Our second stop on the railfan tour had one of the biggest surprises of the weekend. Norfolk Southern parked two blue SD40-2s and an SD80mac for us to inspect and walk through. This was a CR fan's dreams come true.
Back to the busses for the ride to Cassandra and lunch!
It's all almost true blue, but something's missing.
JB Kerr seems quite happy with how the Convention was going.
This might be one of the last times we got to see a blue SD80mac up close. I made sure to take many pictures of it from both sides to aid in future CRHS restoration efforts.
Climbing aboard 7205.
Inside the cab and the "desktop" control stand of 7205.
From the Netherlands to South Fork, I think this is the real reason he came. It's all about the SD40-2!
Gert's grin was almost as big as the one on the front of the locomotive! I think he'd say it was worth the trip.
A little rain didn't get in everyone's way. Umbrellas abounded, but everyone still had a good time.
The current ownership is clear, but someday hopefully it'll say "CR" again. In the meantime, here's the area above the windows on the 80mac.
Even though were were given permisson to check out the locomotives set aside for us, NS's work still went on around us. Here a set of local power heads off for another run to the mines for more coal, the lifeblood of the operation at South Fork.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is why we do this crazy stuff!
Steve Ondik is enjoying the convention, despite the downpour. Here he's grinning from ear to ear after getting off of an 80mac.Â
