Kodak To Ivy City: Day 3(Photos and text by R. Craig) |
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 Auto Train #4002 at Lorton, VA on 29 April 1972 | |
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Here are links to Day 1 and Day 2, if you missed them. DAY 3 - April 30th The early morning began with a thin overcast layer of clouds and some light fog; the ACCA engine facility was loaded with first and second-genration SCL motive power with a few RF&P units for good measure. It was Sunday morning and no one seemed to care that a few camera-toters were present. Not wanting to arouse too much attention, we grabbed our shots and made a hasty exit. Luck had surely been on our side as the clouds parted slightly for some restricted sunshine, but there were no complaints. |
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An hour later, we were at the RF&P-C&O diamond in Doswell, VA, waiting for the northbound passage of the Auto Train. A headlight appeared, but it belonged to RF&P GP35 #131 with a short manifest. A slightly late Auto Train was not far behind; it was led by U36Bs 4001 & 4000. The chase back towards D.C. was largely unsuccessful until the U-Boats slowed outside Lorton |
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By mid-day, we were back at Ivy City and treated to the surprise of trip. Freshly painted Amtrak GG-1 #902 and E8A #235 were on-hand for the official introduction of the National Passenger Railroad's new colors; the E-unit was parked in the roundhouse. The unveiling had been scheduled for the following Monday, May 1st. |
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Prior railfan reports had stated that the Delaware & Hudson's Alco PAs were being leased by the Western Maryland. Hence on the way back to Detroit, a stop at the railroad's engine facilities in Cumberland, MD was required (regardless of dark gray clouds and intermitten drizzle which persisted). In addition to the two passenger Alcos, there were also RS3s and a pair of nicely positioned FAs. An EMD-built BL2 was also a pleasant surprise; as was finding one of the "Circus" geeps. |
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Bessemer & Lake Erie's Butler Yard in western Pennsylvania was the final stop of the trip. The rain had not let up, so we only took a couple of shots for-the-record of SD9 #839 and SD18 #851. |
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| New: 1 November 2025 | |