On August 26, 1934, the first organized railfan trip in the United States took place on the Hoosac Tunnel & Wilmington Railroad. The enthusiasts boarded the train at the Hoosac Tunnel station and traveled northward through Monroe Bridge, Readsboro, and on to the lines northern terminus in Wilmington. A stop was made at Whitingham Dam so the passengers could disembark and take photographs of the spectacular scenery.

The train was headed by engine number 21, a Brooks  4-6-0, built in 1892 and purchased by the HT&W from the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern RR. Of particular interest to the group was the switchback at Whitingham Dam and the long trestle across the river at the northern end of Lake Whitingham at the site of the once thriving Mountain Mills.

The first trip was a huge success and was followed by several more in short order, including one on February 22, 1936, that  gave the enthusiasts a sample of the areas severe winters. The train was the first to travel over the route in 10 days due to snow drifts blocking the track. In addition to the car of rail fans the train headed by engine number 39, a Rhode Island Locomotive Works 2-8-0 formally of the Boston and Albany, hauled two tank cars of gasoline for a filling station in Wilmington. The snow drifts were reported to be as high as the cab of the engine.

A blustery day in Wilmington in 1936
Petee Memorial Library (Wilmington) Photo

Flatcar of Railfans

Historical Society of Wilmington Photo