Posted by 1st - AJ - 1 on 7/15/2012, 11:01 am
Sunday, July 15, 2012.
Just after 4 AM.
W&LE 213 is departing Rook.
Two SD-40's and 55 cars.
Its easy work for those SD-40's those first miles.
Past the Yard Board at Mile Post 57.
Down the mile long tanget past Mile Post 58.
Through the curves at Mile Post 59.
Overtop the former Washington Secondary at Bower Hill.
Passing G.E. Glass and the bus garage at Mile Post 60.
The SD-40's are summoned back to work.
Now on the upgrade ducking underneath the Interstate at Mile Post 61.
At Mile Post 62 those SD-40's have all 55 cars on the upgrade.
Coming into Gladden, something goes wrong.
Trailing unit 6349 is in trouble.
The conductor walks back.
Ground relay is mentioned.
Isolate the 6349 and start cutting out traction motors comes the word.
Its 4 thirthy something or another in the morning.
The crew communicates further about traction motors and a electricial odor.
Soon, the train dispatcher is dialed up.
Automatic brake exhaust echo's over the airwaves.
The train comes to a stop.
Seems the 6354 isn't up to the task.
I guess the overnight rain and wet rail.
And those 55 cars are just too much this Sunday morning.
The 213 is dead in the water between Mile Post 63 and 64.
Between the former switches at Gladden.
The chief comes on.
The Rook Yard job is summoned West.
A rescue train is announced.
Pull the 213 back into Rook is the word.
A inquiry on the where-a-bouts of locomotive 4000 is heard.
Track warrants are changed.
The 610 gives his mark up.
Rooks two GP-40's are now head'em west....
The photographer arrives Murray Avenue just after "O" 5:30 A.M.
And in a few minutes the 213...now com'in east.
With the Rook Yard job lead'n the way.
Headlights and flashing red crossing lights are on at Murray Avenue.
The 3rd train movement through... this Sunday Morning.
The photographer now heads west.
And pulls off along the new railroad up near George as daylight approaches.
The overnight fog still lingers in places.
The time is nearing 7 AM.
The Millers Run valley is summoned awake.
Blarring air horns announce the 213 is again on the move.
Turbochargers are heard several miles out.
Its a great way to start another new day.
The crossings in Cecil & Venice are whistled through.
The rumble passing overtop the old Montour.
Another throttle notch heightens the suspense.
As headlights pierce the jungle of trees.
Out of the curve past Mile Post 69.
Those SD-40's are making some time.
Engineman Ben is playing the role.
Hunched forward, leaning over against his armrest.
Morning greetings are quickly exchanged.
In the consist now is immigrant numbered 4000.
The crossings at Browns Orchard are whistled through.
As the SD-40's are given one more notch.
Approaching Taggart up at Acheson.
The SD-40's go silent for a short time.
Then out the other end climbing those last miles.
Fort Cherry is whistled for as the show nears its end.
Another moment late, the 213 is gone...
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