P&W NR-2 at Mill Cove & Track 4 in Groton and the Saga Tide

Well, with the bright sunshine and warmer temps, the walk was a bit more pleasurable than last week’s gloomy & rainy weather. Also, with the bright sunshine I was able to put my new Sigma 2x EX APO DG teleconverter through it’s paces. At the end of my short shooting session this morning, I’d decide whether or not I’d be keeping the new toy in the camera bag. Prior to my walk, I was on the fence about keeping it – it’s perofrmance last week was OK at best (perfect for web images, but anything I want to print or submit for publication would be questionable if made in less than perfect lighting).

Today I headed for Mill Cove in Ledyard again. Nice day for a walk around Erickson Park, then catch NR-2 rolling south past me. So I got there as the train was contacting the new Worcester dispatcher (pretty strong southern accent…and seemed a bit green on the radio – I’m sure he’ll get the hang of it soon enough) that they were south of MP12 and about 20 minutes out of the sub base. Perfect – I’d be able to get a nice walk in, and then get my gear for some shots.

About 15 minutes later, I heard the horns to the north of me sounding for Dow Chemical. So I grabbed my gear out of the car, and moved into position. This time, with the 2x teleconverter strapped between the 20D and the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. That gave me a 140-400mm super telephoto lens. I got a few of the train rolling past MP4, and along the cove.

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Then a familiar voice came across the radio informing the crew member in the rear engine that they’d be going to Midway first, then to Old Saybrook and then finally getting the NECR interchange on the way back. Cool…I should be able to beat the train over to track 4 in Groton before they got permission to head over to track 4 from the Amtrak Shore Line dispatcher. So back it the car and down Route 12 to my spot.

Just as I was walking into my spot, the dispatcher gave NR-2 permission to past the stop signal at Groton and proceed east to track 4. Again, with the 2x & 70-200mm combo, I bagged a few long distance shots.

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And one wider angle shot, with Rod giving his normal friendly wave out the window.

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And as usual with this spot, one going away shot

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Just then, a pair of Amtrak vehicles drove in. I spoke with the guys coming down there – aparently they’re putting warning signs around that area for employees working on and around the tracks that it’s a dangerous area with the curves and speed limits. They had no problems with me being there, and one gentleman even commented that he too takes photos from time to time. I bid them farewell – they went to work, and I returned to work. Well, I did make one little stop on the way – the freight ship Saga Tide was moored to the State Pier in New London, so I grabbed a shot of her on the way back.

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Then it was back the mile or so south to the parking lot.

In case you’re wondering, I’ll be returning the Sigma 2x teleconverter. It’s a nice piece of equipment, but it doesn’t quite fit my style. Also, I found it does degrade the images somewhat – you really don’t see it on the web versions here, but the full sized ones show quite a bit of fuzziness around the higher contrast edges. Something that really won’t work for me, especially when submitting images for publication. I need ’em as sharp as possible.

Thanks for looking!
Tom