The former New England Railfan's Assn. would rent New Haven equipment occasionally, usually twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall. For example, this three-car Budd Shoreliner set. In those days, they were called "rail diesel cars," or RDCs, and each was self-powered and could be uncoupled and run independently. The ticket stub, No. 156 and dated April 25, 1954 (which I still have), described the trip as a journey to Fitchburg, Mass., leaving Providence at 8:30 a.m. and Fitchburg at 3:40 p.m. It was a roundabout trip over freight-only lines - through East Side Tunnel and south to Bristol, northward from Bristol to Red Bridge, Red Bridge to East Jct., mainline running from there to Mansfield (about 10 miles) where we made a left turn to Framingham. Just beyond, we turned northwesterly for the final 35 miles to Fitchburg. We made plenty of photo stops along the way, except on the high iron. I have no recollection of the return journey.

Photographed by Leo King, April 25, 1954.
Added to the photo archive by Leo King, May 17, 2004.
Railroad: NY, NH & H.

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