Norfolk Southern 4041 leads an intermodal through Horseshoe Curve at Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Well, despite COVID and the fact that we had both our shots, fellow railfan Ryan Scott and I set off on a weeklong trip to take part in a photography charter at the Strasburg Railroad in Strasburg, Pennsylvania from November 3rd – 8th of 2021! This was my second trip to Strasburg as my sister April and I visited there a year or so before COVID reared its ugly head! Ryan and I took a couple days going and coming so we could railfan along the way and several days in the Strasburg area during our charter.
For those that aren’t aware of what a photography charter is, it’s where a group charters a train for a specific purpose, which in our case was to photograph or video the train during special photography runbys where we get off the train and various locations and the train crews run the train past us or pose for photos. It gives photographers a chance to capture photos that you wouldn’t be able to capture otherwise due to inaccessible or remote locations. Each person that participate pays a fee for the ability to participate. Ryan and I along with several other friends we know had a great time and I’ve added some of my favorite photos from the trip to a gallery below.
Locomotives galore sit outside the Norfolk Southern Juniata Locomotive Shops in downtown Altoona, Pennsylvania in this birds-eye view on November 3rd, 2021. The shops are just part of the large complex called Altoona Works, or Altoona Terminal on the NS Roanoke District.
According to Wikipedia: Altoona Works (also known as Altoona Terminal) is a large railroad industrial complex in Altoona, Pennsylvania. It was built between 1850 and 1925 by the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) to supply the railroad with locomotives, railroad cars and related equipment. For many years it was the largest railroad shop complex in the world.
From the NS Website: At our Juniata locomotive shop in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Norfolk Southern regularly recycles locomotives into more efficient machines, benefiting both customers and the environment. We can strip a locomotive down to the bare frame and completely rebuild it, including the engine, alternator, wiring, cab, trucks, combos and running gearall in 6.5 days.
NS also operates our own indoor locomotive emissions-testing facility, unique among railroads, which allows us to test locomotives year-round to increase fuel efficiency and meet EPA regulations.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/120, ISO 120.
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Norfolk Southern 4041, 1843, and 8016 lead an intermodal through Horseshoe Curve at Altoona, Pennsylvania as it heads west on the NS Pittsburgh Line on a beautiful fall afternoon, on September 3rd, 2021.
According to Wikipedia: Horseshoe Curve is a three-track (though originally four) railroad curve on Norfolk Southern Railway’s Pittsburgh Line in Blair County, Pennsylvania. The curve itself is about 2,375 feet long and 1,300 feet in diameter; it was completed in 1854 by the Pennsylvania Railroad as a way to lessen the grade to the summit of the Allegheny Mountains. It eventually replaced the time-consuming Allegheny Portage Railroad, the only other route across the mountains for large vehicles. Because of the Allegheny Mountains geoform, in and around Altoona – and almost perfectly at “The Curve” – westbound traffic goes south and eastbound traffic goes north. So, in terms of final destination, the southern side of “The Curve” is where trains leave to go west, and vice versa.
The rail line has been important since its opening, and during World War II the Curve was targeted by Nazi Germany in 1942 as part of Operation Pastorius. The Curve was later owned and used by Pennsylvania Railroad successors Penn Central, Conrail, and Norfolk Southern. Horseshoe Curve was added to the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966, and it became a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 2004.
Horseshoe Curve has long been a tourist attraction; a trackside observation park was completed in 1879. The Park was renovated, and a visitor center built in the early 1990s. The Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona manages the center, which has exhibits pertaining to the curve.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/725, ISO 100.
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Norfolk Southern 9629 leads an intermodal train as they chase the sun west past the Alto Tower next to the 17th Street overpass at Altoona, Pennsylvania as they head west on the Norfolk Southern Pittsburgh Line on November 3rd, 2021.
Alto tower went vacant for the first time in over 97 years back on June 16th, 2012 when signal crews shifted the authority from the Alto control operator to a NS train dispatcher, according to a NEWSWIRE report by TRAINS Magazine.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/40, ISO 110.
