Big Four around New London, B&O from RAMEY to Attica Junction and PRR Attica Jct. to Bellevue, Ohio Photos on September 8 and 9, 2001
I met up with JK and JO for a great time watching trains Saturday evening
through Sunday morning and then worked my home via CSX and NS on Sunday
afternoon through lots of previously unvisited territory.
It was a great Railfanning Weekend
overall and I would like to take this opportunity to dedicate these photos and
this space to the victims and heros of the
World Trade Center Terrorist Attack.
GO GET THE SCUMBAGS, DUBBYA!
Thumbnail Page for Directory newlondon09-08-01
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After setting up camp at New London Reservoir Park we unpacked the camera gear and settled in for some train watching.
The first train I lensed on the Big Four CSX Greenwich Sub was westbound Q351-07 (Selkirk to the UP at Proviso Yard) with UP SD70M 4216 in the lead. UP SD60M 6338 and UP SD70M 4172 trailed, leading a whole bunch of reefers, man. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 71mm, 1/160 f11, ISO 200 9/8/01 4:53:46 PM - 800x533 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1721KB) File="img_2239.jpg" Size=93316 |
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Nose shot of the 4215 through the brush.
New London Reservoir Park is more of a train watching place than a photo location. The sights and sounds don't translate well to still images! Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 300mm, 1/160 f8.0, ISO 200 9/8/01 4:53:51 PM - 800x533 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1280KB) File="img_2242.jpg" Size=81889 |
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Eastbound Q366-07 was up next on track 1 with C40-8W 7702 leading the 8689 and 7767 from Louisville to Buffalo.
The New London detector reported 232 axles and we heard he had 35 cars waiting for him at Wellington, a short distance away from our location. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 125mm, 1/320 f8.0, ISO 400 9/8/01 6:10:41 PM - 800x526 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1652KB) File="img_2243.jpg" Size=110021 |
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Ex-Conrail SD60M 8771 leads C40-8W 7390 and C40-8W 7870 west on L185-07.
Westbound on track 2, the Boston Beacon Park to Chicago 63rd St. train had a healthy 454 axles according to the New London detector. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 93mm, 1/320 f6.3, ISO 400 9/8/01 6:57:05 PM - 800x533 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1545KB) File="img_2247.jpg" Size=83070 |
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AC44's 316 and Two Digit 57 lead CR painted C40-8W 7374 west on track two on Q109-08.
This North Bergen, NJ to Willow Springs, Ill TOFC had 316 axles and had picked up the 57 at Selkirk after leaving North Bergen with only two units. In Conrail days this train was known as TV99. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 55mm, 1/320 f5.6, ISO 400 9/8/01 7:05:44 PM - 800x536 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1446KB) File="img_2251.jpg" Size=75740 |
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After losing our light we kicked back and relaxed for some plain old train watching, which is what this site is all about!
After a busy night on the Big Four the morning light brought us westbound Q159-07 with C40-8W 7887 leading C40-8 7607 from Port Newark, NJ to Chicago's Corwith Yard with a long string of auto-racks. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 93mm, 1/250 f8.0, ISO 200 9/9/01 8:11:19 AM - 800x587 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1355KB) File="img_2255.jpg" Size=89926 |
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Hot on the heels of Q159 was Q165-07 with CSX painted ex-CR C40-8W 7369 leading CR painted C40-8W 7322 on track 2.
This 316 axle train was westbound from South Kearny, NJ to the BNSF at Cicero Yard, which it reached at 3:45PM. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 125mm, 1/250 f8.0, ISO 200 9/9/01 8:22:26 AM - 800x533 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1274KB) File="img_2258.jpg" Size=74247 |
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Eastbound L116-09 blew through 7 minutes later on track 1 with AC60 656 leading the 646. 12,000 horsepower for 208 axles!
L116 runs from Rose Lake, Ill. to Beacon Park Yard in Boston, Mass. which it reached at 8:53AM the next morning. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 300mm, 1/250 f6.3, ISO 200 9/9/01 8:29:22 AM - 800x516 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1231KB) File="img_2262.jpg" Size=83283 |
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Five minutes later we were treated to B36-7 5855 leading Q365-08 west out of the morning sun on track 2.
