Amtrak train 56, the northbound Vermonter, led by engine 156 painted in the Phase 1 heritage scheme, is crossing the Chicopee River on its way to St. Albans, VT. After the end of 2014 the Vermonter trains will be following the Connecticut River north from Springfield, MA and will no longer travel this portion of the New England Central.
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.
