F units to the Derby, a Kentucky Tradition

[CarmonH]

When one thinks of traditions in Kentucky, all of the festivals and activities that surround the Kentucky Derby will surely come to mind. Parties, mint juleps, big hats, F units, fast horses.

For the past 3 years, part of the tradition for me has been all of the special trains that run during Derby week, and most importantly, the NS train and those gorgeous old ladies that pull it.  We have seen steam and diesels of all varities pull the Derby trains for Corman, CSX, Pal and Amtrak, but its the NS F units that keep folks coming back for more.

I missed the inbound train this year (not being able to just up and leave work like a certain person I married), but the great weather made up for that on May 6th when the outbound train ran. Below are a few of my favorites from that afternoon. The rest of them can be found in my 2012 NS gallery at Pbase. 9 new images in total.  http://www.pbase.com/kd4jsl/ns2012carm

NS 4271 leads the OCS around the wye at Louisville, getting the train turned East to head for home.




Later in the Afternoon, coming around the sweeping S curve at Waddy KY


Getting back on the move after meeting a Westbound at Talmage KY