Trailing was C40-8 7523 and GP38-2 2723 to make it an all standard cab lashup! The Buffalo, NY to Cincinnati, OH train had 222 axles and JK cussing because he missed the shot of the endangered Dash 7! Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 300mm, 1/250 f8.0, ISO 200 9/9/01 8:34:58 AM - 800x533 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1338KB) File="img_2270.jpg" Size=96164 |
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Q365's trailing GP38-2 2723 shows off her fresh paint in the morning sun, but the blue smoke testifies to the less than pristine condition of the prime mover...
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 300mm, 1/250 f5.6, ISO 200 9/9/01 8:35:03 AM - 800x533 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1440KB) File="img_2278.jpg" Size=89968 |
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XNJon watches the Q365 pass from the campsite as JK tries in vain to get a shot through the brush.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/250 f5.6, ISO 200 9/9/01 8:35:07 AM - 800x533 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 2393KB) File="img_2281.jpg" Size=152499 |
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We packed up camp and bid farewell to XNJon before heading over to the levee at the southwest corner of the reservoir.
"White Roof" SD50 8637 leads AC60 675 east across Greenwich East Town Line Rd at MP GH49.82 on Q160-09 while JK lenses the head end. Q160 runs from 63rd St Yard in Chicago to North Bergen, NJ and had 292 axles this day. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/400 f9.0, ISO 200 9/9/01 10:03:09 AM - 800x533 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1777KB) File="img_2292.jpg" Size=87397 |
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Going away shot of the Q160 showing the reservoir. The track 1 EB signal is just visible to the right of the head end at the gap in the brush.
This location is about one mile west of our campsite and offers great pastoral views of the Big Four running through the Ohio countryside. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/400 f11, ISO 200 9/9/01 10:03:23 AM - 1000x408 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1741KB) File="img_2297.jpg" Size=85359 |
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Eastbound Q164-09 with SD50 8586 and repainted CR SD60M 8779 rolls across Greenwich East Town Line Rd with 296 axles of doublestacks trailing.
The Chicago 59th St. train rolled into Kearny Yard in NJ at 7:35AM the next morning. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/400 f7.1, ISO 200 9/9/01 10:16:41 AM - 800x533 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1429KB) File="img_2300.jpg" Size=67891 |
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Going away shot of the Q164 approaching the EB track 1 CP49 signal at the east end of the reservoir.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/400 f8.0, ISO 200 9/9/01 10:16:53 AM - 800x533 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1412KB) File="img_2302.jpg" Size=70141 |
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Next up was westbound GEAX coal empties on E940-08. SD40-2 8173 and CEFX SD40 rebuild 3108.
E940 currently runs empty coal gons between Willoughby, OH and the North Rochelle Mine in Wyoming. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 34mm, 1/400 f13, ISO 200 9/9/01 10:24:26 AM - 800x533 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1546KB) File="img_2307.jpg" Size=79179 |
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Power shot of the E940 on track 2 clearly showing the lack of a coolant sight glass on the CEFX 3108 and the longer "porch" of "White Roof" CSX 8173.
The E940 used to be known as a Grand Rapids, MI to Danville, WV CPOX empty gon train showing how these assignments can rapidly change. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 34mm, 1/400 f8.0, ISO 200 9/9/01 10:24:32 AM - 800x487 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1835KB) File="img_2312.jpg" Size=97944 |
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The tail end of the E940 passing a classic Ohio farm just west of the reservoir levee. I just liked the whole scene :)
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/400 f11, ISO 200 9/9/01 10:26:19 AM - 1000x307 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1458KB) File="img_2313.jpg" Size=40282 |
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We headed over to the B&O Chicago mainline at RAMEY, defect detector BG 188.5, WB signal W188-17 and EB signal "G" as we had advance warning for eastbound Q138-09.
