New England Central—Making the Most of a Sunny Morning.

Lately, New England Central’s (NECR) Willimantic-Palmer freight 608 has been running on favorable schedule for photography.

If you’ve been following Tracking the Light lately, you might have gleaned the mistaken impression that New England Central’s northward freight can only be photographed hard out of the sun at Stafford Springs, Connecticut.

In fact  on its present schedule there are many nicely lit photographs of the northward run between Willington, Connecticut and Palmer, Massachusetts, this time of year.

And, when the crew turns quickly at Palmer, there can be a host of very nicely lit locations in the southward direction.

It helps to know where and when to go. I’ve been at this a while. Back in Central Vermont Railway days (precursor to New England Central) and before I could drive, I’d chase this line on my bicycle. By the time I was 15 I knew all the best angles.

These views are from one productive morning a few weeks ago. More to come!

Leica view on black & white film—Ilford HP5 rated at 320 ISO, processed in Ilford Perceptol developer and toned with selenium. NECR 608 northbound at Plains Road Willington, Connecticut.
NECR 608 northbound at Plains Road Willington, Connecticut. FujiFIlm X-T1 digital photo using in-camera. Velvia color profile.
Stafford Springs, Connecticut.
NECR 608 northbound at Stafford Springs, Connecticut.
NER 608 about to cross Rt319 north of Stafford Springs.
A few minutes later at Stateline (on the Massachusetts-Connecticut border). Note the passing siding. I’m standing on Route 32 looking southward.
Leica view at Stateline.
Washington Street in Monson, Massachusetts, near the site of the old Central Vermont Railway Monson Station (gone more than 60 years).
Leica view on HP5 at Washington Street.

Tracking the Light Posts Daily!

5 comments on “New England Central—Making the Most of a Sunny Morning.

  1. Michael Walsh on said:

    My favourite would be the second last picture – Washington St in Monson, with that wonderful gothic looking building with the tower up in the woodland. Just the sort of premises to house a mad axeman in the B movies of the 50s and 60s, which were of course in black and white – thus bringing to another topic! Bit in this case, I prefer the colour.

  2. New England Central became part of the G&W family when G&W merged (acquired) Rail America a few years back.

  3. Dennis Hage on said:

    Looks like New England Central is part of Genesee Wyoming System. I have seen Loco with this livery in Pittsburgh Area, New Orleans and in Australia. In Oz G & W has merged with Glencore, or took it over,

  4. Dave Clinton on said:

    Nice pics! So New England.

  5. Excellent.. I never ventured the south end.. I should! What about some CV recollections?

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