Michigan Shore Railroad In A Severe Thunderstorm

Michigan shore railroad train Z627 (symbol used on CSX tracks from west olive to Holland) fights its way through Grand Haven as A severe thunderstorm breaks overhead with CF&E 3885 leading G&W 2019 and 19 cars from Muskegon.

While at the beach taking photos of the lighting I could not help but over hear scanner chatter from The Michigan shore as they finished up work at Bay Logistics and began their Run south towards Grand Haven and I could not pass up the opportunity to chase. The first shot, I must admit, had a lot of luck played into it. By the time I reached Washington they were already blowing their horn for crossings in town. I struggled finding a good location to film from as rain began falling which caused me to cut it very close on the first shot. After watching I headed south to Hayes street just as the brunt of the storm hit. Winds gusting at 60+ mph battered the train throwing branches and leaves around and sending the rain horizontal as it became a down pour. My last attempt at filming looked promising with Intense lightning illuminating the usually dark crossing, however the last shot was ended abruptly when a change in the wind sent rain streaming into my car, soaking me and my camera affectively ending the chase.