C40-8W 7666 splits the RAMEY signals on track 2 with ex_CR SD60 8718 and C40-8 7639 trailing. This TOFC train of 296 axles runs from 63rd St. Yard in Chicago to Penn Mary Yard in Baltimore. It used to be Conrail TV138, obviously on a _very_ different routing. Conductor Al Nemetz got spooked by my leaning toward the right of way to get the shot beyond the G signal mast and worried because I was "caught" on the wrong side of the train on the embankment. There was plenty of room to walk up to the cabin and plenty of time to get out of the way. I don't like leaning in to get a shot, but there just aren't many angle options at RAMEY on the right side of the sun. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 107mm, 1/400 f10, ISO 200 9/9/01 10:51:58 AM - 800x533 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1640KB) File="img_2326.jpg" Size=96066 |
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You can get a better idea of what the track 2 side looks like from this going away shot of the Q138.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 41mm, 1/80 f20, ISO 200 9/9/01 10:53:29 AM - 800x533 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1521KB) File="img_2328.jpg" Size=84445 |
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We had heard eastbound Q392-09 on the scanner just before we caught Q138 and knew it was a Willard-Buffalo Big Four train so as soon as Q138 cleared we scurried back to the Greenwich Sub.
All the worry that it would beat us was for naught as we had a good 5 minutes before C40-8W 7817 hove into view around the bend at the New London defect detector. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 107mm, 1/80 f20, ISO 200 9/9/01 11:18:02 AM - 800x533 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1765KB) File="img_2335.jpg" Size=108482 |
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The closer it got, the better it looked! 4 units including two Dash 7's and a switcher.
C40-8W 7817 leads CP paint C36-7 7127, C30-7 7052 and unidentified SW1500 (?) rebuild 9568. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 41mm, 1/80 f20, ISO 200 9/9/01 11:18:16 AM - 800x558 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1683KB) File="img_2338.jpg" Size=81792 |
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Can you identify this switcher? We've drawn a blank after hours of research!
9568 is apparently something rebuilt with SW1500 parts. It doesn't appear to be ex-CR/exx-PC SW1500 9568. It caught me unawares and this going away shot was the best I could do. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 34mm, 1/80 f22, ISO 200 9/9/01 11:18:23 AM - 800x533 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1178KB) File="img_2340.jpg" Size=63503 |
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Here's the one that got away...
Once again the scanner hailed us back to the B&O main at RAMEY (close by) and I set up for a going away shot through the signals. I fired off a quick three frame burst of the oncoming shot and AUGH!!!! the battery went dead. I had another charged battery, but hadn't even checked the one in the camera as I had never had one go dead this fast before. So I didn't get the shot I wanted of Q359-08 Cumbo to Avon with SD40-2 8065 leading SD40-2 8133 and a FURX SD40 rebuild with 454 axles. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 107mm, 1/80 f22, ISO 200 9/9/01 11:28:35 AM - 800x533 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1009KB) File="img_2343.jpg" Size=60765 |
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This is the shot I wanted, sans train :(
Fresh battery, but bummed out photographer.....STUPID ME! Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/400 f11, ISO 200 9/9/01 11:31:15 AM - 800x533 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1858KB) File="img_2345.jpg" Size=103154 |
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Jeff had family to see that afternoon so we parted ways and I was off to Willard, with a few stops in between, of course.
The B&O New Castle and NYC Big Four diamonds at Greenwich obliged me with eastbound X108-09, Roselake, IL to Buffalo, NY autoracks and trailers. C40-8W 7853 leads C40-8W 7750 at the Greenwich (GREEN WITCH not Grennitch!) diamonds. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 217mm, 1/320 f8.0, ISO 200 9/9/01 11:59:43 AM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1343KB) File="img_2361.jpg" Size=98156 |
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The State Road grade crossing at BG MP 198 yielded the MoW crew which had been slowing things down for the Chicago main.
Here Q351-08 rounds the bend at the slow order, "making lots of noise" for the track gang. Thanks to the slow order we'll be able to chase him all the way into Willard Yard. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 217mm, 1/320 f9.0, ISO 200 9/9/01 12:22:13 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1614KB) File="img_2372.jpg" Size=131401 |
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UP SD70M 4051 with UP Two Window SD60M 6293 trailing on westbound Q351 passes the track crews at State Rd, BG 198, at restricted speed.