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Norfolk Southern 7603 and 8410 approach the western entrance to the Gallitzin Tunnel at Gallitzin, Pennsylvania as they head west on the Norfolk Southern Pittsburgh Line on November 3rd, 2021, with an empty coal train.
According to Wikipedia: The Gallitzin Tunnels in Gallitzin, Pennsylvania, are a set of three adjacent tunnels through the Allegheny Mountains in western Pennsylvania. They were completed in 1854, 1855, and 1902 by the Pennsylvania Railroad as part of the cross-state route that includes the nearby Horseshoe Curve to the east. Their ownership has since passed to Penn Central Transportation Company, then to Conrail, and most recently to the Norfolk Southern Railway. The tunnels are currently used by Norfolk Southern freight trains and Amtrak Pennsylvanian passenger trains.
The first tunnel, which is the middle of the three bores through the mountain, was built by the PRR from 1851 to 1854. Originally named “Summit” Tunnel, it is 3,612 feet long at an elevation of 2,167 feet above mean sea level and is known today as the Allegheny Tunnel.
The second tunnel, the southernmost of the bores, was constructed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from 1852 to 1855 as part of the New Portage Railroad (NPRR). In 1857, the PRR bought the New Portage Railroad from the Commonwealth and appropriated the “Allegheny” name for its “Summit” tunnel. The PRR took the New Portage Tunnel out of service shortly thereafter. In the 1890s, it was expanded to two tracks and used as the primary route for eastbound traffic.
The third tunnel, the Gallitzin Tunnel, was begun in 1902 and opened in 1904 immediately to the north of the Allegheny Tunnel.
In the early 1990s, Conrail (with money from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania) enlarged the Allegheny and New Portage Tunnels to accommodate double-stack container on flatcar (COFC) trains. The New Portage Tunnel was opened for eastbound COFC traffic in 1993. The Allegheny Tunnel was enlarged from its original 1854 cross-section to contain two tracks for that could be used for double-stack rail transport in either direction. The work was completed in September 1995, and the Gallitzin Tunnel (which was not enlarged) was taken out of service.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Nikon 10-24 @ 22mm, f/4.5, 1/800, ISO 560.
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Norfolk Southern 9790 leads a westbound intermodal on the NS Reading Number 2 line as it approaches the George Street overpass at Reading, Pennsylvania as the last light of day rakes across the scene on November 4th, 2021. This location is where the Pottsville Branch main starts off the Reading line and heads into the NS Reading Yard.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 70mm, f/4.5, 1/200, ISO 6400.
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Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad Rail Diesel Car 9168 leads as the engineer pulls past the depot at Port Clinton, Pennsylvania on a beautiful fall afternoon on the mountain railroad on November 4th, 2021.
According to their website: The Reading and Northern Railroad owns and operates self-propelled Rail Diesel Cars #9166, #9167, and #9168. The cars were built by the former Budd Company of Philadelphia in the 1950’s for commuter use by various railroads. The Reading and Northern Railroad invested a lot of money on all three cars with many updates including an ornately painted ceiling in all cars.
The #9166 includes functioning windows and a clean restroom. This RDC consists of a coach and a kitchen in which refreshments and snacks are served. Make new friends at the counter area or sit-down area of the refreshment area!
The #9167 is also a complete coach with padded seats that flip, functioning windows, and a clean restroom on board.
The #9168 contains comfortable bus-style seating which maneuver in both directions. This coach also includes functioning windows and a clean restroom.
According to Wikipedia: The Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad, sometimes shortened to Reading and Northern Railroad, is a regional railroad in eastern Pennsylvania. Its headquarters is in Port Clinton. The RBMN provides freight service on 300 miles of track.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/320, ISO 100.
Norfolk Southern 4414 leads a freight train westbound across the Rockville Bridge over the Susquehanna River at Rockville, Pennsylvania on the NS Pittsburgh line as they head for Enola Yard at Enola, PA on November 5th, 2021.
