(Train sightings on 6-7-14.)
Got a heads-up that Saturdays NS 212 would have CSX 5433 as its leader.
Taking into account how nice the weather was, I made the decision to photograph
this train at LEHL MP 40, which is located just west of the Valley Road grade
crossing in Hillsborough (NJ). While waiting for 212's appearance, I noticed a
westbound headlight slowly coming towards on the main. Hmmm... what have we
here, a possible meet? As it turned out that headlight belonged to UP 8611 which
was NS's 211 leader holding Main 2 east of the Roycefield Road grade crossing
waiting for 212 to pass by on the Main 1, formerly known as the Royce Runner,
siding at CP SULLY. This marked the first time I had seen a NS train not have to
stop to throw the switch while another train was holding. Prior to that
automation, that switch would have to be lined for whatever train was taking the
siding and then lined and locked on the main. As a result of that manual
operation, either the Valley or Roycefield Road grade crossings would be
blocked. It was a smooth operation that helped to expedite the flow of traffic
both on the rails and roadways.
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| NS 212, lead by CSX 5433 and two unidentified NS engines, approaches LEHL's MP 40
on late Saturday morning. |
_06-07-14RS.jpg) |
| NS 212 prepares to take the Royce Running track, now referred to as Main 1,
while NS 211 hold just east of the Roycefield Road grade crossing in
Hillsborough (NJ). |
 |
With Main 2 now lined and locked, NS 211 is heading west on the LEHL. Motive
power would be UP 8611, UP 3884, NS 8885 and NS 9223.
|