Pleasant Morning on the West Slope.
In contrast from the iced grip of winter, these photographs were made on June 30, 2010. This was a gorgeous warm summer’s morning; birds twittered the tree branches as the sun light streamed through a gauzy haze to burn away the dew.
I arrived early at the famed ‘Railfan’s Overlook’ to make photographs in the early light of day. In the distance, I could hear the thunder of a heavy train climbing east toward the Allegheny Divide at Gallitzin.
Norfolk Southern’s busy former Pennsylvania Railroad mainline rarely disappoints, and this morning it was alive with trains.
Using my Canon EOS 7D, I worked the glinting sun to its best advantage as an eastward Pennsylvania Power & Light coal train clawed into view. As it worked the grade, a westward RoadRailer led by former Conrail locomotive glided down grade.
At the back of the coal train were a pair of freshly painted SD40Es making a classic EMD-roar as they worked in run-8 (maximum throttle).
How I wish I was enjoying a warm June morning on the West Slope right now!
A Norfolk Southern coal train, likely destined for Pennsylvania Power & Light’s Strawberry Ridge plant, works west at Cassandra, Pennsylvnia. Canon EOS 7D with 24mm lens, exposed at f4 1/250th second, ISO 200. Back lit morning sun highlights the grass in the foreground.
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That’s a pity about the tree. I often included it in photos as it added a nice bucolic element. I’ve not been by Cassandra in a good few years, but I hope to get back that way this year. Brian Solomon
Cassandra is a great spot to kick back and relax and watch trains. Since the light tends to favor afternoons for more “conventional” photography with the front of the westbounds lit, mornings can provide some interesting vantage points there without the crowds that show up later in the day. Another good morning shot which is well-lit is to make your way down the hill and get a shot of eastbounds passing under the iron bridge.
Sadly, when I visited there this past October, the tree you used as a frame in the foreground has been removed.