was to take advantage of the nice weather and head trackside near Manville (NJ). Didn't know what to expect since Lehigh Line construction in Bound Brook might limit what trains would be seen. In time sequence, the trains observed were as follows:
8:30 NS 21M: would have NS 9341 (C40-9W), NS 8666 (C39-8E) and NS 6780 (SD60M, ex-CR 5530) for motive power.
9:30 NS M8G: would take the passing siding to go around around NS 11J. M8G's power consisted of NS 9849 (C40-9W) and PRR 6777 (SD60M, ex-CR 5526). Once M8G cleared, NS 11J then proceeded west. NS 9366 (C40-9W) and NS 2550 SD70) would be in charge of seventy-three autoracks.
9:45 CSX Q300: with its work complete in Manville yard, CSX 7624 (C40-8) and CSX 8743 (SD60I, ex-CR 5630) would take its train of mixed freight east.
10:00 CSX Q418: would follow shortly behind Q300. CSX 7794 (C40-8W) ande CSX 5395 (ES44DC) would be in charge of this train of mixed freight.
Hope that the start of your holiday weekend was just as enjoyable...