Minuteman Steam Episode 4: The P-1 and P-2 Pacifics

The 4-6-2 "Pacific" type steam locomotive was the heavy-hitter for passenger trains on the Boston & Maine Railroad from 1910 to the end of steam in 1956. Particularly common were the P-1 and P-2 classes, whose commonality made them somewhat underappreciated; that is, until they became the last operating steamers on the Route of the Minuteman.

[@patricknoveski6409]

That was so cool hearing the guy talk about the last steam. 😢

[@CrossOfBayonne]

I believe the New York Central linked up with the B&M once in downtown Boston, NYC Mohawk 3001 ran the Boston & Albany sub and likely met up with these Pacifics nearby.

[@AtkataffTheAlpha]

Whoever goes down to enjoy a steam locomotives' last stand is not crazy, it's instead a kind of salute to an era about to disappear. Anyone who says you're crazy by doing that, ignore them. You're your individual.

[@gabetrain8834]

I would’ve loved to see 3674 in preservation. It’s quite sad that she wasn’t. But hey! There’s always fiction, I guess I’ve found another engine to bring back

[@SuperFoxyRailwayProduction6702]

Which one?

[@gabetrain8834]

@@SuperFoxyRailwayProduction6702 not sure yet.

[@winstonstone]

You have out done yourself on this one Rick. Love the quips. Excellent video and narrative!!!!

[@TheTrainDudes31]

Wow Excellent Job 😊

[@elizavetamixailova3848]

Tremendous documentary. I'm a fan!

[@jasonw2671]

Mr Frye was my Science teacher my freshman year at Pembroke Academy. I spent a lot of time talking before class with him.,

[@mwand89]

There are two surviving Boston and Maine 4-6-2 Pacifics: no. 3666 and no. 3713.

[@Peepjouster27]

3713 is a P4 - hoping there are also plans for a video on the P4s

[@Ian-qs3fz]

and technically 3666 doesn’t survive since it’s not in one piece and it’s underwater

[@A_Lazy_dude]

@@Ian-qs3fzyou are correct

[@WAL_DC-6B]

@@A_Lazy_dude "Sunk!"

[@midwesternperson5740]

Very well done as always.

[@trippaquadro653]

Well done as always, Rick!

[@NorthmassRails]

Beautiful Pictures!

[@AEP817]

Will there be an episode 5? Ive really enjoyed this series and hope you can complete it.

[@bmrrhs]

Very glad you've been enjoying them. There will be more episodes very soon! Minuteman Steam is made by a sole volunteer, so new episodes depend on their schedule availability.

[@KatyPacific382]

I unfortunately cant find photos of 3681 and 3688 in the Minuteman colors, i only see models of them, but not a single photo of them in real life, especially in color

[@bmrrhs]

We have never seen any color photos either! Unfortunately, the locomotives were painted in those schemes before color photography was common.

[@Michael-eg3rs]

So in theory. It's still possible to raise 3666. Wonder if anyone will ever take the challenge. Considering they moved it over many times already implies it's already freed from the mud mostly.

[@MK.5198]

might wind up being just as expensive as building one new, getting it from the bottom of a river and into any kinda shape for display.

[@kristopherspinney7579]

Its less the mud than the fact that at this point much of it has rusted or disintegrated, and the value of raising is absolutely less than that of the cost to do so unfortunately. Keep in mind this river feeds directly into the Atlantic and is one of the more stronger currents in area, so its not a slow or easy river to dredge stuff up from.

[@yodelersparadise]

Where was that scene at the very end where a set of tracks crosses the mainline?

[@johnlacroix6691]

The Eastern railroad reached Portsmouth in 1840, 184 years ago in 2024. Portsmouth and Dover opened 1874, in 2024 it be a 150 years ago, Dover point bridge taken out, severing the P and D line in 1934, 90 years ago in 2024, 150+90= 240 in 2024. The wreck of 9/10/1939 as you say, is a strange twist, P2 Pacific 3666 at the head of train 2024, the #666 is not a random number it has profound ramifications and implications that will affect us all, are their angels in the architecture? devils in the details? a game of pin the tail on the donkey? or possibly just statistical synchronicities, in play here, sometimes I like to look at things from different angle ( for perspective purposes only) is 3666 bringing in the 2024? or will 2024 bring in the 3666?.