P&W NR-2 at Mill Cove & over the Thames River, with an Acela

Spring has finally sprung around southeastern Connecticut. The leaves have all sprouted, and everthing is looking nice and green of late. Today I decided to take my walk around the Mill Cove area in Ledyard to take in some of the greenery, and of coursse use it as a backdrop to the southbound Providence & Worcester train NR-2.

I got up to Mill Cove well in advance of the train – giving me plenty of time to walk around, get my daily excersise in, and also scout around for angles. Well, one of the standard angles looked good to me. Just as I finished up my walk, NR-2 reported to the Worcester dispatcher that they were south of MP5. That gave me enough time to move to the spot at the south end of Mill Cove in time for the train’s move south.

Just as I was climbing the hillside into position, NR-2 started sounding for the crossing at Red Top. A moment later, they appeared from behind the newly greenery and rolled along the causeway seperating Mill Cove and the Thames River.

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And while they were rolling across the bridge at the inlet to the cove, I noticed a new family of geese walking along the grassy area near me. So I did my best to incorporate the new additions to the scene.

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And I got one of the trailing power with the NRG Generation plant across the river in Montville in the background.

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Just as the trailing power passed, I got a quick note on the horn – I thought the voice over the radio sounded familiar when they called they were clear of MP5. Seemed like Tom was in the rear locomotive and gave me a little “hello” as he passed.

I figured I’d try to get ahead of the train and get them crossing over the Thames River drawbridge. Well, I did get ahead of them, and got into position as the train was approaching the signal in Groton. Here’s a shot of the continuing work on the eastern pier of the moveable span replacemenet project:

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And a couple minutes later, NR-2 rolled across the bridge.

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At this point, I figured it wasn’t too windy, so some across the river shots were in order. So I headed further south to the parking lot by Garbo Lobster, which is directly across the Thames River from the New London Amtrak station. As I pulled into the parking lot, an eastbound Acela was heading through the station. Of course, I had to get that on the CF card.

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Moments later, NR-2 rolled through the station.

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And through the Shaw’s Cove swing bridge.

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From there the train and I parted ways – I a mile or so south, and NR-2 to Old Saybrook to meet up with P&W train NH-1.

Thanks for looking!
Tom