Trackside Log for Saturday, December 29, 2007

Marcus and I woke up and got on the road. Very close to the Courtyard hotel where we stayed is Duncansville, Pennsylvania where the Everett Railroad stores some of its equipment. We stopped by there to see what we could photograph.

• 0904 Duncansville, PA - Everett Railroad power - EV 1712-EV 1828 (photo 1, photo 2)
• 0910 Duncansville, PA - Everett Railroad power - EV 4 (photo)

Now we headed over to the Norfolk Southern. First stop was the Gallitzin tunnels. Soon after we arrived a westbound popped through the tunnel.

• 0937 Gallitzin, PA - NS westbound - NS 7611-NS 9835 (photo)

Marcus had never been to Horseshoe Curve before so we made the short drive and climbed the many stairs. Traffic seemed uncharacteristically quiet this day. Later we learned that Norfolk Southern had a derailment the day before. Six ethanol cars derailed west of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. That would explain it.

• 1000 Horseshoe Curve, PA - static display - PRR 7048 (photo)
• 1020 Horseshoe Curve, PA - NS westbound - NS 7618-NS 9402
• 1035 Horseshoe Curve, PA - NS 23Z west - NS 9453-NS 9836

Marcus and I wanted to check out some more locations so we headed over to Lilly to hopefully see a train or two. Fortunately intermodal trains were still running.

• 1143 Lilly, PA - NS 21A west - NS 7560-NS 9750
• 1232 Lilly, PA - NS 22Q east - NS 9443-BNSF 910 w/ helper NS 3343-NS 3349
• 1236 Lilly,PA - NS eastbound - NS 2775-BNSF 4765

I also wanted to show Marcus the railfan bridge in Cassandra so we popped over there.

• 1324 Cassandra, PA - NS helper eastbound - NS 3359-NS 3339 (photo)
• 1342 Cassandra, PA - NS helper westbound - NS 3350-NS 3337

You know it's a bad day at the tracks when all you see are helper sets running back and forth. Well, since not much was going on and it was only a two day trip, Marcus and I called it quits and drove back home. I hope the next time I go to Cresson will be more fruitful.

Trackside Log for Friday, December 28, 2007

Marcus and I got together during some vacation time over the holidays to take a quick trip down to the former Pennsylvania Railroad around Cresson, Pennsylvania. We took a railway highlight route down to Altoona where we were to stay the night. First stop was the gravel quarry north of Salamanca where a Buffalo & Pittsburgh GP9 is stationed.

• 1135 north of Salamanca, NY - Buffalo and Pittsburgh power - BPRR 203 (photo 1, photo 2)

Quite recently the Western New York and Pennsylvania had taken over a portion of the former PRR Buffalo Line between Olean, New York and Driftwood, Pennsylvania. We stopped off at Olean to see what was there and if they might be running the line.

• 1240 Olean, NY - Western New York and Pennsylvania power - WNYP 431 (photo 1, photo 2)
• 1242 Olean, NY - Western New York and Pennsylvania power - HLCX 7201-WNYP 430 (photo 1, photo 2)

Everything was parked and it didn't appear that they were heading out any time soon so we drove on down the Buffalo Line. In keating we encountered a pair of Norfolk Southern SD60Is still in Conrail paint on the R. J. Corman interchange in Keating, Pennsylvania.

• 1457 Keating, PA - R.J. Corman power - NS 6725-NS 6718 (photo 1, photo 2)

Continuing south we heard on the scanner that a northbound coal train was approaching. We quickly scoped out a decent location to photograph it.

• 1558 Hyner, PA - NS 631 north - NS 2582-NS 6648 (photo)

Once we got to Lock Haven we quickly discovered that the Nittany and Bald Eagle was not in town but a pair of Norfolk Southern engines were.

• 1630 Lock Haven, PA - NS power - NS 5101-NS 4620 (photo 1, photo 2)

It was getting pretty dark by now so Marcus and I drove straight to Altoona after a few photos.

Trackside Log for Saturday, December 8, 2007

Well I'd spent the morning photographing children sitting on Santa's lap at the agricultural hall in Binbrook. After that mayhem I needed some quiet time. Copetown and the Canadian National Dundas Subdivision fit the bill. I made the short drive and relaxed trackside to see what whould transpire. The first event was the arrival of train 148.

• 1230 Copetown - CN 148 east - CN 5704-CN 8005
• 1254 Copetown - Via 72 east - Via 901
• 1258 Copetown - Via 73 west - Via 6416
• 1309 Copetown - CN eastbound - CN 5791-CN 9416
• 1326 Copetown - CN westbound - CN 5769-CN 2638-CN 5263

The weather was starting to get rather cloudy so I decided to call it a day. I left to return to Binbrook since I'd be attending the Hamilton Bulldogs game that evening.

Trackside Log for Saturday, October 6, 2007

Today Sam and I were driving to Pinawa, Manitoba to visit some of Sam's family there. Along the way we stopped off in Beaucejour, Manitoba to photograph a former Manitoba Pool elevator and a former Canadian Pacific caboose that was parked in front of it.

• 1229 CDT Beausejour, MB - static display - CP 434449 caboose (photo)

We continued on to visit Sam's family where we had a really nice Thanksgiving dinner. Unfortunately this was our last day on our "Elevators 2007" trip to the prairies. All in all it was great though. We got to see great scenery, take lots of photographs and relax.

Trackside Log for Friday, October 5, 2007

Today was devoted to the railways. Sam and I drove out to Portage la Prairie to watch trains. Both Canadian National and Canadian Pacific main lines pass through this once vital grain hub. No elevators remain in Portage la Prairie. We were subject to very cloudy weather with spits of rain so slides were out.

• 1139 CDT Portage la Prairie, MB - CN 114 east - CN 5751-CN 5288 (photo)
• 1205 CDT Portage la Prairie, MB - CP westbound - CP 9122 (photo)
• 1317 CDT Portage la Prairie, MB - CN 111 west - CN 8007-CN 2573-CN 5403 (photo)
• 1333 CDT Portage la Prairie, MB - CN westbound - CN 2640-CN 2427 (photo)
• 1359 CDT Portage la Prairie, MB - CP eastbound - CP 8607-CP 8651

After a while we headed back toward Winnipeg and made a pitstop in Dacotah, MB. Sadly the elevator that I photographed here several years ago was now gone.

• 1522 CDT Dacotah, MB - CN 450 east - CN 5544-CN 5265 (photo)

And that was about it. There were certainly fewer trains that I was hoping for and the weather sure didn't cooperate, but at least we saw something.

Trackside Log for Thursday, October 4, 2007

Sam and I headed out once again this morning into a beautiful sunny day. The hunt for grain elevators continued. As I always do on these trips I keep the scanner on just in case. Today as we were following an abandoned Canadian National branch I heard a Canadian Pacific grain tramp obtain a clearance onto the Arcola Subdivision. Whoa, this is a rare occassion. I made the decision to forego the grain elevators and find the grain tramp. On the way to Schwitzer, the beginning of the Arcola Subdivision, I discovered a former CSX GP15 at a grain elevator.

• 1105 CDT Nesbitt, MB - elevator switcher - LLPX 1502 (photo 1, photo 2)

Very soon after joining the Arcola Subdvision I found the grain tramp.

• 1157 CDT east of Deleau, MB - CP westbound grain tramp - CP 3108-CP 3060-CP 3130 (photo)

Considering the rarity of the train and the 30 mph speed limit we gave chase. Next stop was just six miles farther west.

• 1209 CDT west of Deleau, MB (mile 9 CP Arcola Subdivision) - CP westbound grain tramp - CP 3108-CP 3060-CP 3130 (photo)
• 1245 CDT Reston, MB - CP westbound grain tramp - CP 3108-CP 3060-CP 3130 (photo)
• 1302 CDT Sinclair, MB - CP westbound grain tramp - CP 3108-CP 3060-CP 3130 (photo)

And then we arrived at the destination for the grain cars, Redvers, Saskatchewan. This is also now the end of steel. The track has all been removed beyond Redvers.

• 1250 CST Redvers, SK - CP westbound grain tramp - CP 3108-CP 3060-CP 3130 (photo)

We watched the crew spotting the cars in two tracks at the elevators and then they headed back to Brandon, Manitoba with light power.

• 1325 CST Redvers, SK - CP eastbound light power - CP 3130-CP 3060-CP 3108

That was great. I've wanted to chase a grain tramp on a branch line for a long time. Today I got lucky. After fueling up both the car and our stomachs we continued hunting for grain elevators. No more trains were to be found this day but I did find a Canadian Pacific caboose parked near an old water tower and the grain elevator in Glenboro, Manitoba.

• 1618 CDT Glenboro, MB - CP 434590 caboose (photo)

It was starting to get rather dark. I photographed a couple grain elevators more and then we made our way to Winnipeg, Manitoba for the evening.

Trackside Log for Tuesday, October 2, 2007

This morning in Regina Sam and I looked out the window and witnessed bright blue skies and perfect weather. We gathered ourselves, had a bite to eat, and trekked onward. Our original plan was to visit Moose Jaw before turning southward. However, we discovered in the news that Canadian Pacific derailed a dangerous car in their yard and had evacuated the area. Scratch that idea. Because of the situation there were a number of northbound trains parked along the Weyburn Subdivision. However, none were worth photographing because the sun was directly behind them. Oh well. The first photograph worthy scene was found in Estevan.

• 1325 CST Estevan, SK - static display - Prairie Coal 182 (photo)

At this point our trip began to head back east again and ran into a Canadian Pacific westbound along Highway 18 in Bienfait.

• 1428 CST Bienfait, SK - CP westbound - CP 8548-CP 8643

And that was the last train we saw for the day. That evening once again found us staying in Regina.

Trackside Log for Monday, October 1, 2007

We awoke in Yorkton, Saskatchewan to an overcast morning but that wasn't going to stop us. Ever onward we continued to follow the rail lines in search of grain elevators. While exploring the stunning beauty of the Qu'Appelle Valley I heard a Canadian National train on the scanner. Amazingly we managed to time it just right to find train 423 north on the Qu'Appelle Subdivision.

• 1219 CST west of Balcarres, SK - CN 423 north - CN 2546-CN 2558-CN 2503 (photo 1, photo 2)

We continued the tour westward along the Canadian Pacific Bulyea Subdivision and then north along the Lanigan Subdivision when we met a southbound grain train.

• 1505 CST Duval, SK - CP southbound - CP 8856/CP 8750 (photo 1, photo 2)

As we weaved around Saskatchewan following the rail lines we found ourselves in Regina for the evening. After a great day Sam and I rested to see what the following day would bring.

