the place names are familiar but just look a little different. You just can not compare Boston in England to Boston in New England. I used to love Chicago but with my love of history Boston is now my favourite.
I do like the food on Amtrak. I have used both the resturant and cafe cars. My only slight dissapointment was the lack of Coke rather than Pepsi but I see from recent videos this has changed (apart from the Downeaster it seems).
I was quite dissapointed that I did not even get a lobster roll while I was in Boston. There is always next time I hope.
Enjoying your videos. I would like to see what you would make of a trip on the Ghan, it is one trip on my bucket list.
I’d love to go back to Australia someday and ride some of the long distance trains. I bet it’s a surreal experience.
Stumbled upon this channel a few days ago and found so many interesting videos, keep up the good work and hope to see you cover more regional trains!!
Thank you! I have the Carl Sandburg from Quincy IL to Chicago scheduled to upload for next month!
It just so happens that my wife and I were on the Downeaster from Boston to Portland for our Niece"s wedding. It had the same cabbage car. On the minus side, we couldn't a taxi from north to south station on Sunday. So we wound up going to BackBay to get our train which was an Acela. It was so crowded with college students going back to college that we had to sit in the bistro car. On the plus side, our Downeaster had the dome car both ways! Next month, I'll be going to Poughkeepsie to do the Walkway over the Hudson and then go to Albany to ride along side of the Hudson to see the foliage. So I agree that trains are awsome! You're lucky to have a wife who also likes.trains. Mine tolorates them. Oh well!
Hey, tolerates is good enough haha.
What dome car are you referring to? I’d love to know more!
Even though the Downeaster is separated from the rest of the Amtrak Network, the MBTA Orange Line connects Boston North Station to Back Bay, which is served by the Acela, Northeast Regional and Lake Shore Limited.
I'm going to be taking this train in the Summer of 2023 to attend a funeral in Bath, Maine ( 15 miles from Brunswick). I'm looking forward to the trip, but I wish it was under happier circumstances. From Greensboro, NC to Brunswick, ME on 3 trains, The Crescent to DC, Acela to Boston and Downeaster to Maine. I could fly, but that isn't nearly as much fun.
Glad you can make the best out of a sad situation
I took this train for the first time the July before last, July 2021. Was pleased with my journey to Portland Maine from Boston although I traveled regular class and I liked how you showed the information about the bidding program. I did get the idea from TH-cam but from a different TH-camr.
I did notice that Boston north station seemed very dark inside even back then and I wish they had some bright murals or skylights, something . Maybe they should get some ideas from Brightline which is a train that travels from Miami, West Palm Fort Lauderdale in Florida that’s a relatively recent private train.
Even though the station was dark there was a very nice volunteer that helped direct me to the right place.
This was the Great Dome Car that Amtrak ran during the fall foliage season. It was on the Downeaster. It ran from August 19th. until September 24, 2017. Monday thru Friday on trains 682, 683, 688, 689. Sat. 692, 693, 697. On Sun. 690, 691, 698, 699. A few weeks later, the Amtrak President, I forgot his name, took the car out of service. Many railfans, me included were glad that he left.
I just googled it. Wow! What a cool car. A shame it’s not running anymore.
Not sure why this popped up on my TH-cam suggestions, I'm just seriously impressed that you pronounced "Haverhill" correctly. I figure you must be from the area, cause no one gets that one right
I asked a local! When it comes to Massachusetts place names, I just figure it’s not pronounced the way you think it would be hahaha
I found this video in my recommended section and I watched it because I will be in Portland, ME in mid April 2023 (sadly I will not be using the train but instead my new EV (NYC metro to Portland) which will need only one recharging stop, at a minimum, each way). It was nice to see where the station is as I had found it on Google Maps a few weeks earlier to check how far it was from the hotel I will be in. Keep up the good work.
BTW: my bucket list is to ride every metro system in the U.S. and I only have Los Angeles, Miami and Cleveland left to do (for personal reasons I may never do Miami).
Seemed like a great day trip by train(pity about the return trip but as we both know it is all part of the rail experience). Business class sure looked more comfortable. I have added this train to my ever-growing train 'bucket list' (as well as the lobster roll - never tried one). I didn't know that it was separated from the rest of the Amtrak network. I wonder if they will ever join the 2 terminal stations in Boston? Anyway, thank you for sharing & take care. Trains are truly awesome (as is traveling business class).
If you eat the lobster roll, prepare to tap into your savings account. They’re pricy! But very good.
Connecting the two terminals would involve digging a tunnel through Boston. While this would have great potential transforming the commuter rail into an S-Bahn style system, I don’t see much of a future in it, considering the challenges with moving the highway underground (the “Big Dig”). Most passengers transferring between Amtrak trains would take an Orange Line train from North station to Back Bay.
I’m glad you enjoyed the video! I highly recommend the Downeaster, and New England in general. Some of the most beautiful towns in the United States.
Thom, this is another great video! I really enjoy your unique style of combining tech info, travel info, and humor. That makes your videos highly entertaining and watchable. Although I've logged tens of thousands of miles on Amtrak, I've never been on the Downeaster... now I will.
I try my best to make enjoyable videos, so compliments like these mean a lot to me. Thank you!!
Loved this video! Coming from the UK next year and going to be taking the Downeaster to Portland from Boston and back again. Sad to hear others commenting the cabbages are being phased out! It looked really photogenic when you boarded at North Station.
I know, I will miss the cabbages as well! Hope they hold on until the Airos come.
Amazing video! I'm planning to take this exact trip. This video was really detailed and I'm impressed by how much research you must put into this!
Thank you!
Your discussion of "down" when referring to the otherwise "up" state of Maine, I'm reminded of when I used to play piano at the Christopher Ryder House on Cape Cod, where they have the same idea: When you're driving to the northernmost point of Cape Cod, you're said to be traveling "down Cape". Strange people in New England...
A history of the attempts to connect Boston South Station to North Station might be of interest here.
N.B. for hockey fans, the Boston Bruins also play at the TD Garden.
Yeah I’m here because I really like trains. !! Also, when I’m in a new place I don’t really like to rent a car and figure out new stressful highways or toll roads. Also rental cars are really expensive or even not available and I also like traveling in a more sustainable way. . So nice to relax on a train and read or whatever or conversation with my travel buddy.
I’m the same way too! I love figuring out a place by using the public transit. I’m also too young to rent a car without paying a huge fee lol.
Great job by both of you, enjoyable and informative. We’ll keep the Downeaster route in our trip planning.
I highly recommend it! Do you have any fun travel plans coming up or are you enjoying some time at home after your adventure this summer?
@@Thom-TRA October 5th we’ll board the Cardinal in Ashland, KY and ride in a roomette to NYC. After two nights there we’ll board the Vermonter, in Business Class, and ride to the end of the line in St Albans City, Vermont. Two days and three nights in St Albans, hopefully seeing colorful fall foliage , and then back to NYC on the Vermonter, another two nights in NYC, and the Cardinal back to Ashland. No airplanes on this trip! First time on both the Cardinal and Vermonter, first time in Vermont, first time for my wife in NYC. We’ll have two opportunities for fall color: New River Gorge in West Virginia and Vermont.
Hi Thom. Welcome back! Thank you for the trip report. I've added it to my bucket list. It looks like an interesting route through lovely countryside/ocean views! The business class seat looked really comfortable and at a bargain price. I've had lobster but never a lobster roll! Take care of yourself 🙂
Glad to be back! This train certainly deserves a bucket list spot. I like it especially because it’s perfect for day trips: “frequent” and short. Lobster rolls are tasty, just be prepared to take out a mortgage, they’ll cost you an arm and a leg. You take care too now!
Well done, and thank you so much for an excellent video ! The Downeaster is one of my favourite Amtrak trains, and there is always a good vibe from your fellow passengers. It was unfortunate that the cafe -car was closed on your return to. Alston, and that has never happened to me ! Perhaps you could try it again, and go on to Brunswick ?
I’d love to take it to Brunswick! Yeah, the cafe would have been nice if it was open. Thankfully our amazing host family had a delicious meal prepared that we didn’t even know about!
I can see why you like the Downeaster! It had always made me curious, and it wasn’t hard to convince Lindsey to go on a day trip when we were in Boston anyways! The trip did not disappoint!
Wonderful, informative video!!! Thank you so much!!! I’d love to take this train!!!
Enjoyed the video, especially the information you gave.
“Down East” is an old sailer term when the ships would sail down-wind out of Portland, east towards Maritime Canada.
Nice video. You got some really well composed shots of train movement along with the review of the train itself. I’ve only taken the Downeaster from Exeter to Boston and back, so I enjoyed seeing this content. I would suggest that you include info about timeliness. I think delays around Boston are common due to regular problems with the MBTA trains. Since the Downeaster has either an engine or control car on each end, I suppose they don’t need to reverse the train at either end, but that would be interesting to know, too. Thanks. PS, I’ve subscribed to your channel and will be looking at your content; it looks like you have a lot in good stuff.
They don’t reverse the train at each end, nor at Portland, that is why the trains always have a cab car or a locomotive on either end. Thanks for the subscription!
The blue water in the toilet is the color of the toilet chemical they used. I believe it’s the same kind that you can find in the RV section at Walmart. They put a minimum amount of water in the toilet, then a chemical pack is dropped in. Too much chemical really burns your sinuses.
I discovered your channel today. Informative and entertaining. You and your wife make a great team! (A note about Pan Am Railways, Inc) - (PAR) is a subsidiary of CSX Corporation that operates Class II regional railroads covering northern New England from Mattawamkeag, Maine, to Rotterdam Junction, New York.[1] Pan Am Railways is primarily made up of former Class II regional railroads such as Boston and Maine Corporation, Maine Central Railroad Company, Portland Terminal Company, and Springfield Terminal Railway Company. It was formerly known as Guilford Transportation Industries and was also known as Guilford Rail System. Guilford bought the name, colors, and logo of Pan American World Airways in 1998.
The company is a subsidiary of CSX Corporation under rail subsidiary CSX Transportation since June 1, 2022. Pan Am Railways former parent company was Portsmouth, New Hampshire-based Pan Am Systems. It was headquartered in Iron Horse Park in North Billerica, Massachusetts.
Thanks! We shot this before Pan Am was taken over by CSX earlier this year. I am planning on doing a separate video about the railroad later this month. I will probably use a lot of the valuable information you provided, it’s super helpful!
Glad you enjoyed the video! Stick around if you want :)
Looks an amazing trip with the huge luggage carriage and huge carriages must make rail travel a pleasure compared to the awful rail service here in the UK recently travelled on a journey from Cardiff to Portsmouth 2 carriage train toilet out of use and many people standing and cost over £100 for the 4 hour journey
That price is ludicrous!
There’s 1 stop in New Hampshire on the Vermonter called Claremont
Yeah I forgot about that while I was editing
Cool Pam Am Railroad Yard & locomotive 501.
Never knew of the “Downeaster”. Thx for sharing.
Yeah it’s a great train, one of my favorites!
@@Thom-TRA I’m going to have to try it ☺️ Thx!
Thom, with 2 stations, people from Maine have to traverse Boston to connect to other Amtrak routes? Its bad enough in Chicago where they also use two. Whats the comparative distance? Is there a shuttle connection maybe?
Thom and Lindsey I live in Portland, you were at Becky's Diner a nice place. Wonderful video next time bring the Bear.
We loved Becky’s Diner! Next time, we’ll ask you for recommendations. You live in a lovely place.
The blue in the toilet water is a disinfectant. Same as you would find in those construction-site portable toilets.
Ah, thanks for the explanation!
Nice. I need to start checking out the Eastern Routes after being one many of the Western ones. Do you think they will ever bring traditional dining back in the East?
1:28 well actually the Vermonter goes into New Hampshire briefly
True, I forgot about that. Others have pointed it out.
Having a P42 on both ends has gotten more and more common :( its sad to see the F40PH cabbages slowly going
That’s very sad indeed
And if someone is not picking you up at Portland , Maine Station, since the station is not in downtown Portland you have to walk a few minutes to where the bus stop is to get to the city of Portland and at least when I was there it didn’t exactly coordinate with the bus schedule but I didn’t wait extremely long it’s just good that the weather wasn’t bad.
We just walked to downtown! Was a long walk but it was a nice day for it. Definitely would be nice if the station was closer.
This has been changed. The Metro bus system reorganized some their lines recently. There is now a bus stop right outside the Portland Transportation Center (PTC) building where Amtrak comes into. The Route #1 (Congress Street) bus which stops there will take you straight into downtown. You no longer need to walk.
@@gabytheonedd2695 yep, we took this bus on the way back!
Thank you for this video. I will be taking this train later this year. But thanks for the warning about them only having pepsi. I will intentionally wear my Coca-Cola shirt.
LOL I kind of like the way the lady said it though
"We have Pepsi products though" and the tone she said it in, I'm thinking she prefers Coca-Cola.
Haha that’s a level of petty I can appreciate
I did something just as evil about 5 years ago lol.
Have you heard of the Ford trimotor airplane? It's the world's first mass produced all metal aircraft that was built in the late 1920s. The EAA (experimental aircraft association) has two of these planes and they fly around the country giving rides to passengers. They are exhibition rides and it's only about a 20 minute flight or so just to experience that old of an aircraft. They were in my town in early 2019 and I went out there to fly on it. But me being evil and funny, I wore my Chevrolet racing shirt and yes a few people noticed. The guy doing the safety briefing called it out. "And to all the Chevy fans out there, we apologize, your flight doesn't depart until Monday."
I've got a vintage Boston Maine Trainsman hat in perfect condition.
Cool! Did you find it at a store or was it a pass-me-down?
I found it in a thrift store in Portland 40 years ago when I lived there. I'm 72 years old now, but I remember going from Boston to Portland with my mother in the '50s. The train station in Portland was torn down in the '70s. That mistake was the impetus of Portland enacting strict rules to preserve historical buildings. There is a famous photo of the wrecking ball smashing the tower of the train station. The strip mall built where the station was, is sort of cursed. None of the stores there have ever been successful. Portland is the most beautiful city.
Yeah Pam rail have it own Pam rail y yard that downeter ttrain use to go to Boston Massachusetts I have see downester locust mullive sometimes here in Portland Maine going to Brunswick Maine
looked like a fun trip!
Welcome back!!! 😊
Thank you! I missed it :)
Looks like it was last Spring when you went on this trip. Thats probably a good time to go because the trees are still leafless which makes the views a lot
better. I went back and forth from Brunswick in July and so the views were pretty much covered up. It was a great trip though.
Do you guys take advantage of Amtraks rewards program? I would love to see a segment on this, if you do.
Thanks for the great video!
Scott.
Yes, this was early May 2022. Very cold out still, kind of surprising.
What is Brunswick like? Worth the trip?
We do always collect Amtrak rewards, but since we tend to take the cheapest option, our rewards never really collect that fast. After 2 years of collecting I could finally book 2 one-way tickets on the Carl Sandburg from Quincy IL to Chicago.
@@Thom-TRA I would definitely suggest a trip in the fall. Peak colors are last week of Sept to end of first week Oct, so the ride to Brunswick would be nice then. And Brunswick is a nice town where the train station is. I'm all the way up in Lubec, Maine. The furthest east you can go in the country. Very beautiful up here. I wish the train came up here or at least to Bangor. Maybe in the future. I'm planning a trip from here to Alpine, Texas. All by Amtrak. Alpine is in far west Texas. Again, just a really small ranching town, but it has a cool little Amtrak station there and the views for most of West Texas are really good.
@@spacedust6491 that’s cool you get to see the sun rise before the rest of us over there. I’ve heard wonderful things about New England in the fall. Can’t wait to see it for myself someday.
6:18 Amtrak used to have Pepsi products in all their cafes
While you are correct that The Downeaster is an "orphan" Amtrak train, it isn't the only one. Don't forget about The Autotrain. It too is orphaned from the rest of Amtrak's system.
Yes, I guess from a station perspective you are correct, though the Auto Train does share tracks with the Silver Services for the majority of its trip, and isn’t ever used to transfer to another Amtrak train.
Did you ever get to Brunswick with the downeaster? And if so did the train go directly to Brunswick or would you have to take a bus to get into the main city of Brunswick? I’m planning next spring to take downeaster again.
I haven’t been to Brunswick, this was my first time on the train.
I took the Downeaster to Brunswick in July. The station is at the south edge of downtown, right next to Bowdoin College.
This was supposed to be extension
For nec
Thanks!
Thank you for the gift! I appreciate your generosity!
Great site. Love the different train options.
Did you and Lindsey get married on a train?
No we didn’t lol
It’s cheaper to drive to Boston from Portland than it is to take the train.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
what month did u go?
Amtrak needs to restart the Montrealer. I want to take a train from Boston to Montreal.
I do really wish international trains between Canada and the US didn’t have to face like every hurdle imaginable. It’s embarrassing honestly.
I think if there’s one train with potential to extend to Montreal, it would probably be the Vermonter.
@@Thom-TRA There is a proposal from Canada to reinvent the Grand Trunk from Montreal to Boston via Portland. Also there are plans in the making to extend passenger service from Brunswick up to Rockland and possibly up to Ellsworth (Acadia National Park)
@@Thom-TRA The Montrealer was originally an overnight Washington DC to Montreal train that ran for the most part on the route of today's Vermonter. There has been some rerouting in Western Massachusetts which occurred in late 2014. Of course the Vermonter terminates in St. Albans, VT, but used to love taking the Montrealer all the way into Canada!
Nice video 📹
Thanks!
0:31 why do you Say the Celtics only when you come to do the garden have you ever heard of the sport hockey? Have you ever heard of a bear? Have you ever heard of the sports team the Boston Bruins why do you always forget that the Boston Bruins also play at TD Garden
Because hockey is the dumbest sport ever
@@Thom-TRA wdym
e e e ee eeeee e eee ee eeee eeeeeeeeeee eeeeeee
Wrong about 'downeast ' I'm from Augusta, downeast is the north east area that juts out into the Atlantic ,I won't get into the story
I’m just going by what I read and heard from people while I was there. Also, you can’t really say “you’re wrong, but I’m not going to go into it.” That’s not how correcting someone works.
@@Thom-TRA You're correct. Downeast was not originally a place, it's a direction for maritimers based on prevailing winds.. People have come to refer to Maine as Downeast in the meantime.