Climbing the Met
It's November 3rd, 1980 and this loaded grain train is climbing eastbound at Gaithersburg, MD. The train is seen just after having passed the signals at "Wards" (named for a local station agent and merchant), and is crossing Chestnut St. This is the second eastbound grade on the B&O's Metropolitan Sub, and extends from Great Seneca Creek up to Summit Ave in downtown Gaithersburg. No doubt there is a pair of helpers assisting, which will cut off on the fly at Summit Ave before getting permission to proceed lite westbound. After cresting the grade, WM 7548 will have the task of holding the train back, as it's all downhill to Rock Creek, a distance of about 10 miles. Photo by Joe Van Hoorebeke, JL Sessa collection.
Climbing the Met
It's November 3rd, 1980 and this loaded grain train is climbing eastbound at Gaithersburg, MD. The train is seen just after having passed the signals at "Wards" (named for a local station agent and merchant), and is crossing Chestnut St. This is the second eastbound grade on the B&O's Metropolitan Sub, and extends from Great Seneca Creek up to Summit Ave in downtown Gaithersburg. No doubt there is a pair of helpers assisting, which will cut off on the fly at Summit Ave before getting permission to proceed lite westbound. After cresting the grade, WM 7548 will have the task of holding the train back, as it's all downhill to Rock Creek, a distance of about 10 miles. Photo by Joe Van Hoorebeke, JL Sessa collection.