According to Wikipedia: The Rockville Bridge is the longest stone masonry arch railroad viaduct ever built, with forty-eight 70-foot spans and a total length of 3,820 feet (1,160 m). The bridge crosses the Susquehanna River about 5 miles (8 km) north of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The eastern end is in Rockville and the western end is just south of Marysville. Completed in 1902 by the Pennsylvania Railroad, it remains in use today by the Norfolk Southern Railway and Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian route.
The bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and was designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1979.
The first bridge at the site was a one-track wooden truss. It opened on September 1, 1849, when the PRR began operating over it. The Northern Central Railway began to use it after abandoning their Marysville Bridge. It was replaced in 1877 with a double-track iron truss bridge.
The third and current bridge was built between April 1900 and March 1902 by Drake & Stratton Co., which built the eastern half, and H.S. Kerbaugh, working from the west. The laborers were Italian or local.
Control of the bridge passed to Penn Central after the PRR merger in 1968, then to Conrail and finally the Norfolk Southern.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 100.
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Reading & Northern 2010 heads up a freight train as it passes under the signal bridge at Pulpit, on its way south out of their yard at Port Clinton, Pennsylvania, bound for Redding, PA on November 5th, 2021.
This location must be one of the most railfan friendly rail operations Ive encountered in a long time! Our first day here we met up with fellow railfan Ryan Bruno who railfans the area a lot and he gave us the tour and told us all we had to do is stop at the yard office, sign in and theyd give us a pass to shoot in the yard, while keeping all normal safety practices in mind! We had a great time! This photo was taken on our second day chasing the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad, after returning for the early morning sun. It was worth it!
They run a passenger service with Steam, but we arrived a week too late to photograph their steam operations.
According to Wikipedia: The Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad (reporting mark RBMN), sometimes shortened to Reading and Northern Railroad, is a regional railroad in eastern Pennsylvania. Its headquarters is in Port Clinton. The RBMN provides freight service on 300 miles (480 km) of track. Its mainline consists of the Reading Division between Reading and Packerton and the Lehigh Division between Lehighton and Dupont. Its main freight cargo is anthracite coal.
Passenger excursions also run on RBMN tracks. The RBMN itself operates excursion service from Reading and Port Clinton to Jim Thorpe, while the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway (LGSR) offers service between Jim Thorpe and Lehigh Gorge State Park.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 100.
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Reading Northern Blue Mountain Railroad switcher 1546 passes the sand tower as it works the yard at Port Clinton, Pennsylvania on a beautiful fall morning on November 5th, 2021
According to Wikipedia: The Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad (reporting mark RBMN), sometimes shortened to Reading and Northern Railroad, is a regional railroad in eastern Pennsylvania. Its headquarters is in Port Clinton. The RBMN provides freight service on 300 miles (480 km) of track. Its mainline consists of the Reading Division between Reading and Packerton and the Lehigh Division between Lehighton and Dupont. Its main freight cargo is anthracite coal.
Passenger excursions also run on RBMN tracks. The RBMN itself operates excursion service from Reading and Port Clinton to Jim Thorpe, while the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway (LGSR) offers service between Jim Thorpe and Lehigh Gorge State Park.
According to their website: Locomotive 1546 is an EMD SW-1500, built in Feb 1970 and is ex CR 1606; Indianapolis Union Rwy 28; nee EMD demo 112. It is passing engine 5017, an EMD SD50, built in November of 1984 and is ex UP 5017; nee MP 5017.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Nikon 10-20 @19mm, f/4.2, 1/320, ISO 400.
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A crew member sits in the window on Strasburg Railroad steam locomotive #89, as they wait to depart with the last train of the day on the Strasburg Railroad on November 6th, 2021, at Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
According to Wikipedia: Strasburg Railroad (Canadian National) No. 89 is a 2-6-0 “Mogul” type steam locomotive originally built by the Canadian Locomotive Company in February 1910 for the Canadian National Railway. It is now owned and operated by the Strasburg Railroad outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania where it resides today for use on excursion trains.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Irex 11mm, f/4, 20 seconds, ISO 200.
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Everett Railroad #11 pulls out of downtown Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania, from their depot, as it heads off on the next leg of a Historic Transport Preservation, Inc, Steam Special on November 6th, 2021.
