stlgevo51
Steam Chaser
Yesterday around 9 pm I got confirmation that NS 1067, the Reading heritage unit, would be coming east on train 111. The only problem was that it was 3rd in a consist of 6 units. Usually 111 works the yard in Wentzville, MO, about 30 miles east of St. Louis, around 5 or 6 am. Since I live pretty close to the yard, I got up about 4:40 to try to catch it. The moment I arrived in Wentzville, I saw a headlight piercing the still-dark sky, and 111 pulled in with 1067 looking good. I took a video only because it was still too dark for pictures. After about 25 minutes, 11 departed for St. Louis. I raced ahead to St. Peters where my friend was waiting (I didn't even know he was going to be there!).

A Little Early for Sun by stlgevo51, on Flickr
I decided to give chase to St. Charles, where the NS crosses the Missouri River on an impressive bridge. I was right along side of him two miles from my spot, but luckily he had to slow down for the bridge. I beat him off, but I barely had time to set up because he came across faster than I had expected. As a result, I was too far away from the bridge and couldn't get all 6 engines in one shot. (I almost messed it up more because I was messing with focus points, but it was all good in the end!). Still, the light was nearly perfect.

1067 on the Big Bridge by stlgevo51, on Flickr

Reading Close UP by stlgevo51, on Flickr
I jumped back onto the highway where I figured I would try to get him again. I had no intentions since my route was longer. As I was driving to the crossing, I heard the horn, but luckily it was for a different crossing farther down. I raced to my spot where I made it just in time. The train was going slow, possibly for a meet a few miles down.

1067 Bonus Shot by stlgevo51, on Flickr
Here's a going away shot showing the entire consist. In addition to the RDG, an Operation Lifesaver unit was in the 6th position.

Going Away by stlgevo51, on Flickr
Thanks for looking!

A Little Early for Sun by stlgevo51, on Flickr
I decided to give chase to St. Charles, where the NS crosses the Missouri River on an impressive bridge. I was right along side of him two miles from my spot, but luckily he had to slow down for the bridge. I beat him off, but I barely had time to set up because he came across faster than I had expected. As a result, I was too far away from the bridge and couldn't get all 6 engines in one shot. (I almost messed it up more because I was messing with focus points, but it was all good in the end!). Still, the light was nearly perfect.
1067 on the Big Bridge by stlgevo51, on Flickr
Reading Close UP by stlgevo51, on Flickr
I jumped back onto the highway where I figured I would try to get him again. I had no intentions since my route was longer. As I was driving to the crossing, I heard the horn, but luckily it was for a different crossing farther down. I raced to my spot where I made it just in time. The train was going slow, possibly for a meet a few miles down.

1067 Bonus Shot by stlgevo51, on Flickr
Here's a going away shot showing the entire consist. In addition to the RDG, an Operation Lifesaver unit was in the 6th position.

Going Away by stlgevo51, on Flickr
Thanks for looking!