Q351 is a daily train from Selkirk Yard to the UP at Proviso Yard in Illinois and is carded as a mixed freight. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 300mm, 1/320 f8.0, ISO 200 9/9/01 12:22:47 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1278KB) File="img_2376.jpg" Size=93113 |
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Q351's UP SD70M 4051 crawled by the gang slowly enough so that I had more than enough time to grab a three shot burst of it in the classic wedgie pose.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 48mm, 1/320 f11, ISO 200 9/9/01 12:22:58 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1873KB) File="img_2379.jpg" Size=148442 |
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Going away shot at State Rd. by the Boughtonville Elevator siding and BG 198 "Boughtonville Crossovers."
I'm outta here, the chase is on! Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 125mm, 1/320 f11, ISO 200 9/9/01 12:23:11 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1379KB) File="img_2382.jpg" Size=91104 |
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I'm buzzing along at about 50MPH to get ahead of Q351 and just can't resist an attempt at the out the window shot about two minutes later.
Here we are between New State Rd and Walnut Rd, I've got to put on some more speed to beat him to the Walnut Rd. overpass less than a mile away with time to climb the bank and set up the shot. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 48mm, 1/320 f14, ISO 200 9/9/01 12:25:24 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1381KB) File="img_2384.jpg" Size=93249 |
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Beat him! Another boring wedgie of the UP widecabs, but I don't care, I just successfully "Dukes of Hazzarded" the long way around Q351 with time to spare :)
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 149mm, 1/320 f13, ISO 200 9/9/01 12:27:00 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1253KB) File="img_2388.jpg" Size=82953 |
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The crew looks at me like they think I'm nuts as I squeeze off another burst of three frames at the Walnut Rd. overpass.
Three shot brackets really help to get usable shots when the oncoming and going away lighting are radically different. Do I care if they think I'm nuts? Hell, I KNOW I'm nuts... Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/320 f14, ISO 200 9/9/01 12:27:04 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1388KB) File="img_2390.jpg" Size=96208 |
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Here's where that bracketting pays off as I turn and jack the lens out 2/3rds of the way to catch the Approach Medium at WB #1 signal 1993.
Just visible in the distance is a Slow Clear signal on track 1 just ahead of the next track crew whose headlights are visible on track 2. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 181mm, 1/320 f10, ISO 200 9/9/01 12:27:17 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1593KB) File="img_2391.jpg" Size=118770 |
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Q351 crosses Rt. 61 as I race him to the Peru Center Rd. crossovers.
I slowed down a little and shot this wide-angle out the passenger side window of the Blazer. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/320 f14, ISO 200 9/9/01 12:30:12 PM - 900x572 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1726KB) File="img_2394.jpg" Size=103928 |
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Just past the track gang, Q351 takes the signal at the Peru Center Rd. crossovers.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 181mm, 1/320 f11, ISO 200 9/9/01 12:31:38 PM - 900x628 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1459KB) File="img_2398.jpg" Size=105019 |
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Back out to a wide angle wedgie, then turn for.....
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/320 f14, ISO 200 9/9/01 12:32:15 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1753KB) File="img_2401.jpg" Size=122133 |
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..the going away shot with MoW truck 75288 doing the rollby.
Up ahead we gain an extra main for the 1-1/2 mile approach to Willard Yard. From right to left are mains 1 to 3. One main continues around the north side of Willard Yard while 2 and 3 mains come out of the eastbound receiving yard on the south side. We'll see the other side of this curve in the next shot as we bid BG 201.79 farewell and head to East Willard. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 63mm, 1/320 f11, ISO 200 9/9/01 12:32:44 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1547KB) File="img_2405.jpg" Size=107913 |
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Stopping on the overpass at East Willard we lens Q351 through the exhaust of an auto-parts and racks train departing Willard Yard.
The curve in the distance is the same one from the previous shot on the other side, Q351 is crawling at this point. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 300mm, 1/320 f10, ISO 200 9/9/01 12:36:41 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1497KB) File="img_2408.jpg" Size=111089 |
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Pulling back on the lens we get a better idea of how far away Q351 is from East Willard interlocking.
Note all the old ties littering the RoW from recent trackwork and the dedicated stairs down to the signal bridge. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 48mm, 1/320 f11, ISO 200 9/9/01 12:36:48 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1692KB) File="img_2411.jpg" Size=121639 |
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Moving over to the other side of the overpass at East Willard we get a good view of the eastbound auto racks snaking from track 2 to track 1 through all the signal bridges.