Trackside Log for Sunday, September 30, 2007

This morning Sam and I awoke to bright blue skies and the prospect of photographing some more grain elevators. The first railway photo I took was of a Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo gondola parked in Neepawa, Manitoba. It seemed out of place so I took a shot.

• 1255 CDT Neepawa, MB - THB 2672 (photo)

Still on the hunt for elevators we found ourselves in Minnedosa, Manitoba. There are no elevators left but they do have a Canadian Pacific FP7 and caboose parked at the heritage park.

• 1355 CDT Minnedosa, MB - static display - CP 4038 (photo)

Following the Canadian Pacific Bredenbury Subdivision we discovered a westbound freight.

• 1443 CDT Basswood, MB - CP westbound - CP 9005-CP 5392-CP 5585 (photo)

Since we were heading the same direction we gave chase and photographed the train again at the Newdale elevator.

• 1505 CDT Newdale, MB - CP westbound - CP 9005-CP 5392-CP 5585

Continuing westward we heard another westbound on the scanner which we caught up to and photographed at the border between Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

• 1650 CDT west of Harrowby, MB - CP westbound - CP 9154-CP 9130 (photo)

Once again we were headed in the same direction so we drove ahead and photographed the train at the Langenburg, Saskatchewan grain elevator.

• 1613 CST Langenburg, SK - CP westbound - CP 9154-CP 9130

Our destination for the night was Yorkton, Saskatchewan. I was pleasantly surprised to hear Canadian National coming into town shortly after we arrived.

• 1718 CST Yorkton, SK - CN 421 north - CN 5633 (photo)

And with that our day was done. We found a place to stay, ate, and rested.

Trackside Log for Saturday, September 29, 2007

Sam and I were back in the Canadian prairies again. We started this year's trip off in Winnipeg on our hunt for country grain elevators. Once again I stopped to photograph any railway scenes along the way. The first such scene was a caboose in Winnipeg Beach, Manitoba.

• 1050 CDT Winnipeg Beach, MB - static display - CP 437010 caboose (photo)

As we followed along the rail lines we stumbled upon the Prairie Dog Central train stopped in Warren, Manitoba.

• 1340 CDT Warren, MB - Prairie Dog Central southbound - PDC 4138 (photo 1, photo 2)

Aside from the dwindling number of grain elevators that's all I photographed on the day. It wasn't a big surprise though considering the lines we were following.

Trackside Log for Sunday, September 23, 2007

This afternoon I heard a Canadian Pacific train leaving Welland yard and popped out for a photograph.

• 1339 Fenwick - CP 249 north - CP 8617

That was easy!

Trackside Log for Thursday, September 20, 2007

As I was driving home from work today I heard Canadian Pacific train 249 obtain a clearance out of Welland yard.  I stopped off at home to get my camera and then went to meet the train.

• 1647 Fenwick - CP 249 north - CEFX 1034

After a photograph I went home to relax.

Trackside Log for Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Today I managed to catch a variety of activity on the Canadian Pacific Hamilton Subdivision.

• 1141 Fenwick - CP 426 south - SOO 6025-SOO 6028
• 1154 Welland - CP 249 north - CP 8633
• 1345 Boyle - CP 246 south - CEFX 106-CP 9675-CEFX 1034

Groovy. Three Canadian Pacific trains and only two Canadian Pacific locomotives. It's nice to have a variety of motive power.

Trackside Log for Saturday, September 15, 2007

Today I made my way to Aldershot and was greeted with Canadian National train 550 switching the yard.

• 0924 Aldershot - CN 550 west - CN 7032-CN 7081 (photo)

After a few photographs I drove up Highway 403 to Copetown to see if I could photograph anything interesting.

• 1301 Copetown - Via 73 west - VIA 6442 (photo)
• 1304 Copetown - CN eastbound - CN 8013-CN 2427-CN 9567 (photo)

After a while I took my leave and headed for Binbrook.

Trackside Log for Saturday, September 8, 2007

This was Binbrook Fair weekend I was to pick Sam up from the Aldershot GO station in the morning. I drove down a bit early to see if I could photograph any trains prior to her arrival. Luck was with me and I found an eastbound.

• xxxx Aldershot - CN eastbound - CN 6019-CN 5245

After Sam got off the train we headed toward Binbrook via Copetown. I stopped there to photograph Via train 72 which was an interesting double consist.

• 13xx Copetown - VIA 72 east - VIA 6410/VIA 6407

And then it was off to the fair.

Trackside Log for Saturday, August 18, 2007

Today I was taking Via into Toronto to visit Sam.  I drove down to Grimsby station to catch train 92.  Just as I got there Canadian National train 333 was slowing to a stop at the station.

• 1424 Grimsby - CN 333 east - CN 5543 (photo)

Train 333 was waiting to meet Via 92.  Before long 333 resumed eastward and my Via train arrived at the station.

• 1456 Grimsby - Via 92 west - VIA 6429 (photo)

I boarded the train and enjoyed the ride to visit Sam.

Trackside Log for Saturday, August 11, 2007

Well, here I was in Iowa again. I was on my way back home but I had a couple more stops to make. The first was to check out the Iowa Interstate in Iowa City, Iowa. I found them just fine but there weren't any decent photography opportunities. So I continued eastward. I was going to be passing by Davenport, Iowa once again so I made a quick stop at the Iowa, Chicago & Eastern again. Just as I pulled across the tracks I could see an eastbound pulling into the yard. Good timing!

• 1018 CDT Nahant, Iowa - ICE eastbound - ICE 4202

I also photographed some of the parked power in front of the roundhouse.

• 1021 CDT Nahant, Iowa - ICE power - ICE 6433-ICE 6215-ICE 6415 +1
• 1021 CDT Nahant, Iowa - ICE power - KCS 3108

After a few photographs I departed the Davenport area and got back onto Interstate 80 for the trip home. And so ends Vacation 2007. I think it was rather rewarding.

Trackside Log for Friday, August 10, 2007

I woke up in… Wait, I remember where I am. Sioux Falls, South Dakota! That's it. I first drove downtown to check out the Burlington Northern Santa Fe yard. Just after I got there a switch move was pulling through.

• 0919 CDT Sioux Falls, South Dakota - BNSF switcher - BNSF 3454-BNSF 3464

Then I went to turn around and found some parked power.

• 0923 CDT Sioux Falls, South Dakota - BNSF power - BNSF 2984-BNSF 1527-BNSF 2977-BNSF 3644 (photo)

My first stop of the day was to be Alton, Iowa but while passing through Sioux Center I ran across a Burlington Northern Santa Fe train just pulling in.

• 1100 CDT Sioux Center, Iowa - BNSF northbound - BNSF 4322-KCS 3163 (photo 1, photo 2)

After a few photos I continued on to the grain elevator in Alton to see the GP7 that I knew was located there.

• 1139 CDT Alton, Iowa - Midwest Farmers Coop - #701 (photo 1, photo 2)

My next stop was going to be Mason City, Iowa. Once again while passing through town I discovered a train. This time the town was Spencer, Iowa on the former Milwaukee Road track. The train was a westbound Iowa, Chicago and Eastern. I had to wait for a bit for the train to move, but I was patient.

• 1316 CDT Spencer, Iowa - Iowa, Chicago & Eastern westbound - DME 6053-DME 6078 (photo)

After my waiting paid off I continued on to Mason City by way of Clear Lake. I found the western terminus of the Iowa Traction Railway and followed it east toward Mason City. First I encountered a variety of Iowa Traction Railway equipment.

• 1554 CDT Emery, Iowa - Iowa Traction Railway equipment - IATR 40-IATR 31-IATR 32 (photo 1, photo 2, photo 3)

Behind that was a parked motor outside the shops and in the weeds.

• 1601 CDT Emery, Iowa - Iowa Traction Railway power - IATR 51 (photo)

I continued following the tracks and in short order met a westbound train with a cut of gondolas. Luck was on my side.

• 1611 CDT Mason City, Iowa - Iowa Traction Railway westbound - IATR 50 (photo)

After a few photographs I continued along and discovered a parked motor at the AGP elevator.

• 1621 CDT Mason City, Iowa - Iowa Traction Railway power - IATR 54 (photo)

I figured I did rather well with the Iowa Traction Railway and set off for Greene, Iowa and the Iowa Northern. Just as I arrived at Greene I could see a westbound pulling through town. My timing was spot on. I turned around and found a nice location for a photograph.

• 1717 CDT Greene, Iowa - Iowa Northern Railway westbound - IANR 3811-IANR 3801-IANR 3810-IANR 3804

My luck today was really good. I ran across trains by accident and managed to stay ahead of the ominous clouds that were constantly behind me to the west. Somehow I was always just ahead of them. I continued driving east until I got to Urbana, Iowa. I noticed a Super 8 motel and decided I really didn't want to drive any longer so I called it a day.

Trackside Log for Thursday, August 9, 2007

I got a nice early start before the sun rose. My first destination was to be the Nebkota Railroad in Chadron, Nebraska. While on the way I ran across a parked BNSF empty coal train in Orin, Wyoming, just west of Shawnee Junction. The sun was just above the horizon which led to some interesting lighting.

• 0609 MDT Orin, Wyoming - BNSF eastbound - BNSF 9930-BNSF 9663 w/ DPU (photo)

I continued along and discovered the Union Pacific main into the coal fields. There were coal trains parked all over the place. One loaded train was just leaving Shawnee Junction when I passed so I drove out ahead of it.

• 0632 MDT Lost Springs, Wyoming - UP eastbound - UP 6580-UP 7071 w/ DPU UP 6766-UP 7392
• 0645 MDT Keeline, Wyoming - UP eastbound - UP 6580-UP 7071 w/ DPU UP 6766-UP 7392 (photo)

I drove on leaving that coal train behind only to find another coal train ahead of it. I chased it ahead and photographed it as well.

• 0720 MDT Lusk, Wyoming - UP eastbound - UP 5990-UP 6154 w/ DPU UP 6001-UP 6399
• 0739 MDT Van Tassell, Wyoming - UP eastbound - UP 5990-UP 6154 w/ DPU UP 6001-UP 6399

Before long I arrived at Chadron, Nebraska. I quickly found the engine facility and three locomotives parked outside.