According to their website: Steam locomotive number 11 was constructed in 1920 by the Cooke Works of the American Locomotive Company (Alco) in Paterson, New Jersey. It is a “2‑6‑0” or “Mogul” type and was one of 54 engines of four different wheel arrangements built between 1920 and 1925 intended for export to Cuba and use in that country’s sugar cane fields.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 24mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 140.
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Everett Railroad #11 heads through the countryside after crossing over the Juniata River bridge at Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania during a Historic Transport Preservation, Inc, Steam Special on November 6th, 2021.
According to their website: Steam locomotive number 11 was constructed in 1920 by the Cooke Works of the American Locomotive Company (Alco) in Paterson, New Jersey. It is a “2‑6‑0” or “Mogul” type and was one of 54 engines of four different wheel arrangements built between 1920 and 1925 intended for export to Cuba and use in that country’s sugar cane fields.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 120.
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The Conductor on Norfolk and Western 475 watches the countryside roll-by as they depart with the last passenger train of the day, eastbound at dusk after, pulling in reverse out of the depot at the Strasburg Railroad the last light of the day barley illuminates the train and steam. The cold November air produces a spectacular show of steam trailing along the train on November 6th, 2021 at Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Once they reach their turn around point down the line they will reverse the locomotive by running around the train and head back to the station.
According to Wikipedia: Strasburg Railroad (Norfolk and Western) No. 475 is a 4-8-0 “Mastodon” type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Strasburg Railroad outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in June 1906, it was part of the Norfolk and Western’s first order of M class numbered 375-499. Today, No. 475 is the only operating 4-8-0 type in North America and the Strasburg Rail Road’s oldest operating steam locomotive.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 2.5 sec, ISO 400.
#trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography
The last passenger train of the day departs eastbound at dusk after, pulling in reverse out of the depot at the Strasburg Railroad the last light of the day begins to fade. The cold November air produces a spectacular show of steam trailing along the train on November 6th, 2021, at Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Once they reach their turn around point down the line, they will reverse the locomotive at Leaman Place Junction in Paradise, PA, by running around the train and then make a normal pull back to the station.
According to Wikipedia: Strasburg Railroad (Norfolk and Western) No. 475 is a 4-8-0 “Mastodon” type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Strasburg Railroad outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in June 1906, it was part of the Norfolk and Western’s first order of M class numbered 375-499. Today, No. 475 is the only operating 4-8-0 type in North America and the Strasburg Rail Road’s oldest operating steam locomotive.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/15 sec, ISO 200.
#trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography
Everett Railroad #11 sits just outside the station at Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania as it takes on water for the next leg of a Historic Transport Preservation, Inc, Steam Special on November 6th, 2021.
According to their website: Steam locomotive number 11 was constructed in 1920 by the Cooke Works of the American Locomotive Company (Alco) in Paterson, New Jersey. It is a “2‑6‑0” or “Mogul” type and was one of 54 engines of four different wheel arrangements built between 1920 and 1925 intended for export to Cuba and use in that country’s sugar cane fields.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 24mm, f/2.8, 1/400, ISO 220.
#trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer
Norfolk and Western 4-8-0 steam locomotive 475 pulls a freight train as it makes its way west through the Amish countryside into the setting sun, on the Strasburg Railroad at Strasburg, Pennsylvania on November 7th, 2021.
According to Wikipedia: Strasburg Railroad (Norfolk and Western) No. 475 is a 4-8-0 “Mastodon” type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Strasburg Railroad outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in June 1906, it was part of the Norfolk and Western’s first order of M class numbered 375-499. Today, No. 475 is the only operating 4-8-0 type in North America and the Strasburg Rail Road’s oldest operating steam locomotive.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/180, ISO 120.
#trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography #steamtrain #steamlocomotive #strasburgrailroad
Strasburg Railroad caboose #12 brings up the rear of a mixed freight as steam locomotive Norfolk & Western 475 leads their train west into the setting sun at Strasburg, Pennsylvania on November 7th, 2021.
