Midweek Photos 4/13/2016

Here's a tram system in Padova, Italy that I thought was unique.

https://youtu.be/aJPP5Sv89Xk

Union Pacific has a deal with a wind tower company/manufacturer to ship the towers by rail.  I spotted the first shipment yesterday in Norfolk Ne, bound for the Elgin Ne. area.  These come off UP in Columbus Ne. and travel the last 40 miles on the Nebraska Central RR.  The train was about 2700 feet in length.  The longer sections of the tower extend over to the next car which carries a shorter section of each tower.  Maybe someone can id the type of locomotive at the head of the train, I did not capture the unit on the rear.  They will be set off here and trucked the last 60 miles.  Had the C&NW not abandoned its track, (cowboy line), the train could have gone on up to Elgin. 

Another photo I thought might be interesting.

Before attending the abbreviated WMSR photo freight on 4/2/16, I went up to Cumberland,MD. a day early to check out rail action on CSX, and some changes in the local infrastructure.
The old B&O CPL signals at Mexico Farms, MD (east end of Cumberland yard) are ready to be replaced, this group dates from about 1960 and are the last remaining in this region of CSX.
I caught Q401 getting its train together, and then meeting a westbound WO47 when departing.
After dodging a rain shower at the local Roy Roger's, I caught a Herzog rock train heading west up Sand Patch.
Later, I went down to North Branch,MD., to see the new Potomac River bridge built by CSX to replace a truss bridge built in 1901. This is now a good train-watching spot with decent light for westbounds in morning hours, and also in late afternoon.
I caught a Q217 coming in westbound, and later a Q138 departing eastbound.

Even during the WMSR photo special, modern trains kept "butting in" during our photo runbys.

The coal train came off Sand Patch and was waiting at the east end of the Cumberland Narrows.
Amtrak PO30 came along and had a whistle exchange with #734.

Almost ready for the start if the 2016 operating season on Friday with D&LN #7

     We had some interesting weather for early April in Southeast PA last Saturday. One of the photographers at the West Chester Railroad caught this from the pilot car during that day's charter. (Just to be clear, this is not my photograph)

     The camera is looking railroad-north toward Locksley station and the Locksley Rd. grade crossing. The train was en route to Glen Mills when this picture was taken. The most interesting part of that run has got to be the bamboo pushed down on to the tracks by the snow. The issue was quickly rectified by the brakeman and two trainmen (The photographer and myself).

Unloading the wind tower loads.  Two days.  These big cranes walk along with no problems.