ALCOs & Steam in Scranton: DL RS3s, CNR 3254 & More...

August 9, 2012 started warm and sunny in Scranton. There were two DL crews on duty:
PT-98 would have an all RS3 consist of 4068, 1554 (CNJ), 4118 & 4103.
SB-3 would have a mixed consist of 211 (RS32), 2452, 2461 (both C425s) & 3000 (M630).

We start with a power shuffle in the yard at Steamtown. The goal was to have units with operable dynamic brakes on both the east and west ends of PT-98s consist. 4068 was then used for some local switching before PT-98 headed east. This provided multiple opportunities to hear the ALCO 244s at idle and at work.

While 4068 was performing switching duties, two other moves occurred. DL SB-3 departed for Canadian Pacific's Taylor yard to interchange three empties and pick up a cut of loaded grain cars for the mill at Mt. Pocono. In addition, Steamtown's "Scranton Limited" short excursion passed through the yard with CNR 3254 handling a two car train. Once the excursion train returned, 4068 was MU'ed to the other RS3s for the trip east.

A brief visit to the Canadian Pacific main at CPF 672 shows the return of SB-3 with 38 grain loads in tow. It is then time to chase the PT-98 east with stops at Myrtle Street in Scranton (the four RS3s really work hard here), Tobyhanna, Henry's Crossing (east of Cresco) and finally East Stroudsburg.

Thanks to all the fine folks at the DL who keep both the railroad and it's amazing roster of ALCO/ MLWs in service!