The tail end of the train is moving through RX interlocking where the B&O line to Sandusky used to cross the Chicago main. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 300mm, 1/320 f9.0, ISO 200 9/9/01 12:37:20 PM - 900x590 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1564KB) File="img_2414.jpg" Size=112487 |
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Q351 moves past "East Willard B House" as the eastbound auto racks continue on by.
Note the new culverts by the cabin and signal bridge, good modeling details! Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 48mm, 1/320 f9.0, ISO 200 9/9/01 12:39:23 PM - 900x594 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 2139KB) File="img_2417.jpg" Size=152238 |
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Q351's head end and the eastbound's tail end meet at the East Willard crossovers by the Third St grade crossing.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 300mm, 1/320 f7.1, ISO 200 9/9/01 12:40:12 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1491KB) File="img_2420.jpg" Size=114650 |
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We bid farewell to Q351 as it moves from Main 1 onto the "NEW LEAD" to the westbound receiving yard at RX A HOUSE by Front St. in East Willard.
Q351 frequently spends 4 or more hours being reblocked at Willard before moving on to Chicago. It's now 12 or so hours away from interchange with the UP. Time to work my way over to the west end of the yard... Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/320 f7.1, ISO 200 9/9/01 12:43:19 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1508KB) File="img_2422.jpg" Size=104027 |
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We catch eastbound Q386 moving through RX past the CSX Northern Region Detroit Division "Spirit of Safety" heavyweight coach.
Note the fuel truck by the RX eastbound absolute signal bridge. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 55mm, 1/320 f13, ISO 200 9/9/01 12:46:15 PM - 900x436 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1604KB) File="img_2425.jpg" Size=64936 |
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Portrait of the "Spirit of Safety" car. Gotta love those 6 wheel passenger trucks!
The East Willard "Crew Room" is at the far right of the photo as the Q386 moves by. Q386-09 is just starting its daily journey from Willard to Selkirk Yard. It used to use Conrail symbol CWSE. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 55mm, 1/320 f11, ISO 200 9/9/01 12:46:36 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1708KB) File="img_2428.jpg" Size=137537 |
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GP40 6441 and GP35 Slug 2214 are working the westbound receiving yard from the BLOCK SWAP LEAD.
The Willard west end crew building is visible at the far left. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 93mm, 1/400 f13, ISO 200 9/9/01 1:11:44 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1786KB) File="img_2435.jpg" Size=125660 |
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The slug set pauses for their reverse move onto the Westbound Yard Lead from the Block Swap Lead.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 300mm, 1/500 f8.0, ISO 200 9/9/01 1:20:35 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1863KB) File="img_2439.jpg" Size=146095 |
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Q634-08 with SD40 Slug Mother 6465 trailing GP30 "Road Slug" 2261 catches a band of sunlight on 2 main just past the Daniels Road westbound signals.
Q634 runs mixed freight daily from Russell, KY to Willard Yard via the C&O to Fostoria then the B&O to Willard. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 300mm, 1/500 f11, ISO 200 9/9/01 1:25:01 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1360KB) File="img_2444.jpg" Size=86956 |
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Q634 takes the eastbound J Tower signal on track 2.
You can really get an idea of the distance between the J Tower and Daniels Road signals from this shot. From the new Section Line Rd. overpass you can see eastbounds coming for close to a half hour sometimes. The bridge has generous shoulders and no fences to obstruct photography. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 41mm, 1/500 f10, ISO 200 9/9/01 1:27:25 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1853KB) File="img_2450.jpg" Size=133000 |
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Good overhead view of GP30 Slug 2261 at the J Tower signal mast by Townline Rd. showing the blanked out fans, hood doors and exhaust port.
Another good shot for present day CSX modelers. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/500 f6.3, ISO 200 9/9/01 1:27:39 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1731KB) File="img_2453.jpg" Size=129134 |
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Q634 slows to a stop by the westbound J Tower signal ahead of the Eastbound Receiving Yard crossover which is already lined for him.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/500 f7.1, ISO 200 9/9/01 1:27:50 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 2054KB) File="img_2456.jpg" Size=149704 |
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I moved down to Old Section Line Rd. to head west on Town Line Rd. and paused for this shot of the Q634 waiting for permission to enter the receiving yard.
