I enjoyed watching the trains, albeit a bit at a distance, in April.
I was back at the dealership today for my 2-year/20k mile service.
This time I was prepared. Though we had had some snow earlier, the weather cooperated. I walked way down (like 2-miles) to the top of the yard itself.
Well you can see the pictures. Not much actions. LOTS of engines — over a dozen. But, they were not doing anything productive! I see that a LOT up here. SMILE.
Click to ENLARGE. The CSX yard relative to where I took these pictures.
It would appear that railroad cargo activity in Southern Maine has increased quite a bit of late. I did a quick Google & found that this is indeed the case & that ‘CSX’, who are now the operators of ‘Central Maine Railroad‘, has kicked operations up quite a bit.
I often bemoan that living in New Hampshire I don’t get to see too many trains. That is a fact. But yesterday, in Southern Maine, south of Portland, I, to my surprise & DELIGHT, got to see some REAL, long & heavy, freight trains. Wow. Unexpected.
The ‘Volvo’ dealership that I take my (accursed) XC60 is pretty close to the yard.
I take an amble while they do whatever needs to be done to the (bloody) Volvo. I used to amble down Rte 1 but on my last visit & discovered this golf driving range on a pond. It is a RIOT. They drive the golf balls into water. I like that. Gives me a kick. So, yesterday I made a point of ambling to the pond. On the way I heard the UNMISTAKABLE sound of diesel train engines in action. I clamoured down the embankment. It was worth it.
Busy. I was surprised. I have to go back next week. Bloody Volvo. But, they gave me a real fancy LOANER. Even fancier than my XC60 & mine is pretty fancy. So, when I am there next week I am going to go to the yard itself. Wow.
Here are some pictures of the driving range. Check the pictures out. You can see the balls bobbing in the water in one of them. Enjoy.
