Well, today was another quickie walk day due to my current task list at work (even though the plant is closing, we’re busy as all hell). So today I left a bit later than normal and aimed for bagging Providence & Worcester train NR-2 at the USS Nautilus Overlook Park in Groton. Short story is I got NR-2 there, along with a couple of unexpected bonuses – both on rail and of a nautical nature. For the long story click the “more…” link below. 🙂
So, like I said above, I left work a touch later than normal for my daily walk, and got to the USS Nautilus overlook as they were calling in that they were clear of MP12 and about 15 minutes from the sub base. So I wandered around the park for a while, checking out the angles and planning my shot for when the train arrived.
About 10 minutes later, NR-2 called that they were south of MP5, putting them a couple miles north of me. Time to switch modes and grab my gear. I opted for the fisheye for the shot here.
As soon as the crossing gates activated at the Nautilus, I headed to the spot I picked out and grabbed my shot.
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As the train rolled by, I figured I could leapfrog ahead of them and get a shot at Fairview. So it was into the trusty Elantra for the quick sprint south. I got ahead of them in time to get into position and get another fisheye shot.
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Then a switch to the telephoto for a black & white going away shot.
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The chatter over the scanner told me they’d be in Fairview for a little while before heading west, so I figured I’d head back south. On the way, something caught my eye – a pair of masts in the river. There was a schooner pulling out of the New London waterfront docks getting ready to head south. So I headed a bit further south of the boat to get a couple shots in some pretty nice morning light.
Once I got to my spot, the ship was finishing its reversing move and getting ready to head south down the Thames River. From the stern, the ship was the Prince William , part of the Tall Ships Youth Trust.
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Got another shot of her heading south with the New London skyline in the background
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Then I heard a horn – it sounded like an Acela. Yep, an eastbound Acela was heading across Shaw’s Cove.
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But the timing didn’t work out to get both the ship and train in the same shot. But a speedboat decided to overtake the slow tall ship.
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After he had passed by, I just enjoyed the ship gliding past me, until Fort Trumbull came into view. It was begging to have its picture taken. As usual, I obliged.
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A quick glance to the north showed the Acela heading across the Thames River drawbridge. A quick telephoto shot of them heading over the water was in order
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And now with the train and ship gone, and NR-2 still working Fairview, it was time to finish my trek south.
Thanks for looking!
Tom
