Operating sessions themselves are a real highlight of the hobby these days, a great chance to bring guys together for a common goal. And, before the session, a nice diversion from construction continues to be the preparation for the operating sessions! We had one just last weekend on 9/10/16 and I thought I'd put a few images here for your enjoyment.
The session started at 1750 'fast time' on our 3:1 fast clock. Darkness came quickly and most of the session was run while the sun was 'down'. Here, Conrail SD40-2 6437 leading train SEIN (Selkirk, NY to Indianapolis, IN) slowly grinds through the interlocking at CP280 and heads west on the South Runner to make his pick-up.
Earlier in the session, Conrail B40-8 5088 led train SEEL (Selkirk, NY to Elkhart, IN) west passing the old, abandoned tower at CP282. He was putting his train back together after making a pick-up.
Here's a typical scene at the east end of Onondaga Yard at CP280, with the car department's truck waiting to give a brake test to WADE-30 once DE-30 is put together.
These night shots capture some of the feel we go for on the Onondaga Cutoff - long, cool-but-humid nights along the former New York Central in the days of Conrail. Things will be getting busy soon with installation of the backdrop, all of which is now on-hand, so stay tuned for some updates on that process!
~RGDave
