I was able to catch Providence & Worcester train NR-2 this morning on their way south through Ledyard, CT. Quite the contrast to yesterday’s gloomy reflections. Today sported a bright blue sky, accomponied by deep blue water on the Thames River and Mill Cove.
As I was driving up Military Highway in Groton, I heard NR-2 come across the scanner reporting that they were south of MP7, but had to stop at Dow to do a bit of work. Perfect, that should give me enough time to get to the cove well in advance of the train’s arrival. A short 5 minute wait gave me what I wanted – NR-2 coming back on the radio to report to the Worcester dispatcher that they were south of MP5 – the traditional call which then prompted the dispatcher to give NR-3 permission down to Dow to do their normal switching. A minute later, the headlights were peeking through the leafless trees to the north and the GEs horns sounded for the crossing at Red Top. A short NR-2 made it’s way down the causeway along a deep blue Mill Cove.
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Next stop on the way back was the overlook on the Thames River just south of the drawbridge. While I was waiting for NR-2 to geth their clearance to head west, the Envirolab III, and oceanographic vessel, was making their way north in the Thames, which was followed on the rails by an eastbound Acela that crossed over the bridge.
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And finally, NR-2 got their permission to head west – only after an Amtrak flagman gave up his foul time on the west leg of the Groton wye.
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Once NR-2 got onto the New London side of the river, it was time to head back to the shop.
Incidentially, in case you’re wondering why you’re seeing almost the same shot at the same place under varying conditions – I’m working on a slideshow that shows certian spots in all types of weather. Call it something like the four seasons of xxx location. Ther is a method to my madness….
Thanks for looking!
Tom
