We had to buzz off to Sandusky for a small "roadside emergency" and decided to
chase NS RoadRailer 261 as we had heard them making up that train
in the PRR yard during the drive into town.
We hadn't meant to go all the way to Bellevue, but we couldn't catch up to
the 261 once it had gotten past MP 105 on the Sandusky line because all the
nearby roads run diagonal to the railroad!
After a couple of hours of railfanning in Bellevue we wrapped up the day with
NS 14N working Gypsum at CP 251 on the NYC main.
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NS SD70M 2588 keeps company with C40-9W 9475 in Sandusky Yard while waiting for the crew called for RoadRailer 261 sitting in the background.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 181mm, 1/320 f14, ISO 200 5/16/01 3:38:10 PM - 1000x553 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1214KB) File="img_0976.jpg" Size=88092 |
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Compressed telephoto "wedgie" of the 2588.
The weather was starting to go away from us after a brief bout of sunshine. Time to pump up the ISO a little and get another f stop or two... Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 300mm, 1/320 f8.0, ISO 200 5/16/01 3:39:04 PM - 800x683 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1222KB) File="img_0977.jpg" Size=69667 |
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The 2588 has been crewed and is ready to back onto the 261.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/320 f6.3, ISO 200 5/16/01 3:43:24 PM - 1000x493 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1339KB) File="img_0978.jpg" Size=78966 |
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Looks like an outlawed crew was stuck somewhere on the 2588 and got bored.
The fuel tank has "12 WHEEL HOTEL" fingerpainted on its dust coating. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 93mm, 1/200 f5.6, ISO 200 5/16/01 3:44:32 PM - 800x533 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1138KB) File="img_0980.jpg" Size=43984 |
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We took a jaunt down the north end of the 261 to watch the "flying service" give FRED the once over.
Despite the FRED checking out at 11.8 volts the head end was happy with what they saw and the battery was not changed. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 211mm, 1/200 f10, ISO 200 5/16/01 3:51:00 PM - 800x533 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1224KB) File="img_0986.jpg" Size=62604 |
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The 2588 is in RUN-4 pumping air and is just about ready to depart.
That's the freshly rebuilt Rt. 2 overpass in the background. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 181mm, 1/200 f9.0, ISO 200 5/16/01 3:54:00 PM - 1000x492 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1044KB) File="img_0991.jpg" Size=52747 |
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261 is highballing south along Old Railroad Rd. just south of Sandusky past MP 106.
The cyclist looks like she's racing the train. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 217mm, 1/320 f8.0, ISO 400 5/16/01 4:14:14 PM - 1000x667 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1440KB) File="img_0997.jpg" Size=91783 |
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261 is about to negotiate the dogleg at Miller Rd and then it is a virtually straight shot all the way into Bellevue, about 8 miles south of here.
The cyclist's slim lead is evaporating... Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 217mm, 1/320 f10, ISO 400 5/16/01 4:14:59 PM - 1000x667 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1474KB) File="img_1000.jpg" Size=96644 |
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The amused crew of the 261 gives us a toot as the headlights produce a little lens flare at the Miller Rd. overpass.
Lens flare was a constant problem all day in the overcast lighting. We'll try the Tamron 28-300 off the Elan 35mm instead of the Sigma 28-300 tomorrow to see if it has less internal reflection. The cyclist has fallen back and conceded victory to the 261. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 149mm, 1/320 f18, ISO 400 5/16/01 4:15:11 PM - 1000x667 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1304KB) File="img_1004.jpg" Size=98479 |
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We tried to catch 261 at the MP 104 grade crossing, but he had too much of a lead on us. This is as close as we'd get all the way to Bellevue.
Next time we'll try Rt. 4 to beat the train there. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 300mm, 1/400 f13, ISO 400 5/16/01 4:17:56 PM - 950x333 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1476KB) File="img_1005.jpg" Size=41890 |
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Off of Harkness St. in Bellevue you can get this shot of the 1948 NKP roundhouse from the grade crossing. This entire area is plastered with NO TRESSPASSING signs.
