Unexpected Heritage power on a wet day

[E.M. Bell]

This past Friday morning 12/07/12, I left the house early, headed for Illinois to spend the weekend shooting Santa Trains on the IC, P&W and NS...a weekend chocked full of E and F units.  I didn't have to be up there till that evening, and planned on slowly making my way North and do a little exploring on the way..

As I left the house that morning, a Westbound train was going by the front door at the Jreb world HQ, but I didn't have a radio on yet. About 10 miles down the road, I heard that train (77J) get a track authority with NYC 1066 leading.. It was still dark and pouring rain, but I headed for Waddy Ky  in hopes the sun might be up by the time train got there.  77J made good time and got to Waddy well ahead of the sun, so I cranked up the ISO and did what I could. It was dark, cold and still raining hard as they started in the siding to meet 275, but the slow speed was lucky for me, and I managed a few shots. It was one of those dark, moody mornings that few other folks would have bothered with, but I love that kind of shot, and was very pleased with my results. It never hurts to get a little wet!

After doing all I could do with the 77J, I hit the interstate again and headed on North. After spending a few hours around Huntingburg Indiana, I made a 2 hour pit stop at Centrailia Illinois late in the afternoon. My main goal was to shoot Amtrak and maybe get a few CNIC trains (and accomplished those goals), but I would also have my second ( Unexpected ) heritage encounter. Shortly after getting there, I heard a Westbound NS train call the CN RTC to request a light across the IC diamond. Shortly, a headlight appeared on the NS main, and there was the PRR 8102 on the point! Not satisfied with the crappy shot I got at the diamond, I somehow made my way across town in traffic and beat them to West Centrailia for another shot. This time, the sun popped out for a minute or Two, letting me get what I wanted..

As Adam Wells says, "I would rather be lucky than good any day"...and luck was with me for sure!

The whole set can be seen at this link if ya want to look...here are the highlights.. http://www.pbase.com/kd4jsl/ocs12

NS 77j pulls into the siding at East Waddy KY, with the NYC 1066 leading...the sun had yet to show itself, and the rain and fog where in full control.


NYC 1066 just past the firehouse at Waddy, with a little better light and still plenty of rain. My Cannon 50D is simply amazing in low light, and this was shot hand held with ambient light only..


West Waddy, waiting for a good signal as the the rain eased up and the fog started to roll in.


Later in the day, and 200+ miles to the West, PRR 8102 brings a lite power move across the IC diamond at Centrailia Illinois


And...8102 again passing a Manure spreader graveyard at West Centrailia Illinois.

[Badhorse79]

Nice shots there EM... now if the PC loco was around,  that woulda been "fareakaaaaay"

[chipallen16]

I think that first shot may be my favorite ever: the darkness, heavy rain and fog, the meet, and the solitary headlights and signal lights show the butt of it all. That's straight-up, nothing else to it railroading, and I've heard many a story about scary, intense pre-dawn meets in weather like this. Great job, EM!

-Chip 

[thpbears]

Nice shots as always EM. I have to get around posting the shot I got on the steam train of you and your wife as we went by waving hysterically.

[Matt L]

Excellent shots! The 2nd shot is my favorite... catching a train in low, misty light is a tricky task and you mastered it, E.M.

[Kentucky & Indiana Terminal RR]

I keep looking for ice in that second shot, it just looks coooooooooold! Nice work

[E.M. Bell]

Thanks for all the comments fellers...its nice to know there are some folks out there that like the non-traditional, bad weather images..

I figure that if the Railroads (and railroaders) have to work day and night in all kinds of weather, then why not shoot them that way?? Chip, with all the RR images out there from a lot of photographers a LOT better than I will ever be , your comment made my day  

[chipallen16]

Haha, I'm glad then! You're completely right about the weather. We often neglect to shoot in rainy weather (mainly because it's hard to stay dry), but I may start with it. I can take a little bit of rain for one video if a brakeman can take a hurricane during his shift.

-Chip 

[NSMoWandS]

Great shots EM. Funny how the PRR is the same color of the rusting farm equipment... The 2nd shot would be a great entry into "Trains Mag" contest this year. Theme is "blue hour". Dan

[E.M. Bell]

Bears, if you find that shot of us, feel free to post it.. Some folks my need something to line a bird cage with