by Marc Glucksman/photos by the author
Following the event’s absence of several years, the Mass Coastal/Cape Cod Central Railroad put together a number of exhibits and train rides for the “2022 Railfan Day” event at Hyannis Engine Terminal on Saturday, August 20, 2022. The newest arrival, Mass Coastal GP38-2 2012 was on display, along with other GPs, FL9s, and F40s, including freshly out-shopped by Wabtec MBTA FP 40 1052. A gift shop was open for souvenirs, and the dining cars were open for attendees to enjoy an “on board” meal.
The event has a history with the area; in the past it was supported by other railroads such as Amtrak and hosted an annual display of private passenger cars even when there was no scheduled passenger service to the island. In addition to Cape Cod Railroad’s substantial passenger car fleet, a pair of cabooses was brought over from the Fore River Railroad with the assistance CSX, and visitors were allowed to tour the equipment.
ABOVE: The “Penn and Central” Handshake: Joe and Kevin, owners of former New York Central 21052 (N7B, 1963) and Fore River 01 (N5B, née-Pennsylvania Railroad 477696) simulate the joining of the two railroads during Cape Cod Railroad’s 2022 Railfan Day on August 20. Both cars are normally kept at Fore River’s yard in Quincy, but made the trip to the Cape for this special event.
This year one could have boarded the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) CapeFLYER at Boston South Station and ridden directly to Hyannis, Mass., to attend, returning by train after the festivities had ended. Railfan Day specials were operated by Mass Coastal in addition to the regular seasonal Dinner Train.
As the railroad’s equipment is rehabilitated and repainted, the event may return in future years with even more displays. Attendance far surpassed initial estimates on this beautiful summer day on the Cape…