• 0903 MDT Chadron, Nebraska - Nebkota power - NRI 613 (photo)
• 0903 MDT Chadron, Nebraska - Nebkota power - NRI 614-NRI 49 (photo 1, photo 2, photo 3)

After photographing the engines I got some breakfast. While getting breakfast I noted that there were an inordinate number of motorcycles parked around town. I quickly came to the conclusion that I sure know how to pick a week to visit South Dakota. This was Bike Week in Sturgis. The next part of the day was purely sightseeing. First I drove to Mount Rushmore. I've never seen so many Harley Davidsons in my life. They were everywhere. I drove through Rapid City among the motorcycles and photographed a Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern SD40-2 parked by the shops.

• 1246 MDT Rapid City, South Dakota - DME power - DME 6082 (photo)

Next I departed down Interstate 90 for Chamberlain but not before first visiting the Wall Drug Store and Badlands National Park. Now that is a fascinating place. After a long drive I found Chamberlain and the variety of interesting power the Dakota Southern had lying around the grain elevator.

• 1840 CDT Chamberlain, South Dakota - Dakota Southern power - DSRC 719 (photo 1, photo 2)
• 1843 CDT Chamberlain, South Dakota - Dakota Southern power - USS "70-1"-SSOR 75-SSOR 76-DSRC 512 (photo 1, photo 2)
• 1849 CDT Chamberlain, South Dakota - Dakota Southern power - UP 6925 (photo)
• 1858 CDT Chamberlain, South Dakota - Dakota Southern power - SSOR 103 (photo 1, photo 2)
• 1901 CDT Chamberlain, South Dakota - Dakota Southern power - DSRC 506-DSRC 522 (photo 1, photo 2, photo 3, photo 4)

After taking plenty of photographs I drove first to Mitchell, South Dakota to see the corn palace and then to Sioux Falls, South Dakota where I would spend the night at the Fairfield Inn. It turned out to be an awesome day and one I'll definitely remember.

Trackside Log for Wednesday, August 8, 2007

I awoke to a bright sunny morning. My first destination of the day was to be Heber City, Utah. My goal was to find the Heber Valley Railroad. I drove through the valley between Provo and Heber City and quickly found the railroad in town.

• 0848 MDT Heber City, Utah - Heber Valley Railroad power - HVRR 1813 (photo 1, photo 2)
• 0850 MDT Heber City, Utah - Heber Valley Railroad power - UP 1011 (photo)

I managed to get some nice photos of the operation and then continued on to Ogden, Utah to visit the Utah State Railway Museum. The first thing I ran across was a Southern Pacific engine parked behind the museum.

• 1030 MDT Ogden, Utah - Utah State Railway Museum power - SP 3769 (photo)

I wandered around for a while looking at the museum's equipment. After a while I drove by the Union Pacific yard in town and found a variety of power.

• 1103 MDT Ogden, Utah - UP power - UP 5634-CP 8784-CP 8773-UP 7210-UP xxxx-UP 4765 & UP 9069-UP 9051 (photo)
• 1110 MDT Ogden, Utah - UP northbound - UP 5620-FURX 8120 (photo)

After Ogden I started driving east. I saw a few Union Pacific trains en route, but unfortunately it's pretty impossible to stop and photograph them from Interstate 80. Interstates are a pain. I stopped by a few towns on the way, but didn't find anything terribly interesting. Eventually I arrived at Cheyenne, Wyoming. This time the weather was quite nice so I hunted down the Big Boy steam engine.

• 1814 MDT Cheyenne, Wyoming - UP display - UP 4004 (photo)

I also ran across a pair of Union Pacific SD40-2s and photographed them.

• 1840 MDT Cheyenne, Wyoming - UP power - UP 3200-UP 3203 (photo 1, photo 2)

I began making my way north ultimately bound for Chadron, Nebraska. I made it as far as Wheatland, Wyoming where I bunked down at a Motel 6 for the evening.

Trackside Log for Tuesday, August 7, 2007

This morning I was feeling a bit lazy and decided to make a later start. Once I headed outside I could see mostly clear skies to the west. This was a good sign. I started off by dropping by the yards in Grand Junction, Utah to see what was going on. Union Pacific had a variety of power parked in their yard but it wasn't terribly accessible. I swung by the station where I discovered a lone Burlington Northern Santa Fe C44-9W. A four axle dash-8 was just about to shove some cars onto the engine. I photographed it before that happened.

• 0932 MDT Grand Junction, Colorado - BNSF power - BNSF 4162 (photo)

The dash-8 cut off the cars and the dash-9 began shoving them around the yard. Not much else was going on so I headed west into the desert. I drove for a long time before I finally ran across a moving train north of Green River, Utah. It turned out to be the Burlington Northern Santa Fe trackage rights train.

• 1216 MDT north of Green River, Utah - BNSF eastbound - BNSF 7574-TFM 2657-BNSF 4865-BNSF 5241 w/ DPU BNSF 5328

I decided to give a short chase and photograph the train again since it was the first moving train I'd seen all day.

• 1225 MDT north of Green River, Utah - BNSF eastbound - BNSF 7574-TFM 2657-BNSF 4865-BNSF 5241 w/ DPU BNSF 5328

I continued along to Helper, Utah to see what was going on. There was little in the Union Pacific yard so I began exploring the line westward. I heard the dispatcher talking to a Utah Railway coal train that was going to be cutting their helpers off at Soldier's Summit. Apparently I was just a little too late to catch the train run from Helper to Summit. At least I was able to photograph the helper set returning to Martin. I decided that the Nolan Tunnels would be a good location.

• 1444 MDT Nolan Tunnels, Utah - Utah Railway eastbound helper - UTAH 6060-UTAH 6061-UTAH 6063-UTAH 6064-MPEX 5356-UTAH 5003

On my way back to Helper I found the Utah Railway helper set about to head onto their own tracks. I got a few more photographs there and then returned to the Union Pacific yard to photograph the power there.

• 1512 MDT Heiner, Utah - Utah Railway eastbound helper - UTAH 6060-UTAH 6061-UTAH 6063-UTAH 6064-MPEX 5356-UTAH 5003
• 1524 MDT Helper, Utah - UP power - UP 6212-UP 8065 (photo)

While photographing the power parked in Union Pacific's yard I noticed that a westbound coal train was staged. I drove back out into the Price River canyon to wait for it. Just as I parked I heard an eastbound Utah Railway empty coal train rumble by with Union Pacific power. Oops… I missed that one. Before very long the westbound arrived. I chased it through the canyon for a variety of photographs. The scenery in there is stunning, particularly with the nice lighting I had.

• 1645 MDT west of Royal, Utah - UP westbound - UP 8255-UP 6260-UP 6565 w/ helper UP 5936-UP 6716-UP 5790 w/ DPU UP 6521 (photo 1, photo 2, photo 3)
• 1659 MDT Nolan Tunnels, Utah - UP westbound - UP 8255-UP 6260-UP 6565 w/ helper UP 5936-UP 6716-UP 5790 w/ DPU UP 6521 (photo 1, photo 2, photo 3, photo 4, photo 5)
• 1711 MDT Colton, Utah - UP westbound - UP 8255-UP 6260-UP 6565 w/ helper UP 5936-UP 6716-UP 5790 w/ DPU UP 6521

The helper set cut off at Colton and the westbound continued with just the DPU power.

• 1745 MDT Soldier's Summit, Utah - UP westbound - UP 8255-UP 6260-UP 6565 w/ DPU UP 6521

Once again I returned to Helper to see if any other trains had arrived. None had but I was now able to photograph a pair of Union Pacific engines that I was previously unable to.

• 1811 MDT Helper, Utah - UP power - UP 6305-UP 3169 (photo)

Well, it didn't appear that much else was going on so I figured I'd go find a room in Price. As it turned out things were pretty booked up. I called up Marriott and found a room at the Fairfield Inn in Provo, Utah. OK, that works for me. I began the drive to Provo and as luck would have it I ran across a Utah Railway westbound coal train rumbling through the canyon. The shadows of the mountains had engulfed the canyon but I figured I might still have some sunlight at Colton. I drove directly there and proved myself correct. It was getting close, but I had light.

• 1958 MDT Colton, Utah - Utah Railway westbound - UP 5859-UP 5305-UP 7224 w/ helper UTAH 5003-MPEX 5356-UTAH 6064-UTAH 6061-UTAH 6060-UTAH 5005

Colton turned out to be the only location with any light left. The Utah Railway left it to the last minutes. Well, obviously I was done with the day's photography so I drove to the Fairfield Inn for the night. The quantity of trains wasn't high, but I had a lot of fun photographing them. The scenery was great. And the best part was the weather. It was a really pleasant day.

Trackside Log for Monday, August 6, 2007

This morning I awoke in Ogallala, Nebraska to a thunder storm. That didn't really set a good tone. I set out by heading yet farther west. As I drove the weather gradually began to improve. The rain soon stopped and it was starting to get brighter. By the time I got to Sydney, Nebraska it was still overcast and not terribly bright, but at least it wasn't storming.

• 0754 MDT Sidney, Nebraska - UP eastbound - UP 6514-UP 6196 (photo 1, photo 2)
• 0755 MDT Sidney, Nebraska - UP power - UP 3422-UP 3420 (photo 1, photo 2)

While photographing the parked power, a westbound passed behind. I was unable to get a photograph. Oh well, I moved on. Just west of Sidney I caught up to another westbound. I drove ahead and photographed it. I looked behind me and noticed an eastbound approaching as well.

• 0823 MDT Sidney, Nebraska - UP westbound - UP 5493-UP 9550-UP 7624-UP 4310 (photo)
• 0824 MDT Sidney, Nebraska - UP eastbound - UP 8433-UP 4464 (photo)

I continued westward and stopped at various locations whenever I noticed a train approaching. The skies were clearing nicely and I was eventually back into sunshine.

• 0838 MDT Brownson, Nebraska - UP eastbound - UP 4980-UP 4563 (photo)
• 0851 MDT Potter, Nebraska - UP eastbound - UP 6591-UP 4225-UP 2186-UP 4529-UP 8438-UP 4040
• 0920 MDT between Bushnell and Kimball, Nebraska - UP eastbound - UP 4875-UP 5160

As I neared Bushnell, Nebraska the sun was out nicely and I could see a row of grain elevators. I had to stop and photograph some trains passing the elevators. The second westbound to arrive was the train I was unable to photograph in Sidney. It all worked out for the best since the weather was much nicer in Bushnell.

