Nickle Plate 8100 on the CNO&TP

[E.M. Bell]

Sunday, 05/20/12, the NKP Heritage engine, NS 8100, was on the point of NS train 179. Caleb and myself had planned to be out on the Louisville District that afternoon to shoot the 111 with EMDX 2012, then flip over to Danville for 179,  but our plans quickly changed with a single phone call. 

Shortly after arriving at Waddy KY, I got a call and the info that 179 would be getting out of Cincinnati much later than anticipated. After a few minutes of figuring running times and so forth, we let the 111 go, and hit the interstate for the 2 hour drive North to Cinncy. Along the way, we met up with Butch, and the three of us got up to Crescent Springs KY about an hour before the train departed.

While I had not planned on a 300 mile day, the decision to divert paid off in the end.  It was almost 1600 when 179 finally got on the move, and moved pretty slow due to problems with a trailing UP GE. If we had waited around Danville for it, it wold have been almost dark. We only managed 2 shots of the train between Cinncy and Georgetown, but that was more than we wold have got otherwise... The 1st district is pretty bland as far as photo locations go (in my opinion), but thanks to the help of a couple of buddies we found a couple of decent shots..

Below are my results of the day...you can find larger version at this link.  http://www.pbase.com/kd4jsl/gallery/ocs12

NS 251 got out of town ahead of 179, giving us a chance to size up our first location, at Crescent Springs KY near MP 8.


About 45 minutes later, 179 came slogging up the hill, with only 2 good motors. They where down to a crawl on the 1.18% grade just South of CP Corby.




And what would be our last shot of the day, near Blanchet KY, at was has to be one of the best spots North of Lexington. Thanks to Erik Landrum for giving us a tip about the out of the way place!  We had full sun just before the train got there, then a cloud...then full sun before the 4th or 5th car went by. I guess it turned out OK considering!


I dont shoot up on the 1st District very much, and once every 5 years or so, I have to go up there to remind myself WHY I dont go up there  ;D

[butch]

And a great day was had by all!