The Latest News
From FBDP

UPDATED ON JULY 24, 2010

In Chronological Order

Bedford Freight House Online Store

July 24, 2010  Online Supplement to Volume 16, Issue 2

View color snapshots of the Bedford model railroad that is displayed at Bedford Freight House. Also, read a series of colorful anecdotes about "life as a Bedford station agent" from former Boston & Maine Railroad spare agent William L. Patto, Jr..  Click here.

July 18, 2010  Stained Glass Art at the Depot

Bedford Depot has a new tenant, The Glass Cooperative, Inc. Learn more about this nonprofit art studio through the organization's web site.  Photo

July 18, 2010  Minuteman Bikeway Map

Although the (free) Minuteman Bikeway map that was published by the Town of Arlington some years ago is now out of print, a PDF version of the guide is available at this web address:

www.minutemanbikeway.org/Media/MinutemanBikewayBrochure2.pdf

Please note that the Minuteman Bikeway is well covered in the Rubel "Boston's Bike Map" that is sold at the Freight House and through FBDP's online store.

July 18, 2010  Volume 16, Issue 2

Volume 16, Issue 2, of FBDP's newsletter is at the printer. Among its features are a continuation of William Patton's A Day in the Life of a Bedford Station series and a reminisces from a reader who lived along the far western end of the Reformatory Branch in Concord.

For this issue, the editor dug through FBDP's photo collection to find this image of the Reformatory Branch roadbed that is west of the Assabet River. The photo dates to circa 1996.

June 13, 2010  Farmers' Market Resumes for 2010 Season

Farmers' Market at Bedford Depot Park kicks off its 2010 season on Monday, June 14, between 2:00 and 6:30 P.M. The event is scheduled to occur weekly each Monday afternoon, rain or shine, through October 18.

While at Farmers' Market, consider visiting the Freight House. With the participation of volunteer cashiers -- please let us know should you be able to help -- we shall endeavor to have the establishment open concurrent with Farmers' Market.

June 12, 2010  Freight House Office Is Back in Service

Four years after the Freight House second floor was emptied of furniture, equipment and archives to accommodate the building renovation project, the upstairs area has received new flooring and a fresh coat of paint. Marcia and Peter Sternberg and Jim Shea have put in much effort to reassemble FBDP's office, archives and storage area in recent weeks.

We thank Richard Michelson for providing space to store FBDP's furniture while the Freight House was closed for renovations!

May 22, 2010  Depot Park Is Subject for Local Photographer

Commercial photographer Carlton SooHoo chose Bedford Depot Park as the focus of a recent photo shoot.  Photo

March 31, 2010  The View From Bedford Freight House

Video from a Freight House web/secutity camera was sped up to show 13 hours of activity in only 10 minutes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vms9cuPJdbQ

March 24, 2010  Surfacing Planned for the Reformatory Branch Trail

At Bedford's Annual Town Meeting on March 23, voters amended and approved an article to design an asphalt-surfaced trail upon the Reformatory Branch beginning at a point near Railroad Avenue. The article was amended to extend the design of the improvements beyond Concord Road/Route 62 to the Concord town line. In a subsequent article, voters approved the expenditure of $210,000 in Community Preservation funds to pay for the 25% design plans.

These actions do not necessarily mean that the Reformatory Branch Trail would soon be paved. Concurrent with preparation of the 25% design, the Town intends to seek Federal and/or state funding for construction. The estimated construction cost is $2 million.

March 12, 2010  Depot Park Rentals

For information about using Rail Diesel Car 6211 for a meeting or special event or to rent an office unit at Bedford Depot, please visit this web page:

www.bedforddepot.org/rentals

March 12, 2010  Bedford Depot Train Order Signals

The DPW is working to restore the Depot's rooftop train order signals. New blades have been fabricated, roundels (lenses) were ordered to replace those that are missing or cracked, and the rusted mechanisms have been freed from their "stop" positions.

March 12, 2010  Volume 16, Issue 1

Volume 16, Issue 1, of FBDP's 12-page newsletter was mailed on March 11.