According to Wikipedia: Strasburg Railroad (Norfolk and Western) No. 475 is a 4-8-0 “Mastodon” type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Strasburg Railroad outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in June 1906, it was part of the Norfolk and Western’s first order of M class numbered 375-499. Today, No. 475 is the only operating 4-8-0 type in North America and the Strasburg Rail Road’s oldest operating steam locomotive.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/8000, ISO 400.
#trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography #steamtrain
Norfolk and Western 475 passes a group of Amish boys and cows, as they make their way west though a farm crossing, at the location known as Carpenters/Beilers, on the Strasburg Railroad at Paradise, Pennsylvania on November 7th, 2021.
According to Wikipedia: Strasburg Railroad (Norfolk and Western) No. 475 is a 4-8-0 “Mastodon” type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Strasburg Railroad outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in June 1906, it was part of the Norfolk and Western’s first order of M class numbered 375-499. Today, No. 475 is the only operating 4-8-0 type in North America and the Strasburg Rail Road’s oldest operating steam locomotive.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/6000, ISO 400.
#trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography
Conductor Christopher Pollock keeps a watchful eye from the caboose as Norfolk and Western 475 heads west on the Strasburg Railroad on November 7th, 2021 at Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Irex 11mm, f/4, 1/1000, ISO 2800.
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Norfolk and Western 475 peeks over the hill as it climbs the grade headed westbound up the long curve coming out of Leaman Place Junction at Paradise, PA, on the Strasburg Railroad as they head toward Strasburg, PA, on November 7th, 2021 in the early morning light.
According to Wikipedia: Strasburg Railroad (Norfolk and Western) No. 475 is a 4-8-0 “Mastodon” type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Strasburg Railroad outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in June 1906, it was part of the Norfolk and Western’s first order of M class numbered 375-499. Today, No. 475 is the only operating 4-8-0 type in North America and the Strasburg Rail Road’s oldest operating steam locomotive.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600 @ 300mm, f/5.6, 1/320, ISO 400.
Norfolk and Western 475 heads west on the Strasburg Railroad at dawn as the cold November air produces a spectacular show of steam trailing, as the train approaches the Esbenshade Road Crossing on November 7th, 2021, at Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
According to Wikipedia: Strasburg Railroad (Norfolk and Western) No. 475 is a 4-8-0 “Mastodon” type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Strasburg Rail Road outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in June 1906, it was part of the Norfolk and Western’s first order of M class numbered 375-499. Today, No. 475 is the only operating 4-8-0 type in North America and the Strasburg Rail Road’s oldest operating steam locomotive.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 24mm, f/2.8, 1/250, ISO 360.
#trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains
As the rising sun begins to light the sky, Norfolk and Western 475 heads west on the Strasburg Railroad at dawn, through the cold autumn air as it approaches the Esbenshade Road Crossing on November 7th, 2021, at Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
According to Wikipedia: Strasburg Railroad (Norfolk and Western) No. 475 is a 4-8-0 “Mastodon” type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Strasburg Railroad outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in June 1906, it was part of the Norfolk and Western’s first order of M class numbered 375-499. Today, No. 475 is the only operating 4-8-0 type in North America and the Strasburg Rail Road’s oldest operating steam locomotive.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 70mm, f/2.8, 1/400, ISO 280.
#trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer
Norfolk and Western 475 heads west on the Strasburg Railroad at sunrise as the cold November air produces a spectacular show of steam trailing, as the train approaches the Esbenshade Road Crossing on November 7th, 2021, at Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
According to Wikipedia: Strasburg Railroad (Norfolk and Western) No. 475 is a 4-8-0 “Mastodon” type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Strasburg Railroad outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in June 1906, it was part of the Norfolk and Western’s first order of M class numbered 375-499. Today, No. 475 is the only operating 4-8-0 type in North America and the Strasburg Rail Road’s oldest operating steam locomotive.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 36mm, f/2.8, 1/400, ISO 360.
#trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer
Norfolk and Western 475 heads west on the Strasburg Railroad as the glow of the rising sun illuminates the train and steam, as the cold November air produces a spectacular show of steam trailing over the train, off into the distance, on November 7th, 2021 at Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 29mm, f/2.8, 1/400, ISO 160.
#trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer
Norfolk & Western Steam Locomotive 475 heads west on the Strasburg Railroad against the rising sun as it illuminates the sky behind the train and steam, with the cold November air producing a spectacular show of steam trailing over the train, as they approach the Esbenshade Road Crossing on November 7th, 2021, at Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
According to Wikipedia: Strasburg Railroad (Norfolk and Western) No. 475 is a 4-8-0 “Mastodon” type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Strasburg Railroad outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in June 1906, it was part of the Norfolk and Westerns first order of M class numbered 375-499. Today, No. 475 is the only operating 4-8-0 type in North America and the Strasburg Rail Road’s oldest operating steam locomotive.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 32mm, f/2.8, 1/400, ISO 100.
#trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer
Conductor Gabriel Miranda stands on the back platform of caboose #12 as he talks to the crew on steam locomotive Norfolk & Western 475 during a reverse move just west of the Esbenshade Road Crossing, on the Strasburg Railroad at Strasburg, PA. They were conducting several photo run-bys prior to the sunrise during a Historic Transport Preservation, Inc, Steam Special from Strasburg on November 7th, 2021.
According to Wikipedia: Strasburg Railroad (Norfolk and Western) No. 475 is a 4-8-0 “Mastodon” type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Strasburg Railroad outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in June 1906, it was part of the Norfolk and Western’s first order of M class numbered 375-499. Today, No. 475 is the only operating 4-8-0 type in North America and the Strasburg Rail Road’s oldest operating steam locomotive.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 52mm, f/2.8, 1/250, ISO 450.
#trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer
Engineer Keith Linker keeps a watchful eye on the road ahead, from the cab of Norfolk and Western 475, as he pulls his train forward in the siding at Groffs, during a Historic Transport Preservation, Inc, Steam Special on the Strasburg Railroad at Strasburg, Pennsylvania on November 7th, 2021.
According to Wikipedia: Strasburg Railroad (Norfolk and Western) No. 475 is a 4-8-0 “Mastodon” type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Strasburg Railroad outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in June 1906, it was part of the Norfolk and Western’s first order of M class numbered 375-499. Today, No. 475 is the only operating 4-8-0 type in North America and the Strasburg Rail Road’s oldest operating steam locomotive.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Nikon 10-24 @ 20mm, f/4.5, 1/800, ISO 1100.
#trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer
I typically try not to join the photo line on charters as a norm simply because I want something a bit different than what other photographers come away with, such as this shot of the actual photo line as Norfolk & Western 475 passes a string of boxcars and caboose that were set out at Groffs Siding on the Strasburg Railroad.
This was during the recent great photo charter hosted by the Historic Transport Preservations John Craft at Strasburg, Pennsylvania on November 7th, 2021. A group of about 40 or so photographers and rail enthusiasts spent the day doing photo run-bys resulting in many of the photos Ive been posting from the Strasburg area.
According to Wikipedia: Strasburg Railroad (Norfolk and Western) No. 475 is a 4-8-0 “Mastodon” type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Strasburg Railroad outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in June 1906, it was part of the Norfolk and Westerns first order of M class numbered 375-499. Today, No. 475 is the only operating 4-8-0 type in North America and the Strasburg Rail Road’s oldest operating steam locomotive.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 85mm, f/4.5, 1/1000, ISO 140.
#trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer
The late afternoon light lights the nose and steam of Norfolk and Western 475 as engineer Keith Linker keeps a watchful eye on the road ahead, as he pulls his train forward in the siding at Groffs, during a Historic Transport Preservation, Inc, Steam Special from Strasburg, Pennsylvania on November 7th, 2021, to await the arrival of on an eastbound afternoon passenger train.
According to Wikipedia: Strasburg Railroad (Norfolk and Western) No. 475 is a 4-8-0 “Mastodon” type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Strasburg Railroad outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in June 1906, it was part of the Norfolk and Western’s first order of M class numbered 375-499. Today, No. 475 is the only operating 4-8-0 type in North America and the Strasburg Rail Road’s oldest operating steam locomotive.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 24mm, f/4.5, 1/800, ISO 320.
#trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer
Norfolk and Western 475 heads west on the Strasburg Railroad as the glow of the rising sun illuminates the train and steam as the cold November air produces a spectacular show of steam trailing over the train, off into the distance, as the train approaches the Esbenshade Road Crossing on November 7th, 2021 at Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
This is the first of many photos from my week-long road trip with fellow photographer Ryan Scott of Steelrails here on Facebook. We covered a total of over 2,300 miles, railfanning through the states of Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania on the way to participate in the Historic Transport Preservation, Inc, Steam Special where we met up with fellow friend Bryan Burton.
It was a long, but outstanding railfan trip and we want to give a special shoutout to, Ethan Brodie, Albert Acker, Ryan Bruno, Ben Sutton, and others along the way that helped us during our trip with information and locations to shoot! With out your help and that of others we couldnt have done this trip as successfully!
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 24mm, f/2.8, 1/400, ISO 220.
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Norfolk & Western Steam Locomotive 475 heads west on the Strasburg Railroad the rising sun illuminates the sky behind the train and steam as the cold November air produces a spectacular show of steam trailing over the train, as the train approaches the Esbenshade Road Crossing on November 7th, 2021 at Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
According to Wikipedia: Strasburg Railroad (Norfolk and Western) No. 475 is a 4-8-0 “Mastodon” type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Strasburg Railroad outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in June 1906, it was part of the Norfolk and Western’s first order of M class numbered 375-499. Today, No. 475 is the only operating 4-8-0 type in North America and the Strasburg Rail Road’s oldest operating steam locomotive.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 24mm, f/2.8, 1/400, ISO 100.
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The waiting game! The long shadows from a group of railfans provide an interesting frame as they wait, along with the crew of Norfolk and Western 475, at Groffs Siding on the Strasburg Railroad, on November 7th, 2021, at Strasburg, Pennsylvania for a westbound passenger train to pass.
According to Wikipedia: Strasburg Railroad (Norfolk and Western) No. 475 is a 4-8-0 “Mastodon” type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Strasburg Railroad outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in June 1906, it was part of the Norfolk and Western’s first order of M class numbered 375-499. Today, No. 475 is the only operating 4-8-0 type in North America and the Strasburg Rail Road’s oldest operating steam locomotive.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Nikon 10-24mm @ 17mm, f/4.2, 1/1600, ISO 500.
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Engineer Dan Potts keeps an eye on the road ahead as he controls Norfolk and Western 475, as he pulls west through the long curve coming out of Leaman Place Junction at Paradise, PA, on the Strasburg Railroad toward headed toward Strasburg, PA, on November 7th, 2021.
According to Wikipedia: Strasburg Railroad (Norfolk and Western) No. 475 is a 4-8-0 “Mastodon” type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Strasburg Railroad outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in June 1906, it was part of the Norfolk and Western’s first order of M class numbered 375-499. Today, No. 475 is the only operating 4-8-0 type in North America and the Strasburg Rail Road’s oldest operating steam locomotive.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 150-600 @ 290mm, f/5.6, 1/250, ISO 800.
#trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer
Norfolk and Western 475 heads west on the Strasburg Railroad through the cold Autumn air producing a spectacular show of steam trailing over the train, on November 7th, 2021, at Strasburg, Pennsylvania.
According to Wikipedia: Strasburg Railroad (Norfolk and Western) No. 475 is a 4-8-0 “Mastodon” type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Strasburg Railroad outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in June 1906, it was part of the Norfolk and Western’s first order of M class numbered 375-499. Today, No. 475 is the only operating 4-8-0 type in North America and the Strasburg Rail Road’s oldest operating steam locomotive.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Nikon 10-20mm @ 18mm, f/4.2, 1/1600, ISO 180.
#trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer
Norfolk and Western 475, coming off the Long Curve into the Beilers/Carpenters Graveyard area, passes through what many refer to as the Tree Tunnel during the Historic Transport Preservation, Inc, Steam Special on the Strasburg Railroad at Ronks, Pennsylvania on November 7th, 2021 in the early morning light.
