Mass Coastal’s ‘Energy Train’ at Buzzards Bay
Photo by Everett Reynolds

The Day Cape Codder II

We arrived at Canal Junction on time, but the Army Corps of Engineers (which operates the Cape Cod Canal lift bridge) held us for marine traffic. At 9 AM, our special finally crossed the 544-foot-long bridge. We then had to run directly to Buttermilk Siding to meet MC’s eastbound “Energy Train.” Passengers waiting at Buzzards Bay had an unexpected photo opportunity as the “Energy Train” passed them with LTEX [McDonald, OH locomotive rebuilder/dealer Larry’s Truck & Electric – Ed.] ex-Norfolk Southern/Conrail GP15-1 1453 leading.

On the way to Middleboro, our train stopped at the Covanta SEMASS waste-to-energy plant to swap engines. After this, the train continued west to Middleboro to pick up the bulk of passengers, many of whom arrived by bus. (MBTA commuter trains were not running because of tie replacement work.)