• 0934 MDT Bushnell, Nebraska - UP westbound - UP 7322-UP 5815-UP 6546
• 0955 MDT Bushnell, Nebraska - UP westbound - UP 5472-CEFX 3181
• 1015 MDT Bushnell, Nebraska - UP westbound - UP 5493-UP 9550-UP 7624-UP 4310
• 1024 MDT Bushnell, Nebraska - UP westbound - UP 4714-UP 4617 (photo)
• 1046 MDT Bushnell, Nebraska - UP westbound - UP 7691-UP 5037-UP 3910 (photo 1, photo 2)
• 1059 MDT Bushnell, Nebraska - UP westbound - UP 5464-UP 7667-UP 7706 (photo)
• 1106 MDT Bushnell, Nebraska - UP westbound - UP 5086-UP 9175 (photo)

For a while I was trying to figure out the onslaught of westbounds. Eventually the Union Pacific dispatcher talked to an eastbound out of Cheyenne about a break-down. Apparently all the westbounds piled up behind it. A-ha! Now I understand. I'd really been hoping for an eastbound at Bushnell because there was a really nice scene with one of the elevators. No such luck. It didn't seem that any eastbounds were imminent and the westbounds were done.

I continued my trek west. I decided on a whim to stop at Burns, Wyoming to see what was there. It turned out to be a good move since there was a decent looking grain elevator. I decided to try for an eastbound again here. Of course the first train was one of the westbounds I photographed earlier.

• 1154 MDT Burns, Wyoming - UP westbound - UP 5464-UP 7667-UP 7706

But wait! Just after the westbound slowly passed I could see eastbound headlights. At last!

• 1207 MDT Burns, Wyoming - UP eastbound - UP 4151-UP 2485

The skies were beginning to cloud up and look like rain again. I drove to Cheyenne but the skies didn't look inviting at all. I stopped for lunch but ultimately decided to forego Cheyenne for the time being. I vowed to try again on my return trip through Wyoming. So I headed south through Colorado. Unfortunately it was stormy for most of the day. One of the stops I wanted to make in Colorado was the Leadville, Colorado & Southern. Luckily the weather was improving on my way there. By the time I arrived the weather was good enough to yield some reasonable photographs.

• 1702 MDT Leadville, Colorado - Leadville, Colorado & Southern power - LCS 1918 (photo 1, photo 2)
• 1720 MDT Leadville, Colorado - Leadville, Colorado & Southern power - LCS 1714 (photo 1, photo 2)

After chatting with the crew of the train and having a look inside their engine house I took my leave. I figured Grand Junction, Colorado would be my night's destination. The drive there was very nice. I had fun on some of the winding roads until I got back to Interstate 70. Interstate highways tend to be kind of boring.

Trackside Log for Sunday, August 5, 2007

I awoke to a nice sunny morning in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was already getting rather hot at 0800. It was going to be a hot one.

After getting my gear together I set out to see what was in town. I drove to the Omaha, Lincoln & Nebraska but their power is all stored indoors. However, a Burlington Northern Santa Fe eastbound was just coming into town.

• 0814 CDT Lincoln, Nebraska - BNSF eastbound - BNSF 9740-CEFX 1016 w/ DPU BNSF 9646

After the eastbound passed I started my westward trek. I found an interesting location near Seward, Nebraska where I waited for some action. Before long the coal trains started showing up.

• 0934 CDT Seward, Nebraska - BNSF eastbound - BNSF 5964-BNSF 9379 w/ DPU BNSF 9910-BNSF 5798
• 0941 CDT Seward, Nebraska - BNSF westbound - BNSF 9774-BNSF 5952 w/ DPU BNSF 5924-BNSF 8926
• 0952 CDT Seward, Nebraska - BNSF westbound - BNSF 6133-BNSF 9437 w/ DPU BNSF 9703-BNSF 5946
• 1006 CDT Seward, Nebraska - BNSF westbound - BNSF 8899-BNSF 8864

The last eastbound stopped in the distance and I figured it was a good opportunity to continue west. The next town west was Tamora where I ran across three locomotives at a grain elevator.

• 1032 CDT Tamora, Nebraska - elevator switcher - RE 1072 & UFC 1096-IBCX 7309 (photo 1, photo 2, photo 3, photo 4, photo 5)

Parked in the distance was an eastbound that I couldn't get near. I hung around for a little while and was presented with a pair of westbound coal empties.

• 1036 CDT Tamora, Nebraska - BNSF westbound - BNSF 9787-BNSF 6060-BNSF 8974
• 1053 CDT Tamora, Nebraska - BNSF westbound - BNSF 8818-BNSF 5844 w/ DPU BNSF 5898

While driving westward out of Tamora I came to the conclusion that no eastbounds were getting through Lincoln. They were parked everywhere. Only a couple were accessible for photography.

• 1124 CDT Utica, Nebraska - BNSF eastbound - BNSF 6086 w/ DPU (photo)
• 1139 CDT Waco, Nebraska - BNSF eastbound - BNSF 9393 w/ DPU (photo)

When I arrived at Bradshaw, Nebraska I found a parked westbound rail train on the elevator track, a Cargill switcher and yet another parked eastbound coal train. In total I think I counted nine parked coal trains.

• 1209 CDT Bradshaw, Nebraska - BNSF westbound - BNSF 2324-EMDX 761 (photo 1, photo 2)
• 1218 CDT Bradshaw, Nebraska - Cargill switcher - RE 807 (photo 1, photo 2)

On my continued travels westward I encountered some parked power in Aurora.

• 1248 CDT Aurora, Nebraska - BNSF power - BNSF 1511-BNSF 2966 (photo 1, photo 2)
• 1249 CDT Aurora, Nebraska - BNSF caboose - BN 12121 (photo)

At Grand Island I left the Burlington Northern Santa Fe behind and began following the Union Pacific. Before I encountered any Union Pacific trains I discovered an SD40 elevator switcher in Wood River.

• 1343 CDT Wood River, Nebraska - Cargill switcher - CRGX 2002 (photo 1, photo 2)

Travelling farther west I noticed that the Cargill elevator in Shelton was loading corn into hoppers. Two switchers were at the elevator. One was parked, the other pulling the hoppers through the elevator.

• 1359 CDT Shelton, Nebraska - Cargill switcher - JTPX 62 "Ruth" (photo 1, photo 2)
• 1401 CDT Shelton, Nebraska - Cargill switcher - CRGX 9349 (photo 1, photo 2)

While photographing the switchers I saw the headlights of a westbound approaching.

• 1405 CDT Shelton, Nebraska - UP westbound - UP 9672-UP 9096

I continued westward to Gibbon where I found another elevator switcher but before I could photograph it another Union Pacific westbound was approaching. It was starting to get busy.

• 1427 CDT Gibbon, Nebraska - UP westbound - UP 5947-UP 6206
• 1429 CDT Gibbon, Nebraska - elevator switcher - CRGX no # (photo)
• 1439 CDT Gibbon, Nebraska - UP westbound - UP 4244-UP 9496

I travelled on in search of some more interesting scenery. The town of Odessa afforded me a somewhat better view so I stuck around for a few trains. The previous two westbounds caught up to me after an eastbound.

• 1524 CDT Odessa, Nebraska - UP eastbound - UP 5693-UP 6277 w/ DPU 6833
• 1534 CDT Odessa, Nebraska - UP westbound - UP 5947-UP 6206
• 1547 CDT Odessa, Nebraska - UP westbound - UP 4244-UP 9496
• 1557 CDT Odessa, Nebraska - UP westbound - UP 5895-UP 7261 w/ DPU 6388

I missed a few other trains as well. The traffic was heavy but the day was getting on and it was stinking hot. I wanted to visit the Nebraska Kansas Colorado Railnet so I drove south to Holdrige. As I drove into town I could see a westbound Burlington Northern Santa Fe train pulling through town. My timing was a bit off but I photographed a Chicago, Burlington & Quincy caboose at the station.

• 1639 CDT Holdrege, Nebraska - display caboose - CB&Q 12274 (photo)

I found the NKCR tracks and immediately found the tail end of a pipe train parked on the mainline. I was surprised to find a pair of Canadian Pacific ES44ACs on the head end.

• 1650 CDT Holdrege, Nebraska - Nebraska Kansas Colorado Railnet westbound - CP 8835-CP 8812 (photo)

I started following the tracks west and discovered a former Indiana Railroad SD9 which is now an elevator switcher in Loomis.

• 1700 CDT Loomis, Nebraska - elevator switcher - DLCX 2000 (photo 1, photo 2)

I continued driving along the tracks through some amazing Nebraska scenery and eventually found another pipe train with Canadian Pacific locomotives. This time the train was empty in Maywood. At various places along my route I could see where a pipeline was being laid. Beyond the pipe train was another elevator switcher.

• 1831 CDT Maywood, Nebraska - Nebraska Kansas Colorado Railnet eastbound - CP 9629-CP 8742
• 1834 CDT Maywood, Nebraska - elevator switcher - AGV 7517 (photo)

My ultimate goal for the NKCR was Grant where the railway is headquartered. I was rewarded with three former Detroit Edison SD40s and a Nebraska Kansas Colorado Railnet GP40.

1956 CDT Grant, Nebraska - Nebraska Kansas Colorado Railnet power - HLCX 5004-HLCX 5001-DLCX 6410-HLCX 5005 (photo 1, photo 2, photo 3, photo 4, photo 5, photo 6)

Wow, what a productive day. It was very hot, but I managed to photograph a wide variety of interesting locomotives. I headed north to the Super 8 Motel in Ogallala, Nebraska for the night. Nebraska was good to me.

Trackside Log for Saturday, August 4, 2007

Today was day two of my 2007 vacation. I departed the hotel in Valparaiso early and headed west. I didn't intend to stop until I got to Iowa. The weather was gradually deteriorating the entire drive. When I arrived at Nahant, Iowa there was a light overcast. As I finished crossing the Mississippi River into Iowa I could see a variety of locomotives parked around the Iowa, Chicago & Eastern roundhouse.

• 1025 CDT Nahant, Iowa - ICE power - ICE 6413-DME 6200-ICE 6421-ICE 6429 (photo 1, photo 2)
• 1026 CDT Nahant, Iowa - ICE power - KCS 3120-KCS 3143 (photo 1, photo 2, photo 3)
• 1027 CDT Nahant, Iowa - ICE power - DME 6087

While photographing the engines parked at the roundhouse a switching move approached the crossing.

• 1028 CDT Nahant, Iowa - ICE switcher - ICE 103
• 1033 CDT Nahant, Iowa - ICE power - ICE 4200 (photo)

The Kansas City Southern locomotives were a pleasant surprise. After taking my photographs I was on my way toward Burlington, Iowa to hunt down the Burlington Junction Railway. The weather was getting worse as I arrived in town. It was starting to rain when I ran across one of their General Electric switchers.

