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HOOSAC TUNNEL & WILMINGTON RAILROAD
The Hoosac Tunnel & Wilmington opened in 1885 from Hoosac Tunnel in Massachusetts to Readsboro, Vermont and in 1891 the line was extended to Wilmington. The 24 miles of common carrier line and as much as 30 miles of private logging track was 3 foot gauge. The mainline was converted to standard gauge in 1913 and logging ceased some time later. In 1937 the line was cut back to Readsboro and in 1971 the remainder was abandoned.
The logging track was operated by the Deerfield River Pulp & Paper Co.
A logging train at Mountain Mills arriving from Somerset about 10 miles away.
Three foot gauge 0-4-0T No. 2 built by Baldwin in 1886 is at Readsboro.
Three foot gauge Number 4.
Three foot gauge Number 6 was converted to standard gauge.
Three foot gauge Number 10 was built by Grant in 1892.
Standard gauge Number 20 at Wilmington. The 1891 built engine was purchased used in 1912.
Number 5 was built by Baldwin in 1924 for the Washington, Brandywine & Point Lookout. The 2-6-0 was acquired in 1938. Photo at Hoosac Tunnel on August 20, 1939
Number 5 at Hoosac Tunnel on September 15, 1939.
FAN TRIPS ON THE HT&W
The HT&W was notable for being the destination of the first excursion organized by and for railfans. On August 24, 1934, a special car was coupled to a regular Boston & Maine train at North Station, Boston, and was left at Hoosac Tunnel for the HT&W to take it to Wilmington. Many similar trips followed even after the 13 miles between Readsboro and Wilmington were gone and diesels had replaced the ancient steam locomotives. The author rode one of the diesel trips in the mid 1950s on a train of gondolas
Number 5 on a 1941 fan trip.
1941 fantrip next to the HT&W's double- ended snow plow.
1941 Fantrip.
1941 Fantrip
Fantrip behind Number 21 built by Brooks in 1892 and acquired in 1922.
Fantrip with Number 21.
Double-headed B&M Berkshires heading for the tunnel behind three electric locomotives attract the attention of most of the fans but there seems to be something interesting on the right.
Number 21 came from the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern (NYC) in 1912 through Southern Iron & Equipment, a used locomotive dealer.
Number 21 leads on a 1941 fantrip.
Number 21 arrives in Readsboro. Number 5 is in the background.
Number 21 at Readsboro.
Number 21 on the Readsboro turntable
Number 21 and a flat car fitted for passengers on a 1941 fantrip.
Caboose and way car 16 at Readsboro by Ted Gay August 3, 1938.
Number 16 - Caboose and Waycar.
HT&W Derrick, apparently from New Haven, CT construction company Lathrop & Shea
The start of the HT&W from the B&M's tower at Hoosac Tunnel October 7, 1945.
Diesels replaced steam on the HT&W in July 1949. Photo by Bruce R. Collins.
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