"Eastbound and Down" - CP Watertown Sub 1/23/2016, NS 8103 N&W Heritage Unit, Roaring RCP&E SD40-2s

Headed out to the CP Watertown Sub on this day 10 years ago based on a heads up that eastbound mixed freight train CP 288 would have NS 8103, the Norfolk & Western heritage unit, in the lead.

However, the train was stopped at the east end of Portage siding and the crew reported problems getting the 8103 to load (supply power to the traction motors) properly. This was also apparently preventing the second unit from loading as well. After letting eastbound intermodal train 198 go by, they proceeded gingerly out of the siding. I managed to partially block my own shot while trying to get a car driver to not block it by pulling right up to the gate.

No sooner had I jumped in the car, intending to give chase to the next crossing east, when the crew announced over the radio that the units were crapping out again, and they would have to stop and shove back into the siding to troubleshoot further.

After about an hour break in activity, another eastbound mixed freight train, 470, departed Portage with a pair of Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern SD40-2s (the second one still with its Iowa, Chicago & Eastern blue and gold paint and number). This was during the brief period after the RCP&E startup that trains between Chicago and the RCP&E system operated with RCP&E run-through power. I gave chase and got them at Salisbury Rd. between Wyocena and Rio with a sweet symphony from the dual EMD 645 prime movers.

Following not far behind them (snuck up on me at Wyocena so handheld video only) was yet another eastbound manifest, 280 with all CSX power.

I got word that 288 was finally on the move with another set of power tacked in front of the troublesome NS duo, and stuck around at Wyocena for them.