{"id":2550,"date":"2013-05-21T07:05:32","date_gmt":"2013-05-21T11:05:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/briansolomon.com\/trackingthelight\/?p=2550"},"modified":"2013-05-20T00:09:07","modified_gmt":"2013-05-20T04:09:07","slug":"mass-central-monday-may-13-2013","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/briansolomon.com\/trackingthelight\/mass-central-monday-may-13-2013\/","title":{"rendered":"Mass-Central, Monday May 13, 2013."},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

Blue GP15-2 and Spring Greenery.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"GP15-2\"<\/a>
Detail of the GATX GP15-2 operating on Mass-Central. The GP15 model features an unusual airflow pattern. Canon 7D.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My brief encounter with Mass-Central\u2019s borrowed GP15-2 on May 10, 2013 (see Quaboag Valley in Fog and Sun, May 10, 2013 <\/a>\u00a0encouraged me to seek out this locomotive and spend some more time photographing it on the former Boston & Albany Ware River Branch.<\/p>\n

This branch is one of my longest running projects. Back in 1981, I rode my 10-speed bicycle from Monson to Ware to make photographs of Mass-Central\u2019s recently acquired EMD NW5, number 2100. Now, more than 30 years later, that old engine is still on the property, and I\u2019ve been up and down the line by road (and rail) dozens of times.<\/p>\n

Despite this familiarity, at least once a year (if not once a season) I\u2019ll take a photo-trip along the line. So, having a nice freshly painted locomotive against fresh spring leaves is a good excuse to get out and the exercise cameras.<\/p>\n

\"GP15-2\"<\/a>
Northward Mass-Central freight near Creamery on May 13, 2013. Canon 7D with 20mm lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Mass-Central<\/a>
Mass-Central crosses Rt 67 at Barre, Massachusetts<\/a> on May 13, 2013. Lumix LX-3 photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Mass_Central_w_GATX_499_Barre_w_stream_P1480619\"<\/a>
Mass Central at Barre, Massachusetts on May 13, 2013. Lumix LX3 photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Much of the line is on a southwest-northeast angled alignment; and since trains tend depart northbound in the morning\u00a0from Palmer \u00a0and return after midday, I\u2019ve found that the southward return chase can be the most productive for making clean locomotive images.<\/p>\n

On Monday May 13th<\/sup>, I spent the morning writing and running errands. Then in late morning, I followed Mass-Central\u2019s line up to Gilbertville where I waited for the weekday freight to pass on its northbound run. (Just to clarify; the weekday freight is all I\u2019d ever expect to see. The days of Boston & Albany\u2019s steam hauled mixed train and milk specials have long since passed!)<\/p>\n

\"Albany<\/a>
Former Boston & Albany station at Gilbertville, Massachusetts<\/a> on May 13, 2013.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My timing was good, and after a little while the GP15-2 rolled through northbound with two cars. Not much of a train, but it collected a few more cars near Creamery and continued to South Barre<\/a> where it worked for about an hour delivering and collecting freight cars.<\/p>\n

As expected, the southward chase offered better angles and nicer train. Not only did the southward train have a decent consist of cars, but the sun made some well-timed appearances.<\/p>\n

\"Mass-Central<\/a>
Mass-Central working the spur at South Barre. This light industrial branch diverges near the end of track on Mass-Central’s line at South Barre. Canon 7D.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Mass-Central<\/a>
Mass-Central freight near Barre, Massachusetts on May 13, 2013. Canon 7D with 20mm lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I made photos with both film and digital Canon bodies as well as my Lumix LX-3, while following all the way south to Palmer \u00a0(where Mass-Central interchanges with both CSX and New England Central).<\/p>\n

\"Canon<\/a>
Canon 7D.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Mass-Central<\/a>
Mass-Central crossing Rt 32 near Creamery, Massachusetts.
Canon 7D.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Mass-Central<\/a>
Mass-Central catches the sun at the Rt 181 crossing near Palmer, Massachusetts. Canon 7D with 28-135 lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I\u2019ve learned to take advantage of unusual or new motive power on the branch, as things can (and do) change quickly. To use a clich\u00e9; it\u2019s best to strike when the iron is hot! I was pleased with my results featuring the GP15-2 and I wonder what motive power I\u2019ll find next time I follow the line?<\/p>\n

\"CP<\/a>
CP 83 Palmer, Massachusetts. Canon 7D photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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