• 1220 CDT Burlington, Iowa - Burlington Junction Railway power - BJRY 44 (photo)

Very shortly after photographing the switcher the skies opened up and it poured. I called off the search for more power and drove westward through the rain. By the time I arrived in Ottumwa, Iowa the rain had stopped and the sun was starting to shine. However, the moisture in the air was stifling. I explored town a bit and ran across a Burlington Junction Railway engine parked beside what was once the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy roundhouse.

• 1410 CDT Ottumwa, Iowa - Burlington Junction Railway power - BJRY 714 (photo 1, photo 2)

I also dropped by the Iowa, Chicago & Eastern yard where another set of Kansas City Southern engines was parked. Unfortunately it was not parked anywhere I could photograph. Next I drove on to Albia, Iowa. The first item of interest I ran across was a Burlington Northern Santa Fe power set coupled to a snow plow. It was way too hot for snow, but what the heck.

• 1455 CDT Albia, Iowa - BNSF power - CEFX 136-BNSF 9921-BN plow 972618 (photo 1, photo 2, photo 3)

I then started to follow the Appanoose County Community Railroad tracks which led me to the Relco facility just south of town. Parked near the switch into the grounds was an Appanoose engine.

• 1514 CDT Albia, Iowa - Appanoose County Community Railroad power - APNC 973-RLCX 913 (photo 1, photo 2, photo 3)

Behind the Relco shops was a large variety of power. Initially I drove in to see if it was possible to photograph, but nobody was around. I thought it best not to galavant around the premises so I simply photographed the Relco switcher which was viewable from the parking lot and left.

• 1522 CDT Albia, Iowa - Relco power - RLCX 1255 (photo)

I followed more of the tracks toward Centerville, Iowa where I discovered that all the tracks in town had been abandoned. I explored a bit but elected to move on. I followed the Burlington Northern Santa Fe tracks for a while and eventually heard a westbound obtain a track warrant. It was ahead of me but I managed to catch up to it just east of Creston, Iowa.

• 1829 CDT Creston, Iowa - BNSF westbound - BNSF 6191-BNSF 9414

As I drove through Creston I discovered approximately six parked trains in town. None were photographable so I continued on westward. I stopped briefly at Pacific Junction but it was getting dark so I made my way to Lincoln, Nebraska to stay the night at the Fairfield Inn. It turned out to be a decent day considering I hadn't planned to see very much.

Trackside Log for Friday, August 3, 2007

Today was the first day of my vacation. Well, actually it was my last work day but I left work early. This year my vacation takes me to Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota and Minnesota. I stopped off at home after work to pick up all my gear and I set off. I didn't intend to stop much this day as it was mostly a travel day. However, since it was really close to the interstate, I did decide to stop at Lapeer, Michigan to see the Lapeer Industrial Railroad engine.

• 1754 EDT Lapeer, Michigan - Lapeer Industrial Railroad power - LIRR 5 (photo 1, photo 2)

After a couple photographs I set back off again for my only other rail related stop of the day. I wanted to drop by the Tuscola and Saginaw Bay Railway in Owosso, Michigan. As I arrived at the shops an eastbound freight was also arriving. Unfortunately I was unable to photograph it but was rewarded with a variety of power parked at the shops.

• 1932 EDT Owosso, Michigan - Tuscola and Saginaw Bay Railway power - TSBY 390-TSBY 393 (photo)
• 1933 EDT Owosso, Michigan - Tuscola and Saginaw Bay Railway power - TSBY 1977 (photo 1, photo 2)
• 1935 EDT Owosso, Michigan - Tuscola and Saginaw Bay Railway equipment - steam generator TSBY 15481 (photo)

It was nice and sunny for the photos which is more than I can say for the last time I visited. After the photographs I was off again. I drove to the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Valparaiso, Indiana where I would spend the night. Apparently luck was with me because all the significant traffic delays, like a motor home fire, were in the eastbound direction. I made relatively good time.

Trackside Log for Sunday, July 29, 2007

Today was the farewell gathering for Shane. He would be leaving for Edson, Alberta on Tuesday after twenty two years living in Georgetown. Quite a few railfans would be gathering at mile 30 of the Halton Subdivision to say goodbye. I'd spent the previous night in Binbrook again and wanted to spend a bit of time at Guelph Junction before heading to mile 30. It had been a long time since I'd spent some time in the junction.

• 1018 Guelph Junction - CP 243 west - CP 9840-CP 9504
• 1026 Guelph Junction - OSR power - OSR 647 (photo 1, photo 2)
• 1131 Guelph Junction - CP 198 east - CP 8531-CP 8538

Around noon I got hungry so I picked up and stopped off in Milton for food before heading to mile 30. Before long quite a sizable group had amassed to see Shane off. Between gab sessions we managed to see a few trains.

• 1348 Scotch Block - CN 271 west - CN 2607-CN 5500
• 1402 Scotch Block - CN 338 east - CN 5646-WC 6945-CN 2564 (photo)
• 1451 Scotch Block - CN 148 east - CN 2693-WC 6900
• 1612 Scotch Block - CN 393 west - CN 2410-CN 5434
• 1719 Scotch Block - CN 392 east - CN 5650-IC 6067 (photo)
• 1803 Scotch Block - CN 350 east - CN 7025-CN 4125 (photo 1, photo 2)

After pizza, cookies, and the dimensional train it was time for everybody to depart. We all said our goodbyes to Shane and headed home. It will be a little more quiet around Georgetown but he's starting a good new job in Edson. The best of luck to you, Shane. I'm happy for you. But of course we'll still be in touch via e-mail, IRC and phone.

Trackside Log for Saturday, July 28, 2007

This was a relatively nice looking day although the weather forecast promised for some fairly hot temperatures. I decided that since I hadn't been out photographing for a while I'd roam westward from Binbrook where I'd spent the previous night. I'd originally decided on Paris but when I got there changed my mind and continued to Princeton.

• 0950 Princeton - CN 302 east - CN 5657-CN 5339
• 1000 Princeton - CN westbound - CN 2511-CN 5651
• 1042 Princeton - CN 399 west - CN 5315-GTW 5952-IC 1012

After a few trains I heard a Canadian Pacific westbound obtain a clearance and moved to Woodstock to be able to intercept it. While there I photographed some equipment Canadian Pacific had in the yard.

• 1210 Woodstock - CP MoW equipment - CP 420990
• 1212 Woodstock - CP power - CP 8220
• 1212 Woodstock - CP power - CP 3042-CP 8219

I also heard that an eastbound was approaching and would meet the westbound at Coakley.

• 1251 Woodstock - CP 424 east - CP 8570-CP 5814-CP 5625-CP 5939-STLH 5651-CP 9542

For a better shot of the westbound I moved west.

• 1326 north of Beachville - CP 243 west - CP 8766-CP 8511

I also heard the Canadian Pacific frame train receive a clearance on the St. Thomas Subdivision and shuffled over to that track for a photograph. Jay, whom I'd called earlier, arrived shortly before the frame train and we took a few photos.

• 1355 Beachville - CP 741 west - CP 8211-CP 8206

Jay and I then moved over to the Canadian National Dundas Subdivision on the other side of the river in Beachville to chat and see what trains would happen along.

• 1439 Beachville - CN 332 east - CN 5546-CN 5400-CN 2598
• 1512 Beachville - CN 398 east - CN 2555-GTW 5936-GTW 5932
• 1604 Beachville - CN 271 west - CN 5718-CN 5452
• 1620 Beachville - Via 76 east - Via 905
• 1753 Beachville - Via 75 west - Via 6435
• 1758 Beachville - CN eastbound - CN 5504-CN 5531
• 1936 Beachville - CN 435 west - CN 5248-CN 5407

Well, Canadian National was a bit slow, and we wound up missing several trains on Canadian Pacific, but it was a decent day. Jay and I drove back to Woodstock for supper at Crabby Joe's after which I returned to Binbrook for the night.

Trackside Log for Friday, July 27, 2007

Today I had an appointment in Hamilton and left work early. I needed to stop by home before driving there and as I got out of my car I heard a Canadian Pacific northbound approaching. I grabbed my little Canon SD1000 and photographed the train down the street.

• 1429 Fenwick - CP northbound - CEFX 1042-CP AC4400

After my appointment I figured I'd weedle away a bit of time by heading to nearby Copetown. It was raining quite hard on the way and was just clearing up when I arrived. Unfortunately when the sun came out it was very muggy.

• 1656 Copetown - CN eastbound - CN 2532-CN 2557-CN 2519

I didn't stay around for long because it was so humid, but I did manage to that one train. I called off the stake out and drove to Binbrook to visit my family.

Trackside Log for Tuesday, July 17, 2007

After work today I decided to swing by Canadian Pacific's Welland Yard to see if anything was going on. Sure enough job 3 was switching the yard and appeared to be getting ready to depart on the transfer to Canadian National.

• 1645 Welland - CP job 3 - CP 3032-CP 3105

After a short wait job 3 indeed departed so I photographed it on the move.

• 1703 Welland - CP job 3 - CP 3032-CP 3105

These photos were taken with a Canon PowerShot SD1000 Digital ELPH that I purchased the previous day. I bought it as a half decent compact (tiny) camera that I could easily carry around with me. While the results aren't on par with my Nikon D80, they're quite acceptable for a tiny point-and-shoot.

Trackside Log for Monday, July 16, 2007

I had the scanner on this evening while working at the computer. Lo and behold a southbound called out the mileboard at Boyle. I got my camera and drove to River Road for a nice late day shot.

• 2000 south of Fenwick - CP 254 south - CP 8740-CP 9609

A paused a bit to see if a northbound was waiting at Welland yard, but none appeared to be. The sun was setting quickly, so I returned home.

Trackside Log for Sunday, July 15, 2007

Sometimes you just get lucky. Sam was visiting this weekend and we decided to take a trip to Port Colborne to watch some ships in the canal and have some lunch. While watching the tug Reliance moving into lock 8 the railway crossing behind us went off. As luck would have it the once monthly Canadian National train to Inco was coming into town. I walked across the street to photograph it.

• 1341 Port Colborne (Main Street) - CN 564 south - CN 7076-CN 7081

Since the track speed limit is pretty slow we gave chase.

• 1348 Port Colborne (Welland & Alma Streets) - CN 564 south - CN 7076-CN 7081
• 1350 Port Colborne (Fraser & Fares Streets) - CN 564 south - CN 7076-CN 7081
• 1354 Port Colborne (Durham Street) - CN 564 south - CN 7076-CN 7081

The single acid car was then set off at Inco and the empty lifted. I photographed them again when they came back out.

• 1407 Port Colborne (Durham Street) - CN 564 north - CN 7081-CN 7076

The crew parked and headed into the grocery store for some food so Sam and I returned to the canal to see what was progressing there.

That evening Sam was to return to Toronto on Via train 98. We drove down to Grimsby where she would board the train. While waiting for her train Canadian National train 330 creeped to the station. Shortly thereafter the Amtrak horn could be heard in the distance.

• 1838 Grimsby - Via 98 west - AMTK 12

I saw Sam off and then returned home to Fenwick.

Trackside Log for Sunday, June 24, 2007

I was outside at home when I heard a northbound train blowing for the crossings south of town. I walked up to the crossing to photograph it.

• 1402 Fenwick - CP 255 north - CP 8700-CP 8833

After the train I walked back home. That's what's nice about living here.

Trackside Log for Saturday, June 16, 2007

Tonight while working at the computer I heard a train whistle for the crossing down the road. However, this time the train sounded very odd and slow. It quickly dawned on my why. It was a rail grinder. I grabbed my video camera and drove to Boyle to see it grinding in the dark.

• 0012 Boyle - Loram rail grinder northbound - RG 310

After the video it was time for bed since Marcus was arriving in the morning to head over to Buffalo for the day. After I got some sleep Marcus arrived at my house and we left for New York state where our first destination was Angola.

• 1024 Angola, NY - CSX eastbound - CSXT 80-CSXT 788
• 1050 Angola, NY - CSX V871 west - CSXT 5496-CEFX 2800-UP 2681
• 1107 Angola, NY - CSX eastbound - CSXT 5289-CSXT 5426

After talking about what we might like to see, we decided to meander our way to North East, Pennsylvania. So we departed Angola with our first stop in Dunkirk where we discovered a parked coal train.

• 1149 Dunkirk, NY - CSX westbound - UP 7148-UP 6213

Nothing much else seemed to be coming so we continued along until we got to Brocton. We located an interesting location and stayed there for a few trains.

• 1244 Brocton, NY - CSX eastbound - CSXT 658-CSXT 692
• 1258 Brocton, NY - CSX westbound - CSXT 5430-CSXT 5500
• 1341 Brocton, NY - CSX westbound - CSXT 5413-CSXT 5444

We had just started to leave when we heard our parked coal train heading our way. We turned around and photographed it in Brocton.

• 1356 Brocton, NY - CSX westbound - UP 7148-UP 6213

Things slowed down a bit again and it was time to continue westward. Marcus wanted to see the station in Westfield, so that was our next stop. He noticed a signal lit for a westbound so we took the opportunity to photograph it by the station.

• 1437 Westfield, NY - CSX westbound - CSXT 5005-CSXT 5270

After our photographs we drove to North East, Pennsylvania and visited the Lake Shore Railway Museum. Marcus hadn't visited before so we wandered around. It's an interesting little museum with some very nice exhibits. They were busy preparing for the Fathers' Day dinner to be held in two of their vintage passenger cars. While at the museum an eastbound happened by.

• 1517 North East, PA - CSX eastbound - CSXT 5437-CSXT 7554

I also took a few photos around the museum including the "Little Joe".

• 1539 North East, PA - Lake Shore Railway Museum exhibit - CSS&SB 802

Having finished looking at the museum we drove back eastward to Remington Road to see what would arrive. Unfortunately it was nearly all eastbounds which were poorly lit.

• 1609 North East, PA - CSX eastbound - CSXT 258-CEFX 3105
• 1619 North East, PA - CSX eastbound - CSXT 5492-CSXT 5290
• 1634 North East, PA - CSX eastbound - CSXT 7709-CSXT 7619
• 1647 North East, PA - CSX westbound - CSXT 280-CSXT 8356-CSXT 8733
• 1650 North East, PA - NS 206 east - NS 9695-NS 9572
• 1700 North East, PA - CSX eastbound - CSXT 5349-LTEX 3415
• 1711 North East, PA - NS 309 west - NS 8769-NS 6638-NS 7522-NS 8756

After a very long lull, a westbound finally approached.

• 1845 North East, PA - CSX westbound - CSXT 8574-FURX 3046
• 1904 North East, PA - CSX westbound - CSXT 4747-CSXT 55
• 1941 North East, PA - CSX eastbound - CSXT 5273-CSXT 5232-CSXT 5316
• 1956 North East, PA - NS eastbound - NS 9244-NS 8306
• 2006 North East, PA - CSX westbound - CSXT 7793-CSXT 7890-CSXT 745-CSXT 5411-CSXT 5407
• 2017 North East, PA - CSX Q279 west - CSXT 7339-CSXT 7768

It was starting to get dark so Marcus and I called it a day. We managed to photograph in some new locations and saw a decent variety of trains even if CSX threw a large portion of their ES44DC roster at us. But alas it was time to return to Canada.

Trackside Log for Sunday, June 10, 2007

Well, it was day two of my Altoona, Pennsylvania trip and I awoke to yet another beautiful day. I couldn't ask for anything better. Once again I departed for Lilly to see what would show up. As soon as I pulled in I noticed an eastbound passing by. Luck was with me as the train was equipped with helpers. At least I was able to get a photograph of locomotives on the rear.

• 0723 Lilly, PA - NS eastbound - helpers NS 3347-NS 3341
• 0802 Lilly, PA - NS eastbound - NS 9679-NS 9167
• 0834 Lilly, PA - NS westbound - NS 2711-NS 9569

The next train I accidentally missed photographing the head end power, but again was able to photograph the helpers.

• 0840 Lilly, PA - NS eastbound - NS (C40-9W)-NS (C40-8) w/ helper NS 3342-NS 3339
• 0847 Lilly, PA - NS eastbound - NS 9859-NS 9732-NS 2679 w/ helper NS 3423-NS 3427
• 0851 Lilly, PA - NS westbound - NS 8398-NS 8868

I thought it might be a nice time to make the move to the steel bridge at Cassandra so off I went for beverages and new scenery. Unfortunately the traffic was rather slow for the first couple hours.

• 0916 Cassandra, PA - NS westbound helper - NS 3350-NS 3340
• 1026 Cassandra, PA - NS westbound - NS 8441-NS 2727
• 1127 Cassandra, PA - NS eastbound - NS 9144-NS 9806
• 1137 Cassandra, PA - NS westbound helper - NS 3362-NS 3425
• 1142 Cassandra, PA - NS eastbound - NS 9598-NS 9325
• 1211 Cassandra, PA - NS eastbound power - NS 9307-NS 2533
• 1216 Cassandra, PA - NS westbound (2 cars) - NS 9154-NS 9879
• 1226 Cassandra, PA - NS eastbound - NS 2730-NS 2701
• 1241 Cassandra, PA - NS westbound - NS 3338-NS 3359-NS 9201-NS 9150 w/ helper NS 3345-NS 3351

When the clock read 1300 I was about ready to leave. I decided to start driving back home but I would follow the Buffalo & Pittsburgh as far as Salamanca, New York. The first stop was Du Bois, Pennsylvania where the B&P usually stores some engines.

• 1456 Du Bois, PA - BPRR power - BPRR 886-BPRR 7822-IMRR 40

After a few photographs of the power in Du Bois I was off to Bradford where I paused for food and went to see the Rochester & Southern engine that is normally stationed there.

• 1654 Bradford, PA - BPRR power - R&S 879

After Du Bois I drove to Salamanca, New York and explored for a little while. I drove by the old Erie station which has definitely seen better days. It's in rather poor condition right now. I decided to also explore Olean, New York but found nothing terribly interesting when I got there. On a whim I chose to drive back to Canada via Gowanda, New York and visit the New York & Lake Erie to see what was there. When I was approaching the station, I was quite surprised to see a crowd gathered around. As luck would have it, at the very moment I was arriving, the freight train was returning and a truck was just finished loading a steam engine. Very quickly I photographed the freight, the steam engine and assorted other power parked around the station.

• 1912 Gowanda, NY - NYLE southbound - BSOR 5010
• 1913 Gowanda, NY - NYLE power - DL 1013-NYLE 6758
• 1913 Gowanda, NY - NYLE power - Viscose Company 6 (0-4-0T)
• 1916 Gowanda, NY - NYLE power - NYLE 6764

It turns out I picked a very opportune time to visit Gowanda. The tank engine was loaded up and left town soon after I arrived. That was a pretty amazing finish to a fine trip. Too bad they all can't be this productive!

Trackside Log for Saturday, June 9, 2007

When I woke up the previous morning I decided to go to the Altoona, Pennsylvania area for the weekend. After work I drove to the Courtyard Marriott in Altoona where I would stay two nights. So, this morning I awoke and headed to Lilly, Pennsylvania. On the way I passed through Duncansville where I espied two Everett Railroad locomotives parked along the road. I stopped to photograph them.

• 0833 Duncansville, PA - Everett Railroad power - EV 1828-EV 707

I decided that I would visit again in the afternoon when the sun was on engine 707 nicely. In the mean time it was onward to Lilly to see what Norfolk Southern would present.

• 1000 Lilly, PA - NS westbound - NS 9282-NS 2521 w/ helper NS 3362-NS 3425
• 1020 Lilly, PA - NS eastbound - NS 9404-NS 9339
• 1035 Lilly, PA - NS eastbound - NS 8361-NS 9765-NS 3014-NS 5645-NS 5083-NS 9332 w/ helper NS 3346-NS 3336
• 1040 Lilly, PA - Amtrak 42 east "Capitol Limited" - AMTK 96
• 1042 Lilly, PA - NS westbound - NS 9884-NS 8569-NS 3367 w/ helper NS 3345-NS 3351

The next stop on my list was Cassandra. When I arrived I met three railfans from Rhode Island. We wound up photographing trains and chatting for much of the day.