According to Wikipedia: Strasburg Railroad (Norfolk and Western) No. 475 is a 4-8-0 “Mastodon” type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Strasburg Railroad outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in June 1906, it was part of the Norfolk and Western’s first order of M class numbered 375-499. Today, No. 475 is the only operating 4-8-0 type in North America and the Strasburg Rail Road’s oldest operating steam locomotive.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 95mm, f/4.5, 1/400, ISO 220.
#trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer
Norfolk and Western 475 waits in the siding at Groffs as Canadian National #89 passes on their way west on the Strasburg Railroad, with a loaded passenger train on November 7th, 2021, at Paradise Township, Pennsylvania.
According to Wikipedia: Strasburg Railroad (Norfolk and Western) No. 475 is a 4-8-0 “Mastodon” type steam locomotive owned and operated by the Strasburg Railroad outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in June 1906, it was part of the Norfolk and Western’s first order of M class numbered 375-499. Today, No. 475 is the only operating 4-8-0 type in North America and the Strasburg Rail Road’s oldest operating steam locomotive.
Strasburg Railroad (Canadian National) No. 89 is a 2-6-0 “Mogul” type steam locomotive originally built by the Canadian Locomotive Company in February 1910 for the Canadian National Railway. It is now owned and operated by the Strasburg Railroad outside of Strasburg, Pennsylvania where it resides today for use on excursion trains.
Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Nikon 10-20mm @ 14mm, f/4, 1/800, ISO 280.
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The conductor on a CSX loaded coal train stands on the nose of CSXT 3176 as his train crosses the Monongahela River at Brownsville, Pennsylvania. They are headed off the NS Mon Line where the conductor will throw the switch onto the NS Loveridge Secondary for their continued movement southbound.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 120.
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Norfolk Southern 4290 leads an empty coal train north out of Brownsville, Pennsylvania along the Monongahela River on the NS Mon line on a beautiful fall morning.
According to Wikipedia: The Mon Line is an 85-mile-long Norfolk Southern rail line which runs along the Monongahela River for most of its route.
The predecessor of this line is the Pittsburgh, Virginia, and Charleston Railroad. The northern portion (Pittsburgh to West Brownsville) of the line is the former main line of the Monongahela Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and the southern portion (West Brownsville to Waynesburg) was once part of the Monongahela Railway’s Waynesburg Southern Branch.
Its northern terminus was formerly at the junction with the Panhandle Route at the Panhandle Bridge in Pittsburgh, and its southern terminus was near Brownsville, Pennsylvania where it had a connection to the Monongahela Railway.
Conrail transferred the West Brownsville to Waynesburg trackage from the Waynesburg Southern Branch to the former main line of the PRR Monongahela Division and it became the new Mon Line.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 200.
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Norfolk Southern 4290 leads an empty coal train north down Main Street past the Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church at Brownsville, Pennsylvania on the NS Mon line. I never knew there was street running in this area until fellow railfan Ben Sutton put me onto this spot! Came away from here with several shots that I love and will be posting over the next weeks! Thanks Ben!
According to Wikipedia: The Mon Line is an 85-mile-long Norfolk Southern rail line which runs along the Monongahela River for most of its route.
The predecessor of this line is the Pittsburgh, Virginia and Charleston Railroad. The northern portion (Pittsburgh to West Brownsville) of the line is the former main line of the Monongahela Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and the southern portion (West Brownsville to Waynesburg) was once part of the Monongahela Railway’s Waynesburg Southern Branch.
Its northern terminus was formerly at the junction with the Panhandle Route at the Panhandle Bridge in Pittsburgh, and its southern terminus was near Brownsville, Pennsylvania where it had a connection to the Monongahela Railway.
Conrail transferred the West Brownsville to Waynesburg trackage from the Waynesburg Southern Branch to the former main line of the PRR Monongahela Division and it became the new Mon Line.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic Air 2S Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 110.
#trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #dronephotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography
