Making The Rounds
Normally the bastion of original Providence and Worcester GP38-2s wearing the old school red/orange and brown colors it is a bit unusual to see two big 4000 hp GE B40-8s assigned to Valley Falls. But reportedly due to changes with Amtrak's ACSES PTC system 4003 and 4001 (blt. Jun. 1988 as NYSW 4006 and 4004 respectively) were assigned to local PR3 due to the geeps having out dated equipment.
Here they are wrapping up their work at Teknor Apex in the Darlington section of town and about to head on their way Metals USA in Seekonk on the former East Junction line now all part of the continuous East Providence Running Track here at about MP 1.9. A pair of postal trucks go about their runs on the parallel George Bennett Industrial Highway that was once laced with so many industries that the New Haven had a yard to support just this area with an assigned switch engine. Alas in 2021 only two active customers remain along the highway.
Dominating the background is the smokestack and brick towers that were built by the Phillips Insulated Wire Company between about 1898 and 1927. The company, established in 1888, was one of the most successful manufacturers of coated wire products, in an industry that ranked as the third-largest in Pawtucket. The complex was used by a variety of owners for the manufacture of such products until 2003.
The Mill Complex originally consisted of one four-story brick, heavy timber structure built in 1898. Thirteen more buildings were built over time, making it one of the largest historic mill complexes in the region.
It has since been repurposed into luxury lofts and condos and alas another rail served industry is gone forever and only the shell remains as a photo prop.
Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Wednesday January 14, 2021
Making The Rounds
Normally the bastion of original Providence and Worcester GP38-2s wearing the old school red/orange and brown colors it is a bit unusual to see two big 4000 hp GE B40-8s assigned to Valley Falls. But reportedly due to changes with Amtrak's ACSES PTC system 4003 and 4001 (blt. Jun. 1988 as NYSW 4006 and 4004 respectively) were assigned to local PR3 due to the geeps having out dated equipment.
Here they are wrapping up their work at Teknor Apex in the Darlington section of town and about to head on their way Metals USA in Seekonk on the former East Junction line now all part of the continuous East Providence Running Track here at about MP 1.9. A pair of postal trucks go about their runs on the parallel George Bennett Industrial Highway that was once laced with so many industries that the New Haven had a yard to support just this area with an assigned switch engine. Alas in 2021 only two active customers remain along the highway.
Dominating the background is the smokestack and brick towers that were built by the Phillips Insulated Wire Company between about 1898 and 1927. The company, established in 1888, was one of the most successful manufacturers of coated wire products, in an industry that ranked as the third-largest in Pawtucket. The complex was used by a variety of owners for the manufacture of such products until 2003.
The Mill Complex originally consisted of one four-story brick, heavy timber structure built in 1898. Thirteen more buildings were built over time, making it one of the largest historic mill complexes in the region.
It has since been repurposed into luxury lofts and condos and alas another rail served industry is gone forever and only the shell remains as a photo prop.
Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Wednesday January 14, 2021