• 1134 Cassandra, PA - NS eastbound - NS 8832-NS xxxx
• 1138 Cassandra, PA - NS eastbound helpers - NS 3373-NS 3368
• 1157 Cassandra, PA - NS 65J west - NS 3348-NS 3354-NS 9932-NS 2512 w/ helper NS 3350-NS 3340
• 1212 Cassandra, PA - NS westbound - NS 6737-NS 8898-NS 2638
• 1251 Cassandra, PA - NS eastbound - NS 9177-NS 7549
• 1328 Cassandra, PA - NS westbound - NS 7565-NS 7590
• 1355 Cassandra, PA - NS eastbound - NS 2529-NS 3039-LTEX 1456-LTEX 1450-LTEX 1446-LTEX 1447-LTEX 1454-LTEX 1405 w/ helper NS 3351-NS 3345
• 1359 Cassandra, PA - NS westbound - NS 2773-NS 9408-NS 9978
• 1442 Cassandra, PA - NS westbound - NS 9324-NS 8911-NS 8333 w/ helper NS 3353-NS 3357

The sun angle was becoming poor so I drove back into Cresson in search of better light.

• 1505 Cresson, PA - NS eastbound - NS 9504-NS 2758
• 1521 Cresson, PA - NS eastbound helper - NS 3425-NS 3362
• 1528 Cresson, PA - NS 91J west - NS 9903-NS 9721 w/ helper NS 3374-NS 3433
• 1535 Cresson, PA - NS eastbound - NS 2727-NS 8441
• 1542 Cresson, PA - NS westbound - NS 9593 w/ helper NS 3335-NS 3352
• 1548 Cresson, PA - NS 10G east - NS 9814-UP 4409
• 1559 Cresson, PA - NS westbound - NS 9329-BNSF 890
• 1613 Cresson, PA - NS westbound - NS 2762-NS 2746
• 1627 Cresson, PA - NS westbound - NS 2763-NS 2772
• 1646 Cresson, PA - NS eastbound - NS 9926-NS 9472
• 1701 Cresson, PA - NS eastbound - NS 2673-NS 8926
• 1730 Cresson, PA - NS eastbound (travelling west) - helpers NS 3345-NS 3351

I never really figured out exactly what was going on, but the above train was an eastbound making a westward move on track 1, the eastbound track. Some problem or another was being worked out with helper sets and the loop track and they backed the train to the highway 53 bridge. It sat there for a while and then started to push eastward again. The helper set was in notch 8, slipping, and gradually moving the train. However, while it sat there the westbound Amtrak passed behind it.

• 1739 Cresson, PA - Amtrak 43 west "Capitol Limited" - AMTK 98
• 1818 Gallitzin, PA - NS westbound - NS 9747-NS 2503
• 1829 Cresson, PA - NS eastbound - NS 8324-NS 7586
• 1838 Cresson, PA - NS westbound - NS 7535-NS 7514

The light angle was starting to turn poor so I decided it would likely be a fine time to photograph the Everett Railroad again. I drove back to Duncansville to do just that.

• 1908 Duncansville, PA - Everett Railroad power - EV 707-EV 1828
• 1910 Duncansville, PA - Everett Railroad power - EV 4
• 1911 Duncansville, PA - Everett Railroad equipment - EV 91517

It had been a stellar day and productive. I concluded it was time to call it a day so I headed back to the Courtyard for the evening.

Trackside Log for Monday, June 4, 2007

Today I had no sooner pulled into my driveway after work when I heard the Canadian Pacific Hamilton Subdivision dispatcher issue a clearance to a northbound out of Welland yard. I quickly got my cameras and walked behind my property to photograph a train back there for the first time since I moved in.

• 1646 Fenwick - CP 427 north - CP 8624-CP 8544

I felt better about having photographed essentially at home and I returned home to edit some video.

Trackside Log for Sunday, June 3, 2007

Today I really wanted to get out of the house and go trackside. My destination of choice was Fort Erie. Unfortunately it was oppressively hot and humid. I didn't last very long, but I did manage to photograph a couple interesting trains.

• 1000 Fort Erie - CN 339 east - CN 8007-CN 2504
• 1025 Fort Erie - CN 339 east - CN 8007-CN 2504
• 1116 Fort Erie - CN 332 west - CN 2201
• 1139 Fort Erie - NS 369 west - NS 3256-NS 3401
• 1153 Duff - NS 369 west - NS 3256-NS 3401

That was all I could handle. I headed home and bypassed a couple Canadian Pacific trains that were interesting, but I just didn't want to be outside any more.

Trackside Log for Sunday, May 27, 2007

The previous night I went to the Hamilton Bulldogs game with my sister. They beat the Chicago Wolves and advanced to the Calder Cup finals to face the Hershey Bears. Way to go Dogs!

I spent the night at my sister's house and wanted to visit Canadian Tire as well as spend some time outside. The weather was reasonable. It was a little cloudy, but bright enough to shoot slides so I drove over to Copetown for a little while. Nothing happened for nearly two hours until finally train 271 rumbled up the escarpment.

• 1246 Copetown - CN 271 west - CN 5445-CN 9523
• 1254 Copetown - Via 72 east - VIA 920
• 1259 Copetown - Via 73 west - VIA 915/VIA 6428

It was too quiet so I packed it in and headed to Canadian Tire.

Trackside Log for Saturday, May 19, 2007

Well, it was the long weekend an a beautiful day as well. I felt like seeing if I could find some trains. I hadn't been to Fort Erie for a little while so I thought I'd head over at least until Norfolk Southern train 369 arrived. It took a while, but eventually a train arrived.

• 1100 Fort Erie - CP 427 west - CP 9010-CP 5924-CP 5911-CP 8850
• 1255 Fort Erie - CP 256 east - SOO 6037-CP 6052-SOO 6051
• 1351 Fort Erie - NS 369 west - NS 8693-NS 9041

Amazing. I sit on Canadian National track for hours and only see Canadian Pacific and Norfolk Southern trains. Not much was going on so I drove back home to catalogue some slides. Eventually I heard some horns in the distance and went out to see what Canadian Pacific was running.

• 1841 Fenwick - CP 426 south - CP 5741-CP 5814-CP 5775

On the positive side of things, Canadian Pacific only ran one GE locomotive and it was brand new. I was happy to see the SD40-2 in abundance.

Trackside Log for Sunday, May 6, 2007

It was another bright sunny day and I felt compelled to spend it outside with a camera in hand. The ship Yankcanuck was traversing the Welland Canal so I started out the day with a trip to see it. On the way I heard Canadian National train 422 departing Port Robinson. I had time so I detoured to see it first.

• 0811 Niagara Falls - CN 422 west - CN 2453-GCFX 3053

Then I drove back to the canal to see the Yankcanuck. After watching it make its way past the guard gate I started my trip to Georgetown. I hadn't been there in a long time and it afforded me the opportunity to see Shane again.

• 1143 Georgetown - Via 85 west - VIA 6416
• 1159 Georgetown - CN 384 east - CN 5682-CN 2520
• 1213 Georgetown - CN 385 west - CN 5611-NS 9034
• 1330 Georgetown - CN 422 east - CN 2453-GCFX 3053

The sun angle was improving at Scotch Block, so I left Georgetown in favour of the nice scenery at mile 30 of the Canadian National Halton Subdivision.

• 1409 Scotch Block - CN 338 east - CN 2558-CEFX 3131
• 1423 Scotch Block - CN 148 east - CN 5723-CN 5416
• 1434 Scotch Block - CN 392 east - CSX 5298-BNSF 4959-GCFX 3069
• 1647 Scotch Block - CN 393 west - CN 5709-CN 5459-CN 2557
• 1748 Scotch Block - CN 398 east - CN 2433-CN 2422

While there a variety of other folks arrived for some welcome company particularly during the two hour quiet time. I was getting hungry and the day was getting on so after train 398 I returned home.

Trackside Log for Saturday, May 5, 2007

It was a stunningly sunny day for a change so I got up and drove for the border. It had been a while since I'd last spent a day in Angola, New York. Traffic was very light at the Peace Bridge so I made good time. No sooner had I arrived at Sturgeon Point Road when a trio of eastbounds appeared including a late Amtrak.

• 0946 Angola, NY - CSX Q114 east - CSXT 4775-CSXT 4829
• 1003 Angola, NY - Amtrak 48 east - AMTK 204-AMTK 95
• 1009 Angola, NY - CSX eastbound - CSXT 5261-CSXT 5251
• 1059 Angola, NY - CSX westbound - CSXT 4803-CSXT 5375
• 1117 Angola, NY - CSX eastbound - CSXT 250-CSXT 172
• 1129 Angola, NY - CSX eastbound - CSXT 9012-CSXT 7865
• 1205 Angola, NY - CSX westbound - CSXT 5430-CSXT 5234
• 1217 Angola, NY - CSX westbound - CSXT 5412-CSXT 741

Then at 1229 I got hosed by a meet right in front of me. The westbound had a Union Pacific SD70M for a leader with a CSX trailing. The eastbound was a pair of CSX GE's. I was unable to get decent photographs of either train.

My stomach was trying to tell me something so I drove into the village of Angola for food. I picked up a tuna sandwich at The Twister and ate it trackside.

• 1320 Angola, NY - CSX Q279 west - CSXT 9041-HLCX 7175
• 1332 Angola, NY - CSX eastbound - CSXT 5266-CSXT 7680
• 1341 Angola, NY - CSX Q274 east - CSXT 669-HLCX 7231

After lunch the angle of the sun was getting poor so I made my way to Blasdell for a better location. As soon as I arrived a local police officer checked me out. He was the second. An Evans officer stopped at Angola. In eight years I'd never been approached around western New York until this day. Weird.

• 1440 Blasdell, NY - CSX Q109 west - CSXT 5118-CSXT 4816
• 1451 Blasdell, NY - CSX westbound - CSXT 5001-CSXT 662
• 1510 Blasdell, NY - NS 309 west - NS SD60-NS C40-8W
• 1601 Blasdell, NY - CSX Q378 east - NS 7514-CSXT 7794
• 1616 Blasdell, NY - CSX S290 east - CSXT 7521
• 1644 Blasdell, NY - CSX Q167 west - CSXT 4809-CSXT 685
• 1645 Blasdell, NY - South Buffalo westbound - BPRR 1511-BPRR 1512
• 1657 Blasdell, NY - CSX eastbound - CSXT 5326-CSXT 8663
• 1717 Blasdell, NY - CSX eastbound - CSXT 625-CSXT 7584
• 1740 Blasdell, NY - CSX Q291 west - CSXT 7358-CSXT 8536
• 1747 Blasdell, NY - CSX Q119 west - CSXT 5433-CSXT 5410
• 1810 Blasdell, NY - CSX Q116 east - CSXT 5480-CSXT 5305

While at Blasdell a variety of people happened by. After 1800 I was getting tired so I bid farewell to New York and made for home. When passing through Netherby I heard the Canadian National NI dispatcher mention that trains 431 and 333 were approaching Robins. I managed to catch the latter.

