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Pumpkin Express Train in Belmont NH.

Nice to see a Budd RDC almost working like a Budd RDC! Here's one more from the recent rare mileage Pumpkin Express excursions offered by the WInnipesaukee Scenic. This train was heading south past the Roberts Beach crossing in Belmont along the shores of Lake Winnisquam. Pumpkin Express train rides were offered Saturday 10/29 during the NH Pumpkin Festival in Downtown Laconia.

Since there was no opportunity for the locomotive to run around the train from the south end to the north, this Budd RDC-1 is equipped to lead the push backs north with working headlights, horn, and bell. Operator controls are long gone from this RDC-1 as are the seats, as passengers can enjoy table seating.

All three paint matching Budds in this consist were retired by the MBTA in late 1989. The first two coaches feature the classic high back comfortable dark blue seats, The power puller P&L #1590 is probably one of a very few SW1001's not being used as an industrial switcher.

The Budd RDC lineup included former:
B&M / MBTA #6921 (RDC9) Built in 10/1956
B&M / MBTA #6105 (RDC1) Built in 11/1953
Reading / SEPTA/ MBTA #9159 (RDC1) Built in 12/1962.

Only thing missing was the sound of a Detroit Diesel.

Photographed by Jay Gadon, October 29, 2022.
Added to the photo archive by Jay Gadon, November 7, 2022.
Railroad: Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad.

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Visitor Comments about this Photo:

Jay, how is the loco controlled from the BUD car in the reverse direction if controls have been removed?

Posted by Chris Brown on 2022-11-07 10:59:28


The Engineer remains in the loco. The Budd is used more as a shoving platform, with the "Fireman" in the cab, who is in constant communication with the Engineer in regards to crossing approaches and informing of any potential obstacles on the tracks. The bell, horn, and lights all function. On the Winni Scenic "Lakeshore" trains, they use a caboose for the same shove back purposes, though typically 9159 is placed behind the caboose, as a backup option, just in case.

Posted by Jay Gadon on 2022-11-07 11:22:07


Ditch lights aren't required on the RDC when it's in "lead" operation like this?

Posted by Jason Grant on 2022-11-07 15:48:09


Thanks Jay. And I assume the consist never goes more than 15 mph with that remote setup.

Posted by Chris Brown on 2022-11-07 16:52:48


They were not even remotely close to approaching any of the grade crossings at speeds of 20 mph or more. Not speaking for the RR, but I am sure if ditch lights were required, knowing how the RR is very safety oriented, 9159 would have them even for the very few times in a season where it's used as a shoving platform.

Posted by Jay Gadon on 2022-11-07 17:01:17


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