This slug set will return to Russell, KY as Q635 in the morning which has been their regular assignment for a while despite getting sidetracked from Willard to Cleveland and back via Sterling 4 days ago as the daily Q354-05/Q355-06 mixed transfer. It's time to head west to Attica Junction! Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/500 f13, ISO 200 9/9/01 1:30:39 PM - 900x419 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1540KB) File="img_2459.jpg" Size=45292 |
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This is the view of Attica Junction and the B&O Chicago main looking north toward Bellevue from the NS' ex-PRR line from Columbus.
This line has recently been double-tracked in anticipation of increased north-south traffic out of the hub at Bellevue. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 300mm, 1/500 f9.0, ISO 200 9/9/01 1:46:39 PM - 900x570 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1499KB) File="img_2463.jpg" Size=99595 |
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This view looks east on the B&O at the crossovers which bracket the four PRR diamonds.
This is milepost BI 8.1 on the Willard Sub with signal rules 265 to 271 and a 60 MPH speed limit. Track 1 is to the left and track 2 to the right. Route 4 to Bellevue and Sandusky is conveniently only 1/10th of a mile from the diamonds. I haven't heard anthing on the scanner for a while and I'm anxious to get to Bellevue and home to Port Clinton so I press on down Rt. 4. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 107mm, 1/500 f8.0, ISO 200 9/9/01 1:50:18 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1953KB) File="img_2466.jpg" Size=153940 |
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AUGH! I have doglegged over to County Rd. 29 to follow the PRR into Sandusky and see a southbound NS mixed making time. Doesn't it figure!
I make one of those movie style highway speed 180's and push it up to 80 to get ahead of him again. I dash about 4 miles back to Town Rd. 126 and slide to a stop at the grade crossing, beating the southbound by less than a minute. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 125mm, 1/320 f10, ISO 200 9/9/01 2:03:48 PM - 1200x447 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1468KB) File="img_2469.jpg" Size=90725 |
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Leading the NS southbound is C40-9W 9215 and is followed by C40-9W 9142, CR paint LMS[X] 717 and GP60 7108.
I would have tried to beat it the 4 miles back to Attica Jct, but that would have involved a dogleg and two grade crossings on the way into town and I wasn't sure I could beat it even more heinously trangressing the vehicle and traffic code. Nope, nope, nope, not gonna risk losing my license for a lashup of whinin' donkeys, even on the ex-PRR... Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 55mm, 1/320 f11, ISO 200 9/9/01 2:04:00 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1659KB) File="img_2471.jpg" Size=111284 |
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This is the view from Harrison Street in Bellevue looking north toward Bellevue Yard.
The ex-PRR line from Sandusky to Columbus crosses the connection to the ex-W&LE/NKP at the diamond in front of the PRR position light signal before the PRR line joins up with NKP main for a short distance until it splits off again toward Attica Jct. at t he south end of town. The train of auto racks is crossing over to get to the ex-W&LE line to Fremont and Toledo. Bellevue is an awesome railfan spot, even if you aren't fond of the NS. At one time the PRR, LS&MS/NYC, W&LE and NKP all had facilities and crossed each other right where I am standing here in town. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 181mm, 1/320 f9.0, ISO 200 9/9/01 2:22:21 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1568KB) File="img_2475.jpg" Size=118539 |
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GP60 7128 has the signal for the W&LE at South West Street and is trailed by high nose GP40 5011 as it moves on to the ex-W&LE westbound toward Fremont.
Directly behind the signal is the old LS&MS NYC freight house which is owned by the Mad River & NKP Historical Society which sprawls across both sides of the ex-W&LE and NYC tracks here. The LS&MS through here was at one time their "Southern Division" mainline between Lorain and Millbury. Most of it was torn out some time around "The Great Purge of 1983" via Conrail's Scorched Earth Policy which halved CR's track mileage. Even though it is not yet 2:30 I'm anxious to get home as the light is lousy and I've already had a great two days worth of Railfanning! Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 71mm, 1/320 f5.0, ISO 200 9/9/01 2:25:41 PM - 900x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1512KB) File="img_2479.jpg" Size=117402 |