Finally back home after a couple work trips. So this morning, I tried to head out and catch Providence & Worcester train NR-2 somewhere. Plus it’s been a while since I was able to shoot the good old P&W. So I did a few things when I got in, and made myself go out to catch NR-2 somewhere along the Norwich Branch.
I headed out a bit early, thinking that it was still too early for NR-2 to have traffic for Tilcon every day, and that they’d be in the area fairly early. Well, my gamble paid off – not long after I hit the road, NR-2 was reporting that they were south of MP12 and about 15 minutes from the sub base. So I set my sights on an old stand-by – Mill Cove.
I got there a few minutes before NR-2 was on the scene, so I got my gear ready. As I was doing that, a silver SUV pulled up and parked at Erickson Park. Looks like another fan would be photographing NR-2. How do I know he was a fan? I think the camera gave it away…along with the timing.
A couple minutes later, once I heard the marker on the scanner, I headed to the south end of the cove to get my shots. The fellow fan stayed put and got his shots from the park.
Soon after getting into position, Rod reported over the radio that they were south of MP5. Then the train began sounding for the crossing at Red Top. Just then, the fan at the park got into position by the boat launch.
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And here comes NR-2 – well, a quite overpowered train, I must add.
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Yep, I think 5 locomotives for 2 loads is a bit overpowered. I think it’s pretty obvious the P&W is moving power to New Haven for the upcoming stone season.
Anyways, I got a couple more standard shots of the train rounding the curve
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And a shot of NR-2 chasing off a Canada Goose
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Not too bad. As the train rolled out of sight, I climbed back in the car and made my way to the Thames River for my next series of shots.
I got there in time to catch a couple Amtraks crossing the river. First up was 190. The first frame I got also has the new Thames River drawbridge lift span in the background.
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And a couple of the train crossing the bridge
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OK, next up was 171 – and NR-2 should be following them. Now to wait.
While waiting, the Electric Boat boat went by
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Then 171 hit the Midway detector – that only put them a few minutes out. So it was time to get back to the side of the river to get them crossing.
Right on cue, 171 pulled onto the drawbridge
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And this next shot was a lucky one – I got a seagull soaring by in the top corner of the frame, as 171 crosses the drawbridge span
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Once they pick up their passengers in New London, NR-2 should be along. Just as 171 pulled out of the station, NR-2 started rolling across the bridge.
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And a couple shots of the train crossing the span
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As they rolled off of the bridge, I headed for the next spot to get a couple shots as they headed through New London.
First shot was waaaaay across – I got them rolling over Governor Winthrop Blvd.
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Then a few shots of the train heading for Shaw’s Cove
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Well, that was a nice return to the “comfort zone” along the Thames. Maybe if I can get out tomorrow, I can try something different…we’ll see.
Thanks for looking!
Tom
