UP Y704, The "Troy Grove Job" in the Snow on 12-28-09

Three Union Pacific EMD GP15's push their way through a few snow drifts as they continue southbound toward Troy Grove, Illinois.

Only one mission today. After the approximate 10 inches of snow a couple of days ago, I set out to catch the "Troy Grove Job" on its first day running after the snow. I figured that there would be a few decent drifts across the tracks. The biggest problem was driving to some of the out of the way spots since many of the rural roads remained snow-packed.

I waited near West Chicago until the train pulled out then drove to get ahead of it south of DeKalb. At McGirr Road. I set up and could hear the train's horn only a few miles to the north. Then I waited and waited and waited. Something was wrong. So I packed up after about an hour and drove north to investigate. The train was stopped short of Perry Road. Apparently a tree limb was across the right of way. ( photo by "Lampy" http://www.flickr.com/photos/tom_lampman/4223349815/ ) After a while it was cleared and the train got moving. I had quickly retreated back to my spot with just enough time to get set up again.

The sun was trying to break out and did just in time to brighten the flying snow. Watch the engineer get the wiper going after a few drift hits.

Wind was blowing almost directly at the two cameras. So a few dots of snow melt spot the lens. The final going away shot has an interesting diamond effect caused by the droplets and the camera's iris.

Photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/basicbill/4223471487/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/basicbill/4223485611/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/basicbill/4224252202/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/basicbill/4223487517/

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• rail
• railroad
• train
• railfan
• winter
• snow
• cold
• grain
• silica
• sand
• EMD
• Troy
• Grove
• Illinois
• Canon
• HV30
• HD

[trainguyONR]

Very nice catch! Good horn show too. Any particular reason why these engine numbers start with the letter Y?

[basicbill1]

@trainguyONR Thanks. Y is for "yard" perhaps? Just a guess.

Bill

[carlosdetoledo]

Maravillosoooo !! muy bueno

[basicbill1]

@carlosdetoledo Thanks.

BIll

[MattBNSF1991]

That wiper is going crazy!

haha

[basicbill1]

Yeah. Like it's off something from the 1920's.

Thanks for watching.

Bill

[basicbill1]

I appreciate it!

Bill

[HighIronofWisconsin]

Great drift kicking action! Nicely done with the dual cameras.

[basicbill1]

Thanks. Sounds like an interesting job.

Bill

[phildoethedildoe]

Yeah Bill, i got to say you made a very good clip there. I work the Southern Michigan Railroad museums train out in clinton, Michigan as the Brakeman. Our Motive power is a GE 44toner A beautiful Small engine but she pulls Our passenger cars happily !! :) :)