February 8, 2010 Calling All Modelers

Arthur Ellis would appreciate your help with the HO-scale model railroad of Bedford that is inside the Freight House. Please contact him for more information and to be placed on his e-mail list:  ArtEllis@BedfordDepot.org
Photo   Photo

February 8, 2010 Meeting Minutes and Reports Are Online

The meeting minutes page of this web site was recently updated with PDFs of meeting minutes from the FBDP Board of Directors and the Depot Park Advisory Committee. Included are Annual Reports.

February 8, 2010 2010 Annual Meeting

Please save the date for FBDP's Annual Meeting:  Saturday, October 2. Additional information will be published in the newsletter as the date grows nearer.

February 8, 2010 Volume 16, Issue 1

The first newsletter issue of 2010 is currently in the works. Subjects include memories of Lexington's Section House (maintenace-of-way facility) from member Paul Callahan, research performed by member Leonard Bachelder about Lexington Branch station stops in the 1970s, and the second installment of William Patton's Bedford station agent essay. Publication is scheduled for March.

December 26, 2009 Bedford Freight House to Reopen in April

Beginning in January 2010, the Freight House will be closed for the winter. It is to reopen when the bikeway season resumes in April. Meanwhile, please visit FBDP's online store to order any of our railroad history merchandise.

December 26, 2009 Help Needed at Future Hobby Shows

Barry Sampson wishes to represent FBDP at three upcoming hobby shows -- but he needs assistance with the setup, operating the cash register, and packing up. Can you help? You'll receive a free pass to the shows and our gratitude. Please contact Barry (vp@BedfordDepot.org or 781-862-5152).

Upcoming hobby shows in 2010:  Amherst Railway Society on January 30 and 31; Mystic Valley Railway Society on March 7; a possible trolley-related show in April.

December 26, 2009 Volume 15, Issue 4

"The Life of a Bedford Station Agent" is a new series of essays by William Patton that begins in the next newsletter issue. It is at the printer now; and ought to be in the mail the week of December 28th.

November 22, 2009 Rent RDC 6211 for Your Next Meeting or Event

The vintage ex-Boston & Maine Railroad passenger car at Depot Park is now available for rentals. For information and to make reservations, please contact Fay Russo at Bedford Town Center: 781-275-4880.

Please pick up a copy of this flyer the next time you visit the Freight House or #6211.

November 12, 2009 Freight House Holiday Sales

The Bedford Historical Society and Bedford Minuteman Company are teaming with FBDP to keep the Freight House open on weekends for holiday gift shopping, now through December 20. In addition, the Freight House is to be open the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 27. Hours are 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

See this flyer (PDF format) for a sampling of the unique history-related merchandise that is on sale and to get a discount coupon!

October 21, 2009 Freight House Web Camera

Now that Internet service has been reestablished at the renovated Freight House, the second floor web camera is back online.

http://www.bedforddepot.org/webcam

September 4, 2009  Speakers Announced for Annual Meeting on October 3

Members and guests are invited to attend FBDP's Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on Saturday, October 3, 2009, at 1:00 P.M., at Bedford Depot Park, 120 South Road. After the business portion of the meeting, we'll hear from two speakers.

William Patton will share memories of life as a Boston & Maine Railroad station agent. He was a temporary agent at depots on the Lexington Branch during the 1940s and '50s.

Arthur Ellis will describe work that is underway to cosmetically and operationally restore a large HO-scale model of the railroad in Bedford. This layout is displayed inside the Freight House. (Read more about this model railroad below.)

Also, this meeting will provide an opportunity to see the recently renovated Freight House building and ex-Boston & Maine Rail Diesel Car 6211.

September 4, 2009  Point-of-Information Kiosk at Depot Park

Recently, the Highway Department's contractor installed a point-of-information kiosk in the Depot Park plaza. Panels on the kiosk provide information about Rail Diesel Car 6211 and local railroad history. The Minuteman Bikeway, Depot Park area and nearby rail-trails are shown on a map panel. Additional information will be displayed on the kiosk's LCD monitor after it is made operational.  Photo

September 4, 2009  Bedford Farmers' Market Wraps Up 2009 Season on October 19th

Have you visited Farmer's Market this year at Bedford Depot Park? The weekly event continues on Mondays, between 2:00 P.M. and 6:30 P.M., through October 19, 2009.  Photo

August 4, 2009  Bedford Model Railroad Is Taking Shape

Arthur Ellis and his associates from the Hub Division of the National Model Railroad Association have started work to assemble an HO-scale model layout of the Bedford Depot area. This layout, which was donated to FBDP years ago by the children of the late Donald MacLean, is to be displayed inside the Freight House.

