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One more from this last spot from this fun chase since it's one of the top locations in Rhode Island in my opinion.
The Providence and Worcester Railroad's Valley Falls based local PR-3 crew is in command of a 79 car unit ethanol train (plus two spacers) destined for the Shell tank farm at the Port of Providence. They are pulling down what I believe used to be called track 6 but is now just a long yard track tailing out the south (west) end of Cranston Yard. Counting from right to left from the train are Amtrak New Haven Line Mains 2, 1, and 3 Wellington Siding.
Main 3 is noteworthy in that it was built as the dedicated freight track between 2002 and 2006, as the culmination of a decade long process known as the Rhode Island Freight Rail Improvement Project on 22 miles of of the NEC from Boston Switch to Davisville. 17 miles of dedicated track were built or refurbished and 5 miles of the shared Amtrak mains were constructed to accommodate auto rack clearances beneath the wires. Main 3 has no catenary so Amtrak can't use it though MBTA trains to and from Wickford Jct. do.
The wide catenary poles spanning all 5 tracks make photographic opportunities wonderful in the afternoon here for southbound (timetable west) trains. The problem, however, is that the only freight that comes to Cranston in daylight normally is local PR-3 but they never have a big enough train requiring them to pull this far down. The only time they would be seen here is when they head to the old Warwick Railway which is where this track continues (it no longer ties back into the main on the west end) by curling off about 1000 ft behind me to cross Elmwood Ave and reach Safety Kleen. That is the only customer left on what is now known as the Warwick Industrial but was once and independent shortline under a mile in length that interchanged here in Auburn (the section of town this is know as) with the New Haven, Penn Central, and Conrail until being purchased by the PW around 1981.
So while not impossible to catch PR-3 down here in good light, it is very uncommon since they don't switch Safety Kleen very often and when they do it is normally early before the light has swung around. Thanks to the length of these ethanol trains however they have to pull much further in order for their rear end to clear CRANSTON interlocking where I shot them prior as they crossed Amtrak's Northeast Corridor to reach the yard from Main 3. They are just west of MP 180, and having made their cut they are now shoving back up onto the Harbor Junction Running track between I95 and the Zoo to begin the work of spotting up their train.
Looking like the proud independent regional I grew up with, three red and brown units are on the point. GP38-2s 2007 and 2006 are original to the road having been built new for the then only 7 year independent company by EMD in Nov. and Dec. 1980 respectively), and have spent their entire careers working these rails. Trailing is GE B39-8E 3903 which was blt. Apr. 1988 as LMX 8594.
Cranston, Rhode Island
Monday February 5, 2024
Mt. Walker, on Hood Canal is covered by a forest, filled with rhododenrons. I've never seen so many wild rhodies in one place. Only some are currently in bloom. I think it will peak in about two weeks. I visited on Saturday, and was lucky enough to have foggy conditions. Thanks for looking!
Canon 5D
24-105@40mm
10s f/14
polarizer
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Kevin Pieper-2008
Mt. Walker, Olympic Peninsula, Washington
With Amtrak 171 and 66 out of the way, Providence and Worcester Railroad's Valley Falls based local PR3 has gotten the ok from the agent to proceed through Providence station and is throttling up as they head west on Track 7 at about MP 185.7 on Amtrak's New Haven Line main. Due to having hazmat loads in their train they had to hold up outside the station tunnel account Amtrak's rules require the platforms to be clear of passengers when hazardous loads pass thru. They are on their way to Cranston Yard where they will leave the main to head out the Harbor Junction Running Track to the port of Providence and proceed with their day's work. Leading the short train are PW GP38-2s 2006 and 2008 which were built new for the then only 7 year newly independent road by EMD in Feb. and Dec. 1980 respectively.
The anchor flag of the 13th state is visible above the trees flying proudly atop the east side of the Rhode Island State House above the Senate chamber. The top is covered in scaffolding as the pedestal is repaired so that the fourteen foot tall gold plated 'independent man' statue can be reinstalled. To learn about this work check out this link:
www.rimonthly.com/independent-man/
From the official tour guide pamphlet:
Overlooking downtown Providence
from Smith Hill, the State House is the center of Rhode Island government. It was
designed by the renowned New York firm of McKim, Mead and White in 1891-
94 and constructed between 1895 and 1904. Built of white Georgia marble, its
facade is dominated by the fourth largest selfsupporting marble covered dome in
the world. The largest is that of St. Peter’s in Vatican City, followed by the domes
of the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul and the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. The
State House is considered an outstanding example of the American Renaissance
architecture style. As in 16th century Renaissance architecture, this style reflects
that of ancient Greece and Rome, an appropriate model for a building dedicated to
representative democracy.
One railroad connection for those not aware, the same architectural firm that designed this gorgeous monument was also responsible for the famed and tragically lost Pennsylvania Station in Manhattan less than a decade after the completion of the state capitol here.
Providence, Rhode Island
Monday June 17, 2024
It's finally peak bloom at the nearby Crystal Springs Rhodendron Park. I'm not a rhody I.D. expert, so I'll need to request assitance for formal I.D. (please and thank you!).
"Hawksbill Rhodies"
The Carolina Rhododendron are blooming nicely atop Hawksbill Mountain.
Linville Gorge Wilderness Area.
Tokina 11-16 f2.8
Exposure: 0.04 sec (1/25)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 16 mm
Hoya Pro 1 Digital CPL
If you have a moment, please view large to experience where I was standing :)
Well, since my last creek/waterfall outing was such a challenge, I ventured into the forrest in search of wild rhododendrons. I kept getting deeper and deeper up this mountain, seeing different rhodies in the distance only to get up to them and be dissapointed in the comps. Then up ahead, I saw a cluster of what looked like nice mature blooms and came to this pov. I was quite pleased with it. I just wish there would have been a more interesting sky through the trees. Oh well, I guess I like it anyway & I hope you do too :)
FL Week 18: photographer's choice
Over 700 varieties of rhodedendrons from around the world can be enjoyed at the Rhodedendron Species Botanical Garden. I discovered that rhodies come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. These tiny delights seemed to be sprinkled with gold dust.
Not a true macro by strict definition, but as close as I can get with a 1:2 "macro" lens. (2015:22/52)
Wild Rhododendron getting ready to bloom: Forest Plants and Wild Flowers in Nature Gold Creek Trail, Kitsap Peninsula Nature
This lake is way up in the mountains above Scotts Mill, OR after a very long gravel log road drive....
Perspective is decidedly looking up!
Best when viewed large, on black. Press "L" on your keyboard to view large on black.
More of my images can be viewed (and purchased!) at Gary Grossman Photography - www.garygrossmanphotography.com or www.zenfolio.com/ggman.
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