Amtrak train 56, the northbound Vermonter, departed Washington DC in the morning behind AMTK ACS-64 652 pulling six cars (for those keeping score at home: AMTK 82531, 82748, 82691, 82782, 82672 and 48195). In New Haven, Connecticut, AMTK 652 and coach 82531 were removed, with P42DC 85 as added for the remainder of the journey to St. Albans, Vermont. The train is seen making its stop in Springfield, Massachusetts, where about half (or so it seemed) of the passengers deboarded to attend the big Amherst Railway Society's Railroad Hobby Show occurring the next two days at West Springfield's Eastern States Exposition. (Springfield, Massachusetts – January 27, 2023)
Once treated like a backwater with decrepit locomotives, cars and track, Massachusetts has become a star in the Amtrak constellation with electrification to Boston, service to Maine and an upgraded Connecticut Valley line.
The successor to the Montrealer, the Vermonter runs between St. Albans, Vt., and Washington, DC. Much of the northern part of the route runs along the Connecticut and White Rivers.