Photo   Photo

August 4, 2009  Watch the Bedford Depot Park "Ribbon Cutting"

Video recorded by Robert Batt of the June 15th Depot Park reception is now on YouTube.

Speakers in order of appearance are:  Joseph Piantedosi, chairman of the Bedford Depot Park Advisory Committee; Jim Shea, president, Friends of Bedford Depot Park; Angelo Colao, Selectman liaison to the Depot Park Advisory Committee; State Senator Susan Fargo; Luisa Paiewonsky, commissioner, Massachusetts Highway Department; and Richard Reed, Bedford Town Manager.

Part 1   Part 2   Part 3   Part 4

July 10, 2009  Freight House Resumes Operation

Bedford Freight House at 120 South Road is open again on weekends between 10:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. as a service to Minuteman Bikeway users. Additionally and depending upon the availability of volunteer cashiers, the establishment is to be open on Monday afternoons 2:00 to 6:00 while Bedford Farmers' Market is occurring across the street.  Photo  Photo

June 16, 2009  The Ribbon Is Cut at Depot Park

A crowd gathered at Depot Park on June 15 to commemorate the renovation of the Freight House and Rail Diesel Car 6211. After remarks from state and local officials, the public had an opportunity to tour the building and railroad car.  Photo  Photo

This event will be covered extensively in an upcoming issue of FBDP's newsletter.

Click here to view a clip of president Jim Shea's comments at the ribbon cutting. Thanks to Robert Batt for recording this home video!

May 22, 2009  Depot Park Reception on June 15

The public is invited to attend an event to commemortate the conclusion of the Freight House and railroad car renovation projects on Monday, June 15, at 3:30 P.M., at Bedford Depot Park. After remarks from state and local officials, the public will have an opportunity to visit the renovated Freight House and Rail Diesel Car 6211. The reception is being hosted by the Town of Bedford and its Depot Park Advisory Committee.

May 9, 2009  Freight House Renovations

The state's contractor is tackling a "punch list" of items at the Freight House such as applying a second coat of paint on the building. Meanwhile, the Town is addressing the interior fit-out that includes new hardwood flooring plus electrical and plumbing work.  Photo  Photo  Photo  Photo  Photo

May 8, 2009  Depot Roof Project Is Underway

On April 30, the Town's contractor began work to replace the old Depot roof with one of cedar shingles. The project is to include millwork on the eaves. Completion is anticipated sometime in June.  Photo  Photo

March 15, 2009  Project 6211 in Final Stages

Please visit the "Project 6211" page to see snapshots of recent accomplishments. We hope to have the car ready for public viewing by the time the Freight House is reopened.

March 6, 2009  Volume 15, Issue 1

Volume 15, Issue 1, of FBDP's 12-page newsletter was mailed on March 3.

February 27, 2009  Newsletter Addenda - Volume 15, Issue 1

Supplemental information that is referenced in Volume 15, Issue 1, of Bedford Depot News is available on this web page.

January 16, 2009  Freight House Sign

The state's contractor recently returned to install a sign on the building and to work on the restrooms addition.  Photo 

December 22, 2008  Freight House Progress

Although the state's work on Bedford Freight House has slowed for the winter, substantial progress has been achieved since the project started last spring. Recent accomplishments include completion of the platform alongside the railroad car and application of one coat of paint (B&M "cream and maroon") on the building.  Photo

December 15, 2008  New DVD on Sale

Volume 7 of The Films of John M. Boardman is now available at FBDP's online store.

December 15, 2008  FBDP Merchandise Sold By Historical Society

We thank the Bedford Historical Society for carrying a variety of FBDP merchandise at their holiday gift shop. Volunteers are operating the shop for the month of December. It is located across from the Town Common on Great Road and is open most days.

October 26, 2008  Photos Posted to NERAIL

Snapshots of the Freight House and Rail Diesel Car renovation projects have been posted on the New England Railroad Photo Archive web site.

October 22, 2008  Freight House Progress

The state's contractor has begun to paint the building's exterior. Considerable work remains to be done on the inside.

October 21, 2008  2008 Annual Report Available Online

FBDP's 2008 Annual Meeting was held on October 11. If you were not in attendance, you missed an opportunity to visit RDC 6211 and receive a copy of the Annual Report. Go to the Minutes web page to download a PDF of the latter. As for a tour of the railroad car, that might have to wait until spring when we hope the Freight House renovations will be finished.

September 27, 2008  Volume 14, Issue 3

Volume 14, Issue 3, of FBDP's newsletter is in the mail. Included in this 12-page issue are updates on the Freight House and railroad car renovation projects.

September 7, 2008  Minuteman Bikeway Honored with an Award

The national Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has inducted the Minuteman Bikeway to its Hame of Fame. Local ceremonies are scheduled to occur on Sunday, October 5, 2008, starting at 1:30 P.M. Learn more on this web page.

August 17, 2008  Annual Meeting on October 11

Please save the date for FBDP's Annual Meeting: Saturday, October 11, 2008, at 1:00 P.M., at the Bedford Public Library meeting room. This is an off-year for elections. To commemorate the progress that has been made with renovations to RDC 6211 at Depot Park, we will present an illustrated history of Budd Rail Diesel Cars on the Boston & Maine Railroad.

August 17, 2008  Freight House Renovations

State contractors are making progress with renovation of Bedford Freight House. Work is now underway on the public restrooms addition.  Photo  Photo

June 20, 2008  Meeting Minutes

The Meeting Minutes page has been updated. It contains PDFs of meeting minutes from the FBDP Board of Directors meeting and the Selectmen's Depot Park Advisory Committee.

June 18, 2008  Volume 14, Issue 2

Volume 14, Issue 2, of FBDP's newsletter is in the mail. Included in this 12-page issue is part one of a conversation with Arlington Heights native Paul Harling. He talks about growing up along the Branch during the 1930s and '40s. Video excerpts from this interview are posted on FBDP's Oral History web page.

April 20, 2008  Narrow-Gauge Track Work on 5/10/08

Tom Dickey has scheduled a B&B work session for Saturday, May 10, at 8:00 A.M. Please join us -- no special skills are required. E-mail Tom a message for additional information.

Update on 5/10/08:  See the B&B Track web page for photos from this work day.

April 20, 2008  Web Site Redesign

We are working behind the scenes on a comprehensive update of this web site. Click here for a preview of the new home page.

April 2, 2008  Freight House Renovations

The state has initiated its Freight House renovation project. They estimate completion within 450 days. Photo  Photo

March 16, 2008  Oral History Updates

Clips from our July 2006 oral history interview with Town Historian John F. Brown are being edited and posted to FBDP's web site. Please visit the Oral History page.

March 7, 2008  The Railroad Leaves Town -- March 29th

Professor Joseph Schwieterman, author of When the Railroad Leaves Town, will make a presentaton on Saturday, March 29, 2008, at 12:30 P.M., at the Bedford Public Library meeting room. Local B&M lines, including the Lexington Branch, will be a focus of his talk. The event is free to the public, and light refreshments will be provided. Click here to read more in a PDF document.

March 7, 2008  Volume 14, Issue 1

Volume 14, Issue 1, of FBDP's newsletter is in the mail. Included in this 12-page issue is an article about the "Mogul"-type steam locomotives that were once popular on the local railroad.

February 20, 2008  Bedford Depot Is for Rent

Proposals are due by March 24, 2008. Contact the Bedford Facilities Department at 781-275-5290 for more information. Basic background information is available on this web page.

January 5, 2008  Freight House Bid Opening

The Massachusetts Highway Department has opened the first round of contractor bids for their Freight House renovation project. Work on the building is expected to commence sometime this year.

December 3, 2007  Volume Six DVD  

October 26, 2007  Narrow-Gauge Track Session

Foreman Tom Dickey has scheduled a B&B track session for Saturday, November 17, at 8:00 A.M. Current and new "Gandy dancers" are invited to participate. Please e-mail Tom to be on his mailing list for this and future sessions.

