The next best thing to steam, a EMD wearing a Tux

[E.M. Bell]

Saturday, 07/07/12, NS 1065, the Savannah & Atlanta Heritage unit filled in for the ailing SR 630 on a public excursion from Roanoke Va to Bristol.  While we had already planned on shooting this trip, I had second thoughts after learning that the 630 would not be on it. After a little thought (and finding out what engine would be on the trip), we made the decision to go. Carmon decided to sit this one out and enjoy the weekend at home, so John Owens joined me for another "death march"  It wasn't steam, but a EMD in a tux was almost as good to me (Even if it didn't say SOUTHERN on the side)

We left home at 0300 Saturday morning, and drove up to Roanoke. I already had the first shot of the day planned out, and from there we spent the rest of the day with Samuel Phillips following the train towards Bristol. Even with the clouds later in the day, I think we did pretty good, and I got Two shots that where the "goals" for the day...The train with the CPL's and Abington VA, and with the "Bristol Arch"  

After finishing up late in the day at Bristol, John and I propped our eye lids open for the long drive home. This trip alone was over 800 miles and 20 hours straight on the road. Looking back at the whole week, I drove almost 3000 miles through 6 states in 7 days, shot over 1500 images of steam and the heritage units, and it was worth every bit of it! Thanks again to NS, TVRM, and all of the other folks who are making 2012 one of the best years for our hobby in a long time!

The whole set from 07/07/12 can be found at this link >>> http://www.pbase.com/kd4jsl/ocs12

Here are a few samples.

NS 958 at Wabun Va, just West of Roanoke.


Shawsville Virginia


West end of the Montgomery (Va) tunnel


Passing the N&W CPL's at Abington VA..this shot was one of my big goals for the trip...and thanks to Johns excellent navigation we got there just ahead of the train.


Crossing State street in Bristol..and straddling the VA-TN state line.

[Ptrainman]

Nice shots EM. I would like to have been out Saturday but could not make it. You have really put some miles on that Explorer this year and its only half over.


Paul

[srman]

Fantastic images there Emmett and it was good seeing you and the caravan of fans chasing that guy.Think of it this way. Between the gas,food and lodging that we fans have been spending on getting these things NS sure is putting a boost in our economy.

[E.M. Bell]

I dont think I had thought about that Joe, but you are right. North Carolina and Virginia should see a spike in gas and food sales this month for sure!

I have not even made a small dent in all the pics I have to process, but this was a start...no rush on the stuff from Spencer just yet, I would say everyone has seen more than enough of that stuff for a day or two.