The modern Providence & Worcester


can trace its roots in southern New England back to its 1844 charter, con- necting its namesake cities. It came un- der the umbrella of the New Haven in 1892, which was in the process of ac- quiring almost every competing line in its territory. For about 80 years, little changed on the P&W until sickly par- ent New Haven was absorbed into the Penn Central fiasco in 1969. The com- pany petitioned for independence from PC in 1970, which became effective in 1973 after a long, heated legal battle. Since that time, the P&W used its superior financial position to engage in a program of smart expansion and steady upgrades. Today’s P&W system incorporates the original mainline, plus routes to Gardner, Mass.; New- port, R.I.; and trackage rights over the Northeast Corridor to reach inter- change on Long Island. It’s a far cry from its humble beginnings in 1973. Working in Groton, Conn., has its ad- vantages. Not only is the scenery around the Thames River beautiful, but also as a railroad photographer,


50 JANUARY 2012 • RAILFAN.COM


there’s plenty of options to shoot within a stone’s throw of the office. I’ve got four railroads to choose from — Am- trak, Shore Line East, the New Eng- land Central, and the Providence & Worcester — all within a couple miles of home. And needless to say, my cam- era bag lives in my car, so I’m ready for shooting in almost any situation. Even with a full schedule that includes work, being a husband, and helping to raise two daughters, I still find time to get trackside. My only self- imposed limitation is driving distance.


While the Providence & Worcester does not run many trains, they do run with dependable frequency, which is an important considera- tion when your free time and travel range is limited. ABOVE: Calm waters and crisp early morning light helped create this mirror image of train NR-2, seen here rolling south under some puffy clouds, and past a glass-smooth Stoddard Cove in Ledyard, Conn., on May 4, 2010. OPPOSITE: This frosty scene is the result of an unusual late March snow that blanketed the Norwich Branch the night before. Train NR-2 is near Ledyard returning an empty rail train to interchange at New Haven along with its normal contingent of freight on March 24, 2011.


The modern Providence & Worcester can trace its roots in southern New England back to its 1844 charter, connecting its namesake cities.... For about 80 years, little changed on the P&W until the company petitioned for independence from Penn Central in 1970...


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