October 26, 2007  Depot Study Presentation

Key findings from an architectural study of Bedford Railroad Station will be presented by the Depot Park Advisory Committee on Tuesday, November 6, at 7:30 P.M., in the Selectmen's meeting room at Bedford Town Hall. The public is invited to attend.

October 16, 2007  2007 Officer Elections

The incumbent officers were reelected by the members in attendance at the Annual Meeting on October 13.

September 7, 2007  Volume 13, Issue 3

Volume 13, Issue 3, of the FBDP newsletter was bulk-mailed on September 7. Members: please contact clerk Ed Stickney if you do not receive this issue in a reasonable period of time.

August 30, 2007  Depot Study Final Draft

The Depot Park Advisory Committee is now reviewing the final draft of the Depot architectural study and preservation plan. Highlights will be published in the upcoming newsletter issue.

July 9, 2007  2007 Annual Meeting on October 13

Save the date for FBDP’s 2007 Annual Meeting and officer elections: Saturday, October 13, at 1:00 P.M., in the Bedford Public Library meeting room.

After the business portion of the meeting, a video preview of Volume Six of The Films of John M. Boardman is to be shown. (This new DVD will go on sale later in the fall.) Then, members may visit ex-B&M RDC 6211 at Depot Park to see the progress that has been made to renovate the car.

Nominations for the offices of president, treasurer, clerk and vice president may be made from the meeting floor.

June 1, 2007  Volume 13, Issue 2

Volume 13, Issue 2, of the FBDP newsletter was bulk-mailed on May 30. Members: please contact clerk Ed Stickney if you do not receive this issue in a reasonable period of time.

May 21, 2007  Depot Study Interim Report

Click here for an update about the Bedford Depot architectural study.

May 14, 2007  Project 6211 Is Gaining

New lighting, air conditioning and more ... Check out the progress that is being made on Rail Diesel Car #6211.  Photo

May 3, 2007  Boardman Volume Two Available Again

The popular DVD, The Films of John M. Boardman, Volume Two, is back in stock at our online store.

May 3, 2007  Freight House Bid Opening Is Delayed

The Massachusetts Highway Department announced its intention to defer opening bids for their Bedford Freight House renovation project to the November/December time frame.

April 4, 2007  New Book on Sale

FBDP is please to add to is online store, A Field Guide to Southern New England Railroad Depots and Freight Houses. This 346-page softcover highlights every station and freight house building still in existence in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Yes -- Bedford Freight House and Depot are included! As with all our merchandise, sales proceeds benefit the Friends.

March 17, 2007  Oral History Addition

Another oral history interview has been conducted and added to the archives. Paul Harling recounted how he rode in the locomotive cab of a Lexington Branch train on the last official day of steam in 1955. When time permits, we'll post video excerpts on the Oral History page of this web site.

March 2, 2007  Volume 13, Issue 1

Volume 13, Issue 1, of the FBDP newsletter was bulk-mailed on March 2. Members: please contact clerk Ed Stickney if you do not receive this issue in a reasonable period of time.

March 2, 2007  A "Virtual Tour" of the Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail

Check out this web extra to Volume 13, Issue 1, of the Bedford Depot News newsletter.

February 28, 2007  Hobby Show Schedule (Spring 2007)

Hobby Show Committee chair Barry Sampson has announced a slate of upcoming railroad shows he plans to attend. A wide array of FBDP's merchandise will be on sale at these venues.

• North Billerica Train Show, Middlesex Canal Museum, Sunday, March 4
• South Shore Model Railway Club Show, Hingham, Mass., Sunday, March 25
• Nashua Valley Railroad Show, Bolton, Mass., Saturday, May 5

February 23, 2007  Freight House Reopening Remains on Hold

Bedford Freight House remains closed as the building awaits renovation by the Massachusetts Highway Department (MHD). It appears to us that the soonest the building might reopen is sometime in 2008.

The latest word from the state is that bids for their $453,000 project will be opened in April. The next steps would include selection of the general contractor and filed sub-bidders, execution of contracts, and then authorization from MHD to initiate the work.

February 14, 2007  Remembering Thomas F. McHugh

We are saddened to learn of the death of Thomas "Trigger" McHugh, a 40-year veteran of the Boston & Maine Railroad. In July 2005, Mr. McHugh was videotaped for FBDP's oral history project. We are in the process of transcribing the nearly three hours of recordings for a future newsletter series about Tom's railroad career. Over time, video excerpts of the interview will be posted in the Oral History section of this web site, too.

February 1, 2007  Newsletter Is To Expand

FBDP's newsletter is to gain 50% more pages, starting with the next issue. This issue will kick off an interesting series about the Boston & Maine's attempts to curtail passenger service on the Lexington and Reformatory Branches in 1926. The story will be told through reprints of enlightening newspaper articles, rare documents from the Interstate Commerce Commission's files, and the writings of residents who organized themselves against the railroad's efforts.

January 14, 2007  Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail Meeting

The Bedford Bicycle Advisory Committee will hold a meeting on Wednesday, January 31, at 7:30 P.M., in the Town Hall auditorium, to receive public input on the proposed surfacing of the Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail between Railroad Avenue and Concord Road.

January 14, 2007  North Billerica Train Show

FBDP will be represented by Barry Sampson at the Billerica Train Show on Sunday, March 4, 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. The event will be held at the Middlesex Canal Museum at 71 Faulkner Street in North Billerica, Massachusetts. Organizers plan to have four operating model train layouts and 12 vendors present.

December 4, 2006  "Bedford Depot News"

Volume 12, Issue 5, of FBDP's newsletter was mailed on December 4. Members: please contact clerk Ed Stickney should you not receive it within a couple weeks.

October 29, 2006  Whistle Post Arms Restored

Thanks to John Filios and Edward Stickney for repairing the upper-quadrant yellow arms on the two whistle posts near Bedford Station. The presence of this arm on a whistle post indicated to train crews that the upcoming grade crossing had to be flagged -- that there was no automatic protection such as flashers. Click here to view a short Flash video of John and Ed at work.

October 27, 2006  Firm Selected for Depot Study

The Selectmen have awarded a $40,000 contract to Menders, Torrey & Spencer, Inc., to perform an architectural study of Bedford Railroad Station. Information about this study may be read in this excerpt from the company's proposal. (1.8 megabyte PDF file)

October 27, 2006  State Delays Freight House Bid Opening

Word from DPW Director Richard Warrington is that the Massachusetts Highway Department has rescheduled opening bids for their Freight House renovation project. The agency has moved the bid opening from late November/early December to April 2007. We have not received an explanation for this additional delay.

September 27, 2006  Bid Opening Is Delayed

The Massachusetts Highway Department is deferring the opening of bids for its Freight House renovation project until late November/early December.

September 27, 2006  Designers Submit Proposals for Depot Study

Three design firms -- Carr, Lynch & Sandell, Inc., Menders, Torrey & Spencer, Inc., and TTL-Architects, LLC -- have submitted proposals to the Town of Bedford for an architectural study of the Railroad Station Building at Depot Park. The Selectmen have appointed a Designer Selection Committee to evaluate the proposals. The study is to examine both the interior and exterior of the building and produce schematic design drawings for any proposed renovations.

September 22, 2006  B&B Encore

If you missed seeing the historical exhibit about the Billerica & Bedford Railroad last year, here’s another chance. The Middlesex Canal Museum has extended this exhibit through the fall. The Museum is located at 71 Faulkner Street in North Billerica, and is normally open on weekends between noon and 4:00 P.M.

September 22, 2006  "Bedford Depot News"

Volume 12, Issue 4, of FBDP's newsletter was mailed on September 22. Members: please contact clerk Ed Stickney should you not receive it within a couple weeks.

September 19, 2006  "Romancing the Rail" on October 25

Bill Patton, a former Boston & Maine station agent who worked at Lexington, Arlington and Arlington Heights during the 1940s, will speak at the Wednesday, October 25th meeting of the Bedford Historical Society. The title of Mr. Patton's talk is "Romancing the Rail," a look at vintage railroad postcards and magazine art. The Society holds its meetings at the Congregational Church at 25 The Great Road. Refreshments will be served at 7:30 P.M.

September 15, 2006  Depot Park Flower Garden

Kudos go to the Bedford Garden Club for their attractive flower garden at the intersection of Railroad Avenue and South Road.  Photo 1  Photo 2

September 1, 2006  2006 Annual Meeting on October 14

The Board of Directors have set the 2006 Annual Meeting for Saturday, October 14, at 1:00 P.M. It will be held in the Bedford Public Library first floor meeting room.

September 1 , 2006  A Call for Project 6211 Volunteers

Although the DPW is having most of the rail car's renovation work performed by contractors, certain tasks are appropriate for volunteers to accomplish. Check our Project 6211 web page for more information.

September 1, 2006  MHD to Open Freight House Bids

We hear that the Massachusetts Highway Department is to open bids on their $344,000 Bedford Freight House renovation project in September.

September 1, 2006  B&B Track Foreman Has a Backyard Railroad

The Metro West Daily News published an article about the two-foot-gauge railway that Tom Dickey built in his backyard.

August 2, 2006  Rail Diesel Car 6211

The DPW has made progress with restoration of RDC 6211 at Depot Park. New windows have been installed and the electrical contractor has been hired. Read more on the Project 6211 page.

June 9, 2006  Boston & Maine RDCs

On our RDC History web page, we've created a slide show of the B&M Budd Car photos that Alan E. MacMillan donated to FBDP. Our thanks go to David S. Hutchinson for scanning these prints and negatives.

June 9, 2006  Newsletter Addenda on the Web

Newsletter readers may notice that certain articles conclude by mentioning a web address. This is a link to supplementary information on FBDP's web site. Here is an example: www.BedfordDepot.org/060607

June 9, 2006  "Bedford Depot News"

Volume 12, Issue 3, of FBDP's newsletter was mailed on June 9. Members: please contact clerk Ed Stickney should you not receive it within a couple weeks.

June 6, 2006  B&B Track Work

Foreman Tom Dickey has called a narrow-gauge work session for Saturday morning, June 24 (not on the 17th as previously noted). To be placed on his e-mail list, please contact Tom at: TomDickey@BedfordDepot.org

May 18, 2006  Funding for Depot Architectural Study

The Massachusetts Historical Commission has awarded Bedford a matching grant of $24,000 to perform an architectural study of the old Boston & Maine Railroad passenger station on Loomis Street. The study is to examine both the interior and exterior of the building, and will produce schematic design drawings for any proposed renovations. The project is being directed under the auspices of the Facilities Department.

April 11, 2006  Freight House Renovations Started

Interior demolition of Bedford Freight House is underway.

April 7, 2006  Mixed-Use Zoning

The Planning Board's proposed "village style zoning" for the Depot Park area was passed at Bedford's Annual Town Meeting.

April 7, 2006  "Bedford Depot News"

Volume 12, Issue 2, of FBDP's newsletter was mailed on April 3. Members: please contact clerk Ed Stickney should you not receive it within a couple weeks.

February 8, 2006  RDC 6211 Photo

Thanks to Richard Symmes and the Walker Transportation Collection at the Beverly Historical Society for sharing this snapshot of RDC 6211 that was taken in 1956.

February 2, 2006  RDC Operations Manual Is Donated

We thank engineer Alan E. MacMillan for donating his personal copy of a Budd RDC manual that he used on the B&M. It will be a fitting exhibit inside the restored #6211 at Depot Park.

January 5, 2006  More Video Exhibits Added

Three additional video clips from our June 2004 conversation with Ralph E. Fisher have been added to the Oral History page. The late Mr. Fisher occasionally worked on the Lexington Branch local freight train between 1946 and '52.

January 2, 2006  The Magnificent Models of Wilbur Frey

December 5, 2005  Volume Four DVD  

December 1, 2005  Freight House Renovations on the Horizon

Mass. Highway has informed the Bedford DPW of its intention to advertise the Freight House renovation project for bid. FBDP began the process of suspending its operations in the building in January. The contents are being placed in storage. We invite you to make a "virtual shopping visit" to the Freight House through our online store.

October 28, 2005  Intersection Nearing Completion

October 3, 2005  2005 Annual Meeting

Members attending the Annual Meeting on October 1 re-elected the incumbent officers to two-year terms. No other official business was transacted. A PDF of the Annual Report is available for download on the Meeting Minutes page.

June 21, 2005  Intersection Project Is Progressing

May 2, 2005  Rail-Trail Maps Are Now Available Online