Back in the day, railroads used white flags to indicate an “extra.”

Today, even the term “extra” probably eludes many observers.

Under the old system of rules, an “extra” was a means of operating a train that wasn’t part of the schedule. In some cases, this was an extra section of a regular schedule, denoted by green flags. I never saw a proper second section.

A pure extra often represented something unusual.

I didn’t know what “887” signified, but it wasn’t part of the regular program.

A local enthusiast tipped me off that this was a test train with HHP-C cab cars.

I recall the old HHP-8 ‘Hippos’ from their days as high-horsepower passenger electrics. They were always a bit elusive, especially east of New York City. Some of the old HHP8 units have been transformed and are being trialed as replacements for the old Metroliner cab cars. (note the lack of pantographs).

When the headlight of 887 appeared on the horizon north of Newark, Delaware, I set my Nikon Z to capture the train as it passed the old PRR station.

An HHP-C cab car wearing the new “Phase VII” paint was at each end, with an Amfleet car on either side of the ACS-64 electric powering the short test train.

Pretty neat stuff—gotta love an “extra”!

Tracking the Light Likes Extras!