The engineer gives a friendly wave as Southbound Downeaster 692 swings through a curve in the rock cut just south of Greenwood Station in Wakefield, passing under the Cooper Street Bridge. This bridge used to be favorite spot for videographer Stanley Whitney, who filmed Boston & Maine services along the line during the 1940s and 1950s. The B&M search light signals still stand tall at this location, but the coming weeks and months will eventually see their demise along the line.
Once treated like a backwater with decrepit locomotives, cars and track, Massachusetts has become a star in the Amtrak constellation with electrification to Boston, service to Maine and an upgraded Connecticut Valley line.