The road across the tracks is a private NS road despite going all the way across and appearing to be a public street. A Bellevue street map shows a street in the yard named Nickel Plate Street. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 34mm, 1/400 f16, ISO 400 5/16/01 5:10:10 PM - 950x337 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1482KB) File="img_1011.jpg" Size=58618 |
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I was hoping for a full view of the front of the roundhouse today, but that was not to be.
This was the last major roundhouse built in this country. Former Conrail C39-8 class unit 8200 blocked this view the entire time I was in Bellevue. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 63mm, 1/400 f14, ISO 400 5/16/01 5:10:53 PM - 950x446 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1462KB) File="img_1014.jpg" Size=65314 |
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This was the best view of the turntable I could find today.
I'm about a mile away at the intersection of E. Center St. and S. Buckeye at the grade crossing and just happened to notice the hoop in the distance! Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 300mm, 1/400 f11, ISO 400 5/16/01 5:20:00 PM - 800x673 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1601KB) File="img_1018.jpg" Size=91176 |
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Telephoto view looking north from the grade crossing at E. Center St.
The NKP eastbound mainline swings off at right center and the W&LE is the track heading off at the lower right. The roundhouse is behind the yellow building at the upper left. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 181mm, 1/400 f14, ISO 400 5/16/01 5:21:20 PM - 950x633 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1701KB) File="img_1020.jpg" Size=123086 |
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Looking north from S. Buckeye at E. Center St.
The ex-PRR Sandusky line is to the far left with a position light signal still in use next to a classic NKP signal mast! Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 48mm, 1/320 f16, ISO 400 5/16/01 5:30:28 PM - 900x662 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1518KB) File="img_1025.jpg" Size=93043 |
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C40-9W 9145 is making up a westbound at the west end of the yard.
It would be nice to get a shot of an eastbound for the Wheeling snaking from the north yard lead all the way over to the connection :) Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 300mm, 1/320 f11, ISO 400 5/16/01 5:33:14 PM - 950x633 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1513KB) File="img_1026.jpg" Size=98556 |
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Here comes the 9145 west for the Chicago main.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 55mm, 1/320 f16, ISO 400 5/16/01 5:34:19 PM - 950x633 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1527KB) File="img_1031.jpg" Size=92871 |
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We've seen the NS paint jobs get more and more spartan the past couple of years.
This must be the latest "stealth" livery. "We don't care what number it is, if it runs put it on the train and run it!" Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/320 f14, ISO 400 5/16/01 5:34:48 PM - 950x633 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1286KB) File="img_1032.jpg" Size=78302 |
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10 minutes later this northbound coal drag off the ex-Pennsy line surprised us.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 300mm, 1/320 f5.6, ISO 400 5/16/01 5:45:12 PM - 950x633 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1461KB) File="img_1036.jpg" Size=86666 |
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PRR C40-8W 8367 crosses Monroe St. heading eastbound on the NKP main.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/320 f9.0, ISO 400 5/16/01 5:45:44 PM - 950x633 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1526KB) File="img_1038.jpg" Size=86294 |
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The 8367 going away at E. Center St.
The ex-Pennsy Sandusky line crosses the connection to the ex-W&LE at left. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 81mm, 1/320 f11, ISO 400 5/16/01 5:46:09 PM - 950x633 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1708KB) File="img_1041.jpg" Size=115502 |
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Half an hour later our old friend the 9475 from from Sandusky heads south through town with empties from the Sandusky docks for the mines.
This train was being crewed and told to double out of the PRR yard just as the 261 left Sandusky. It was a very long train of MTs with only one unit. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 125mm, 1/400 f11, ISO 400 5/16/01 6:15:55 PM - 950x633 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1605KB) File="img_1045.jpg" Size=112009 |
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C40-9W 9475 bangs the diamond at the old Wheeling connection before hopping on the NKP main for a very short stretch to the ex-PRR at the south end of town.
