I grew up in Northfield, Vermont, where the CV Railway was first created as the Vermont Central. Its founder, Charles Paine, was a native son of Northfield. His father, Elijah Paine, founded Northfield in 1785. Charles Paine and Boston financiers forged the steel rail northwest across Vermont, and since Charles was governor of Vermont in 1841, he built the railroad's first freight yard at Northfield. It was known as the Vermont Central. In 1865, the railroad, in financial ruin, moved its headquarters to St. Albans, Vermont. But, to this day, the original station (now a bank) and the original engine workshed still stand. You can see near the tracks west to the Dog River where the original freight yard was located.
Northfield was a major hub in its day. You would enjoy seeing Robert C. Jones' series (if you haven't already), as well as other books.
I grew up watching all of the CV trains (I remember the original CV and CN passenger trains in the late 1960s). I also remember the original GP9s, RS11s, pushers on the back ends of southbound freights through Northfield, where at Roxbury the pushers were cut loose, and traveled light back to St. Albans.
I also was there at the original station in 1972 when the first Amtrak Montrealer made its maiden run. In addition, I also remember when the American Freedom Train traveled through Northfield, aided by a GP9, on its way to Burlington. What a wonderful sight it was to see the American Freedom Train travel south through Northfield at high speed on its own power.
I witnessed the Nickel Plate Road No. 765 travel through Northfield; the 1968 train derailment in Northfield;
I also remember vividly all the CN-run-through power, the M424s that powered their way through.
I build CV Rail as a hobby. I have 2 GP9s in Black/CN Red/White, original numbers 4927 and 4928; One GP38AC, number 5801 in GT Battle Creek Blue; and one S4 in CV Green and Yellow. I have meticulously attempted to keep my rail cars as they were in the late 60s to early 80s as I remember the railroad.
I remember the CV/B&M pool trains, having both CV and B&M power on the point. I remember B&M GP7 number 1741 on the trains frequently.
I also remember watching the Quaboag Transfer intermodal trains at night.
You can say, that this railroad has been my passion and a love for me. I have a healthy respect for railroad safety, and actually while watching trains have prevented others from having serious injury or death.
I live here in the Washington DC area, and would enjoy you writing me back! I hope you do, and certainly, since you are a former employee, I would love to hear your perspective what it was like to work for the CV. My e-mail address is . Please write back... Thank you (In the subject,please mention CV Rail-Northfield fan)