• 1857 Welland - CN 333 east - CN 5676

Then while passing Canadian Pacific's Welland Yard I espied train 427. I aimed to see it in Fenwick.

• 1948 Fenwick - CP 427 north - CP 5750-CP 5833-CP 5664

It had been a busy but photographically productive day.

Trackside Log for Monday, April 30, 2007

I left work a bit early today to take care of my taxes. OK, so it's the last day but I procrastinated well. Besides, I was getting money back, so it wasn't a big deal. Anyway, I heard that train 255 was leaving Welland so I popped over to take a look at it in the bright sun.

• 1554 Fenwick - CP 255 north - CP 9596-CP 9735

After a couple photographs I returned home. A while later I heard train 426 call out Boyle so I drove to a nice location to photograph it.

• 1735 Fenwick - CP 426 south - CP 8809-CP 5641

There was a bit of cloud in the way, but it was thin.

Trackside Log for Sunday, April 29, 2007

Today I spent the morning outside washing my car on a nice sunny day. After completing the task I heard a horn off in the distance. A southbound was approaching. I grabbed my camera and legged it to the crossing.

• 1240 Fenwick - CP 254 south - CP 8839-CP 9586

After the photo I walked back home.

Trackside Log for Saturday, April 21, 2007

Hokey smokes! The sun! I'd forgotten what it looked like. Since it was so nice and not much else was going on I took off early to photograph ships and trains. First I drove to Port Colborne to see the Appolon. Then, on my way to Thorold to see the Fairlane I discovered train 339 in Port Robinson.

• 0906 Port Robinson - CN 339 east - CN 2604-CN 6025-CN 2608

After photographing the Fairlane I went to Fort Erie where several trains were due. First to arrive was Canadian National train 332.

• 1151 Fort Erie - CN 332 west - CN 5735-CN 2421

Canadian Pacific train 256 arrived as well but was blocked by train 332 while it lifted engine 6025 that was cut out by train 339 earlier. Eventually train 332 cleared so I was able to photograph train 256.

• 1233 Fort Erie - CP 256 east - CP 9537-CP 9003

Train 256 also had to wait for Norfolk Southern train 369.

• 1240 Fort Erie - NS 369 west - NS 8865-NS 9058

Afer train 369 cleared the bridge train 256 was able to depart. Nothing else was imminent so I departed for Port Colborne to see more canal activity.

Trackside Log for Saturday, April 14, 2007

I was pretty tired the day before so I slept in a bit and elected to relax for much of the day. Train 256 rumbled through in the morning with CEFX 1042 leading but I didn't go see it. A little later train 255 was switching Welland yard so I waited for it to get a clearance and headed out to see it.

• 1044 Fenwick - CP 255 north - CP 8834-CP 8611

After a few photographs I returned home.

Trackside Log for Sunday, April 8, 2007

Easter Sunday proved to be quite slow on the railways around Niagara.  However, in the afternoon Canadian Pacific started to pick up.  First I heard a clearanace for train 255 with a Norfolk Southern leader.  Now that is unusual.

• 1619 Welland - CP 255 north - NS 9405-CP 6063-CEFX 1044

I chased train 255 back to the yard in Welland where I also met up with train 256.

• 1638 Welland - CP 255 north - NS 9405-CP 6063-CEFX 1044
• 1641 Welland - CP 256 south - CP 8642-CEFX 1050-CP 8518

Not bad.  Unfortunately the weather was lousy, but I still managed to get a few slides.  After finishing work at Welland I caught the train again in Fenwick.

• 1734 Fenwick - CP 255 north - NS 9405-CP 6063-CEFX 1044

I think three locations for the train was sufficient. I returned home for the evening.

Trackside Log for Friday, April 6, 2007

This was good Friday and a day off. I decided I'd relax for the day and if anything interesting happened by I'd go out to see it. A light power train 426 passed by around 1300 so I figured to catch its return as 427. After a while I heard it coming and went out to see it.

• 1455 Fenwick - CP 427 north - CP 5864-CP 5662

It sure is nice to see some SD40-2's again. That seems strange to say considering it wasn't that long ago when all we ever saw on Canadian Pacific was SD40-2s.

Trackside Log for Sunday, April 1, 2007

Much of the day was wet and miserable so I spent it working on things in the house and running a few errands. I heard Canadian Pacific train 255 working in the yard and once again figured I would photograph it when it left. I zipped up the road to photograph it crossing Church Street.

• 1402 Fenwick - CP 255 north - CP 8518-CP 8818-CP 8637-CP 9831

It crossed the detector at mile 28 with 420 axles. After it passed I resumed my work at home. After a while train 257 also received a clearance out of Welland. The sun was starting to come out again so I went to find a nice place to photograph the train. There were a number of clouds in Fenwick but the sky to the west was clear so I headed that way to find a nice sunny location. Dengo Road in St. Anns fit the bill.

• 1852 St. Anns - CP 257 north - CP 9501

Feeling satisfied with some very nice light I headed back home again.

Trackside Log for Saturday, March 31, 2007

Once again the weather forecast bore no semblance of reality. The anticipated sunny morning was very overcast. I wanted to get out so I headed for Fort Erie to meet up with train 339. En route I heard that train 331 was leaving Duff so I intercepted it.

• 1009 Stevensville - CN 331 west - CN 5421-IC 6256-CN 8023

Upon arrival at Fort Erie I grabbed some food before checking out train 339 who was switching.

• 1039 Fort Erie - CN 339 east - CN 2221-CN 2524-CN 5457

Next I decided to photograph train 331 again. I departed for Merritton to wait for it to finish its work at Port Robinson.

• 1147 Merritton - CN 331 west - CN 5421-IC 6256-CN 8023

At that point I felt like going home, so I did. While relaxing around home I heard Canadian Pacific train 255 working Welland yard. When they got their clearance to proceed north I zipped out to see it.

• 1505 Fenwick - CP 255 north - CP 8839-CEFX 3171-CEFX 7108

It turned out to be a nice colourful consist of red, blue and green. I even lucked out as the sun was coming out.

Trackside Log for Thursday, March 29, 2007

I had my French class after work at Niagara College in Niagara-on-the-Lake.  Before I left work I checked what ships were in the canal.  The Atlantic Superior was going to be at Lock 1 before class so I decided to go see it.  However, on the way I heard the Trillium guys get permission from the Canadian National NI dispatcher to cross the Grimsby Subdivision.  I thought it would be nice to photograph them somewhere in Thorold and picked a nice spot alongside the canal.

• 1745 Thorold - Trillium southbound - TR 110

After photographing the S-13 I drove to Lock 1 to see the Atlantic Superior.  As I arrived it was just entering the lock.  Unfortunately that doesn't yield any decent photographic angles so I crossed the canal and drove to the college.  I'll have to try again on its next voyage.

Trackside Log for Wednesday, March 28, 2007

When I got home after work I set about some tasks that needed doing. At around 1700 or so a surprise southbound passed behind my house. It was quite short and I had no idea what it was. I turned on the scanner and heard it switching the yard in Welland. Evidently it was a Welland turn. It's the first I've heard. Eventually they finished in Welland and turned back north so I ventured out to take a look.

• 1931 Fenwick - CP Welland turn north - STLH 5593-CP 5868

While waiting I heard the train also talk with a train 427 which is also new. It was getting very dark so I went back home for some food.

Trackside Log for Sunday, March 25, 2007

I spent the morning at home working on various projects including the addition of more photos to the Randy Masales collection. I had the scanner on and listened to train 255 get a clearance out of Welland yard. I hadn't photographed at Boyle for a while so I chose that location.

• 1249 Boyle - CP 255 north - CP 8771-CP 9821

After the photograph I returned home. During the five minutes it took to drive back the sun started to come out. Figures.

Trackside Log for Saturday, March 24, 2007

It was a miserable day in Niagara and I spent much of the day at home working at setting up a new server. However, I needed to get some groceries and heard that Canadian Pacific train 256 was on its way. After getting the food I heard the distant sound of horns and decided to see the train even though it was quite misty.

• 1457 Fenwick - CP 256 south - CP 9824-CP 8574

After the photo I went back home to put away the food and post the photo. A while later, while relaxing at home, I heard train 255 get its clearance to proceed north. I figured I had just enough light to get a digital photo. My 100 ISO slides were out of the question.

• 1902 Fenwick - CP 255 north - CP 8735-CP 8832-CP 5616

Yeah, it was pretty dark, but the photo worked out not too bad all things considered. After the excitement I figured I could use a pizza.

Trackside Log for Friday, March 23, 2007

Today I was driving home from work early so I could concentrate on some documentation when I heard Canadian Pacific train 255 get a clearance out of Welland yard. I stopped at home to pick up my camera and then headed trackside to photograph it.

• 1443 Fenwick - CP 255 north - CP 9638-CP 8534

After the photos I headed home to get to work.

Trackside Log for Monday, March 19, 2007

It was the day after the excellent St. Patrick's Day Parade in Montreal and time to head back to Ontario. We said our goodbye's to Ken, Sam picked up some smoked meat, and we were off. Once again we stopped at Coteau on the way by. This time the Ottawa Central was there with three RS-18's but my timing was off and we couldn't photograph them in the yard. However, as before, a Canadian National eastbound was on the way.

• 1242 Coteau, Quebec - CN eastbound - CN 8013-CN 5387-IC 6060

We also stopped by Dalhousie, Quebec where there is a very interesting Canadian Pacific water tower. The weather was getting very dark though and I didn't feel like sticking around for any trains. Following a long drive we were back home after a great weekend.

Trackside Log for Friday, March 16, 2007

I was in Montreal for the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Sam and I were looking for something to do for the morning.  I thought it would be nice to head down to Farnham and see what the Montreal, Maine and Atlantic was up to.  Sam was game for an adventure so we set off.  When I got to Farnham a northbound was just getting a clearance.  I headed to Cowansville to intercept it.

• 1143 Cowansville, Quebec - MMA northbound - MMA 8583

We then paced it back to Farnham.

• 1156 Brigham, Quebec - MMA northbound - MMA 8583
• 1205 Farnham, Quebec - MMA northbound - MMA 8583

After having lunch at a local eatery we dropped by the yard again to see if anything else had shown up.  As luck would have it a painted B39-8 was now present.

• 1259 Farnham, Quebec - MMA power - MMA 8569
• 1304 Farnham, Quebec - MMA power - MMA 227

We were to meet up with Ken in Montreal for the afternoon so we returned north.