A Pair of NS SD80MACs on a Triple Crown in the dark at Danville

[E.M. Bell]

Since  NS acquired the former CR SD80Macs in the merger, they seem to have been for the most part "stuck" around Southfork PA, and the coal branches of the area. They have made it out of the that area a few times, but it has been a rare thing.

For reasons only known to the NS, a pair of the big MACs, NS 7207 and 7202, found themselves on the point of Triple Crown Train 251 yesterday headed South. I tried to keep up with 251's progress yesterday at work, and it became apparent that the train was running a little later than normal. I had no hope of catching them I thought, but luck was on my side. Due to heavy Southbound traffic, they didnt make out of Cincinnati until late afternoon, giving me the chance to make it to Danville (KY) after work to shoot them.

It was well after dark, but I did what I could with them while they sat at Perryville Street to refuel and change crews. The lighting is mostly sodium vapor, which is not all that great for time exposures, but with a little help from my RAW program and photoshop, I was able to get these to a somewhat usable condition. I would have preferred to have had them in full sun on a weekend in a more scenic location, but this will have to do.

If you like EMD"S, you gotta like these. It just makes you wonder when the last time these Two had the chance to get out and sprint at 60 mph with something behind them besides coal!  

As always, bigger, badder, high resolution versions of these can be found at this link..   http://www.pbase.com/kd4jsl/nscs1eb

NS 7207 gets its fuel topped off during a crew change at Danville KY, 01/04/11





NS 251 and 123 set side by side at Perryville Street, Danville KY Besides the rare appearence of the 80MACs, the sight of Two Southbounds setting side by side at this location is also not something seen very often.

[mbgphoto79]

Epic catch.  Of course the question begs to be asked, where are they now?

[steveiez]

A lot of power for a Roadrailer!