{"id":8724,"date":"2014-10-26T02:16:47","date_gmt":"2014-10-26T06:16:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/briansolomon.com\/trackingthelight\/?p=8724"},"modified":"2014-10-21T10:47:32","modified_gmt":"2014-10-21T14:47:32","slug":"busy-autumn-day-on-the-ba","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/briansolomon.com\/trackingthelight\/busy-autumn-day-on-the-ba\/","title":{"rendered":"Busy Autumn Day on the B&A"},"content":{"rendered":"

October 20, 2014.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Three years ago, I\u2019d positioned myself in Palmer, Massachusetts for the annual autumn westward appearance of the Ringling Brothers Circus train. It was a bright clear day and lots of enthusiasts had gathered to see it.<\/p>\n

CSX\u2019s normally quiet former Boston & Albany route was alive with traffic that day. I recall four eastward freights meeting the circus train on the controlled siding between CP 83 and CP 79 in Palmer.<\/p>\n

Lesson learned.<\/p>\n

A long time ago I notice that when special trains operate, there is often lots of other movement as well. Having studied railroad operations for decades, I can offer no conclusive explanation as to why, yet\u00a0I’ve often found this\u00a0to be true.<\/p>\n

On Monday October 20th<\/sup>, 2014 I went out with hopes of catching the circus train, again expected to make its appearance in Palmer, \u00a0but I was prepared for, and expecting other trains. As it happened, CSX ran a fleet of eastward intermodal freights. I heard the first of these roaring up through Palmer about sunrise.<\/p>\n

I arrived trackside about 9am, and over the course of the day photographed five eastbound freights, plus Amtrak\u2019s Lake Shore Limited and the Palmer local.<\/p>\n

Normally, if I saw two eastbound freights in that same time frame, I\u2019d feel I had a successful day. But capturing this parade made Monday October 20th<\/sup> one of the best day\u2019s I\u2019ve spent photographing the B&A East End in about four years!<\/p>\n

\"CSX's<\/a>
CSX’s local freight was working the Palmer yard when I arrived. This pair of GP40-2s departed with 66 cars for West Springfield yard. Canon EOS 7D with 200mm lens. By carefully controlling flare, I was able to lighten the shadow areas in this backlit image. I included brush on the left to add depth and add to the autumnal effect.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"CSX's<\/a>
CSX’s local snakes through CP83 as it stretched its train out of the yard at Palmer. The GP40-2s made a good roar going up the hill out of town. Canon EOS7D with 200mm lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"The<\/a>
The first of the four eastward intermodal trains I photographed on Monday October 20th. CSX symbol Q020 rolls by the old Palmer Union Station (now Steamling Tender restaurant) at 11:16 am. On a normal day, I’d expect just one late morning intermodal train. Canon EOS 7D with 200mm lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"New<\/a>
New England Central 603 was switching its consist in Palmer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"At<\/a>
At 12:25pm, CSX Q022 glides through CP 83 on the main track. This is the intermodal train I often see pass Palmer about this time of day. Canon EOS 7D with 100mm lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Hot<\/a>
Hot on the heals of the Q022 was CSX symbol Q012, which I photographed crossing the Palmer diamond at 12:40pm. Lumix LX7 photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"I<\/a>
I heard chatter on the scanner that hinted at a 4th eastward freight. Not wanting to repeat my efforts at Palmer, I went up the Quaboag Valley to Warren and waited there. I was rewarded by yet another eastward intermodal train. Word to the wise; rarely I have I ever seen four eastward intermodal trains in daylight on the B&A route in modern times. Lumix LX7 photo. (Adjusted for contrast in post processing).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"This<\/a>
This last intermodal train had the added bonus of a Union Pacific GE in the consist. Canon EOS 7D with 20mm lens at Warren, Massachusetts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Warren's<\/a>
Warren’s common featured a bright orange tree, but including this in my composition was difficult because of the row of dark trees between it and the tracks. I ended up using the tree at the right as a frame. Fortunately some high clouds softened the sun to reduce the contrast of the tree’s shadow. Canon EOS 7D with 20mm lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"West<\/a>
West Warren was my choice for a setting to capture the Circus Train. I’ve photographed it a various locations on the Boston & Albany route over the years, but never here. It sure would have looked nice if it came west at this time. What’s that? Do I hear another eastward train climbing up the valley from Palmer? Lumix LX7 Photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"CSX<\/a>
CSX Q264, the loaded eastward autorack train destined for the East Brookfield & Spencer at East Brookfield passes milepost 75 in West Warren. Canon EOS7D with 100mm lens. Nice foliage here.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"CSX<\/a>
CSX Q264 passes the waterfall at West Warren. Lumix LX7 photo. The clouds were rolling in from the west and soon the light would be flat and dark.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not only did I make a number of satisfying photographs, but at every location I visited, I met friends and fellow enthusiasts.<\/p>\n

On the downside: The circus train encountered a host of delays working its way west. Despite unusual perseverance, by 4pm the light had fade from a clear blue dome to a dark dull evening. At 410pm, I gave up. The circus train passed the bridge at West Warren where I\u2019d been waiting about 40 minutes later.<\/p>\n

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