The Real Terminator
all above
A little over two months ago I began a series on here documenting B09, the (on paper) daily coil train that has recently been using a set of SD40-2s for power after years of widecab GE garbage. I stopped posting soon after and focused on exploring the SCIH, but that was only as far as uploading was concerned. I've managed to make time for B09 nearly every weekend since I began, whether that proves I'm persistent or have no life whatsoever outside of work is up for debate, but regardless: where we left off!
An early October rendition of B09 heads back east, backlit against some late afternoon sun. Per the usual I had shot this guy around the Harbor Belt portion of the trip then chased it eastward once they had a clear shot to leave. What I didn't expect was to be caught by a gigantic manifest on the CN en route, and I was almost certain my chances of beating this guy anywhere were thrown out the window.
But alas, coils are quite heavy and SD40s are not the most powerful motors in the world. I made it to the east side of Gary, parked my car, and ran up a rather steep embankment to see if I could see any sign of them having passed, but a green signal gave me the reassurance that I had somehow beat them. So I dashed across the tracks very irresponsibly and here we are.
B09 heads east thru Gary with 41 loaded coil sleds, snaking stealthily thru the city. The rusted rail in the immediate foreground is actually the Virginia St. underpass - yes there is actually a street under there. And for distant observers, the long-abandoned Gary Union Station is seen looming directly behind the train. Most importantly though, I am pleased to say that this pair sounded as good as the smoke would make it out to be!
all above
A little over two months ago I began a series on here documenting B09, the (on paper) daily coil train that has recently been using a set of SD40-2s for power after years of widecab GE garbage. I stopped posting soon after and focused on exploring the SCIH, but that was only as far as uploading was concerned. I've managed to make time for B09 nearly every weekend since I began, whether that proves I'm persistent or have no life whatsoever outside of work is up for debate, but regardless: where we left off!
An early October rendition of B09 heads back east, backlit against some late afternoon sun. Per the usual I had shot this guy around the Harbor Belt portion of the trip then chased it eastward once they had a clear shot to leave. What I didn't expect was to be caught by a gigantic manifest on the CN en route, and I was almost certain my chances of beating this guy anywhere were thrown out the window.
But alas, coils are quite heavy and SD40s are not the most powerful motors in the world. I made it to the east side of Gary, parked my car, and ran up a rather steep embankment to see if I could see any sign of them having passed, but a green signal gave me the reassurance that I had somehow beat them. So I dashed across the tracks very irresponsibly and here we are.
B09 heads east thru Gary with 41 loaded coil sleds, snaking stealthily thru the city. The rusted rail in the immediate foreground is actually the Virginia St. underpass - yes there is actually a street under there. And for distant observers, the long-abandoned Gary Union Station is seen looming directly behind the train. Most importantly though, I am pleased to say that this pair sounded as good as the smoke would make it out to be!