E-SAIATM0-43 at CP Baird

BNSF E-SAIATM0-43 at CP Baird.....

Part of what has kept my interest while serving as Terminal Manager at Lincoln, NE is the ever-changing face of the Haymarket district.  I recently noticed that the foot bridge crossing the five BNSF tracks leading to the new Pinacle Arena just received the large letters "L-I-N-C-O-L-N".  The fence cage between the letters has not been installed, so photos of the area taken now will be very dated.  Unfortunately, I recently damaged my wide angle lens, so getting this shot is difficult.

I visited the area on the evening of November 18, 2013 only to find MW equipment working at CP Baird.  Empty Iatan coal train E-SAIATM0-43 was holding at the Coffee Shop with 5 trains stopped behind it.  A call to the Carling Operator revealed that MW had time on all of the Main Tracks at CP Baird.  Noting that MW was not occupying Main Track 1, I hinted to the on-duty Terminal Manager that MW could probably give back Main Track 1 so we could bring in the fleet.

Within minutes, MW released Main Track 1 and the E-SAIATM0-43 entered the scene.  Just in time for the sun was quickly setting, creating a brilliant golden glow and long shadows.  I like the effect of this first, distant shot as the train eases through the fog created by the track equipment on adjacent Main Track 2.  The crew did an excellent job whistling for roadway workers.  I was proud of them.

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Having penetrated the dust cloud, lead unit BNSF 9868 is in perfect focus.  The conductor can be seen glancing at the workers in his rear view mirror and the engineer clearly is straining to see the signal aspect he is approaching at CP Haymarket.  The curvature and the position of the setting sun make viewing this signal particularly challenging.

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I love the framing of objects around the locomotive in this shot: 

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And a little wider shot puts the letters on the under-construction foot bridge into view:

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This 300mm telephoto shot of the DPU locomotive, brand-new SD70ACe 8797, passing under the letter "L" gives perspective on the enormity of the letters:

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Nebraskans do like the letter "N":

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And the parting shot - BNSF 8797 glows brilliantly as the setting sun reflects off its new paint:

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Hope you enjoy - 

CMP