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Mass Bay RRE and the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum Present
‘Berkshire County Rambler ’
A Day on the Berkshire Scenic Railroad
Special Train from Lenox to Pittsfield & Great Barrington, MA & Return
Saturday, June 18, 2011 ONLY!!

Massachusetts Bay Railroad Enthusiasts and the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum are pleased to offer a special train excursion over the Housatonic Railroad’s tracks between Pittsfield and Great Barrington, MA. This trip is a unique opportunity to ride over portions of the ex-New Haven Railroad "Berkshire Line" that do not see regular passenger service. (Right: photo of BSRM train at Stockbridge Station by Katie Delasco.)

Our day starts off with a brief tour of the BRSM’s headquarters, the restored Lenox Station that was built in 1903 and donated to the Museum in 1986. Museum volunteers will discuss the history of the station and show plans for the Museum’s plans to expand and restore the station grounds.

At 10:30 AM the ‘Berkshire County Rambler’ will depart from Lenox Station, first heading north toward Pittsfield. After reversing direction at the CSX yard limit at CP150, we’ll head back to Lenox, making a photo stop along the way. After a brief stopover at Lenox we’ll go on to Lee, where we’ll pause to photograph the BSRM’s regularly-scheduled train as it leaves town. Our special will then head south, following the banks of the Housatonic River through the towns of Stockbridge (the terminus for BSRM's regular trains) and Housatonic before reversing direction at Great Barrington for the trip back to Lenox. Passengers may make an extended stay for lunch or sightseeing in Stockbridge instead of continuing on the train to Great Barrington, with a choice of return trains at 3:25 PM or 4:05 PM. Our special train will return to Lenox at 4:45 PM.

After our trip, BSRM volunteers will display and explain their work on former Maine Central Alco S1 954. This classic locomotive is currently undergoing a multi-year restoration and rebuilding of the body, trucks, and paint. The project is funded in part by the 2011 H. Albert Webb Memorial Railroad Preservation Award, which is administered by Mass Bay RRE.

Our train will consist of four vintage coaches from the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum. Motive power will be provided by diesel locomotive(s) from the Housatonic Railroad. Current Mass Bay RRE and BSRM members are eligible for reduced fares. See our member benefits policy for complete details. (Mass Bay RRE/BSRM membership is not necessary to ride on this train.)

Train capacity is limited! We will assign seats by car only; passengers wishing to sit together must order tickets together at the same time. Box lunches are available for advance purchase, or you may bring your own food. Light snack and beverage service will be available on board the train.

This trip operates ONE DAY ONLY, rain or shine. All sales are final and tickets are not refundable. Alcoholic beverages and smoking will not be permitted aboard this train. Tickets will be mailed to you about 10 days prior to the trip. We will send driving directions to the departure point in Lenox with your tickets. Please notify us if special accommodations (ie, handicap seating, etc.) are required.

THE BOSTON COACH CONNECTION
Save the hassle and expense of driving! Our connecting motor coach offers a convenient, guaranteed connection to our train at Lenox from the Boston area. The coach departs from South Station in Boston at 7:00 AM, the Riverside MBTA Station at 7:20 AM and the Millbury Park & Ride (MassPike Exit 10A) at 7:50 AM. Return to Boston will be approximately 8:30 PM, with a dinner stop (individual settlement) along the way.

FARES:
Adult Mass Bay RRE/BSRM Member Coach Fare...................................... $49*
Adult Non-member Coach Fare............................................................$59
Child Coach Fare (ages 12 & under) ....................................................$29
Box Lunch ......................................................................................$11
Bus connection from Boston area (round trip)........................................$45

* One discounted seat per member, except as noted in our Member Benefits policy.

BOX LUNCHES:
The box lunch from Gerard's of Dorchester will consist of two finger sandwiches (one ham & cheese, one turkey), Cape Cod potato chips, seedless grapes, cole slaw, deluxe brownie and a beverage. Passengers are encouraged to swap sandwiches to obtain a matched set if desired.

HOW TO ORDER:
Please use the order form to order your tour ticket and box lunch. Be sure to enclose a self-addressed, stamped business-size envelope for return of your tickets. Full particulars of the tour will be sent with your tickets about ten days before the trip. For further information please call our information line at 978-470-2066, or send email to: trips@massbayrre.org.

Orders are accepted by mail or telephone only. Mastercard & Visa accepted for all orders. For telephone orders please call 978-470-2066. No calls after 8:00 PM Eastern Time, please.

Mass Bay RRE is a non-profit [501(c)(3)] Massachusetts educational corporation.