This location must have been completely awesome in steam days! Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 71mm, 1/400 f14, ISO 400 5/16/01 6:16:11 PM - 950x633 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1689KB) File="img_1048.jpg" Size=112693 |
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The "Thouroughbred" is getting a little grubby on the nose.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 48mm, 1/400 f10, ISO 400 5/16/01 6:16:23 PM - 950x705 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1657KB) File="img_1050.jpg" Size=108720 |
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This tower once controlled diamonds for the PRR, LS&MS and W&LE before everything was ripped out and rearranged.
If not for the new W&LE this former four RR city would be a one RR town. It's time to head back west again, next stop Gypsum! Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/400 f14, ISO 400 5/16/01 6:16:39 PM - 950x633 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1367KB) File="img_1054.jpg" Size=69464 |
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B36-7 3628 on NS 14N has made its set out at Gypsum and is pulling out of the siding.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 34mm, 1/160 f7.1, ISO 400 5/16/01 6:54:44 PM - 950x633 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1475KB) File="img_1058.jpg" Size=103757 |
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14N pulls up to the CP 251 signals so the conductor can line the switch back to the main behind it.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/160 f8.0, ISO 400 5/16/01 6:55:38 PM - 950x494 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1647KB) File="img_1061.jpg" Size=77779 |
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B36-7 3628, SD60 6571, ex-SOU high nose B30-7A 3514 and SD60 6558 back to the link on 14N at Gypsum.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/160 f8.0, ISO 400 5/16/01 6:56:08 PM - 950x530 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1602KB) File="img_1064.jpg" Size=84066 |
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Backing to the tie...
This was a 4 track main through here in NYC days. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 181mm, 1/200 f7.1, ISO 400 5/16/01 6:56:47 PM - 950x600 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1414KB) File="img_1067.jpg" Size=73591 |
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The lead GE smokes it up for the highball as the lens reflection ruins my shot...
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 93mm, 1/160 f9.0, ISO 400 5/16/01 7:14:48 PM - 950x637 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1424KB) File="img_1078.jpg" Size=70924 |
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The 14N continues to throttle up for the brief run to CP 244 and a meet with Amtrak 43 who needs to run around another westbound there.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 63mm, 1/160 f5.0, ISO 400 5/16/01 7:15:17 PM - 950x633 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1437KB) File="img_1079.jpg" Size=83728 |
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High green at CP 251 on track 2 east.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 34mm, 1/160 f4.5, ISO 400 5/16/01 7:15:31 PM - 950x633 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1449KB) File="img_1082.jpg" Size=93547 |
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The 3628 knocks the 2512E signal down.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 81mm, 1/160 f5.6, ISO 400 5/16/01 7:15:41 PM - 950x685 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1201KB) File="img_1086.jpg" Size=73207 |
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I have been seriously neglecting freight cars over the years so I have pledged to start making up for that!
This is 50' box CNW 155287. Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/160 f7.1, ISO 400 5/16/01 7:17:28 PM - 950x549 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1368KB) File="img_1088.jpg" Size=71118 |
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3 bay covered grain hopper, SOO 74699.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/160 f5.6, ISO 400 5/16/01 7:18:03 PM - 950x592 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1491KB) File="img_1089.jpg" Size=85464 |
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ACF Airslide, CNW 180055.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/160 f4.0, ISO 400 5/16/01 7:18:57 PM - 950x512 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1330KB) File="img_1090.jpg" Size=65502 |
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50' gon, MP 650761.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 28mm, 1/160 f3.5, ISO 400 5/16/01 7:19:13 PM - 800x367 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1565KB) File="img_1091.jpg" Size=55066 |
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50' flat, South Shore CSS 18012.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 34mm, 1/160 f4.0, ISO 400 5/16/01 7:19:29 PM - 800x315 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1507KB) File="img_1092.jpg" Size=46298 |
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50' Airslide covered hopper, SOO 74185.
Canon EOS D30 28-300mm at 34mm, 1/160 f7.1, ISO 400 5/16/01 7:19:43 PM - 950x575 JPEG (Original: 2160x1440 1445KB) File="img_1093.jpg" Size=77807 |