(erielack) OT: read if you are riding/chasing #142 Sunday

["Inlinebob_@_aol.com"]

Hi,

If you are riding or chasing Susquehanna #142 on the CNJ mainline from 
Dunellen, NJ  tomorrow, take a few notes from today. E-9 2400 is on the east 
end to haul the train back to Dunellen, and it is needed to shove the heavy 
(and very nice) train west, too, as the 2-8-2 just can't tackle the Cushetunk 
Mountains on her own with such a train. Seeing steam on the Central main 
reminds one just how steep the climb to Glen Gardner is... and why the Lehigh 
Valley tunneled under Musconetcong (Jugtown, Trap Rock...) Mountain.

Anyway, one of the prime movers on the E-9 was running hot and the first 
train never made it to its destination of High Bridge, stopping just short of 
the I-78 bridge in Clinton. The next two trips also made it that far, 
avoiding running through the S-curves at Annandale which are steep and sharp.

The trouble with the E-unit played havoc with the schedule. Trains were as 
much as two hours late. Many buffs (including I) spent hours waiting on the 
scenic west end, sometimes further than the train went!

I watched the thrid trip just west of Lebanon. With both engines working, 
they were managing just 30 moh or so coming into Annandale and once again 
stopped before the curves.

A SAFETY NOTE: If you are chasing, a load of dirt bikersw and even some buffs 
in autos tried pacing the train west of Whitehouse where the grade of the 
second track is a maintainers road. Fans set up with tripods got a very 
unwelcome suprise as these people barreled right at them. The train crew did 
summon the police.

All in all, it was not the foamer fest one might think it would be.


Photo tip... the light on the curvge east of Sommerville station is PERFET 
for a westbound in late afternoon. Set up at the east end of the station. 
Also, the road to Round Valley resevoir has a great broadside shot just south 
of the tracks. Don't do the off-the-bridge-down the stack shot. Go to the 
side and get some nice scenery.

I have to say, it amazes me how many buffs I see regularly opt for the 3/4 
wedge grade crossing shot, as if NJ didn't have any nice scenery to include. 
Get out on the old CNJ tomorrow. 

It is worth it.

The NYS&W guys are A#1 grade A. Many thianks to them and NJ Trnasit. THey 
over came the problems and put on a fine show.

Here's to more!!!!!!!!

Rob Davis

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