Another morning on the railroad, with ex-NYC SW8 8618...
The morning light was just right to capture this shot of Ross moving #475 forward from the coaling dock back to the ready tracks out of the enginehouse. The bank by the time Ross got to it on this morning was barely lit even with the engine still hot and Ross had to resort to some wood scraps and kerosene soaked rags to get the fire going. Not an ideal situation from how he explained it, but as long as you don't over do it too quickly it gets the job done nonetheless.
Steam billows out between the axles on the N&W M class. From what I've been told #475 has about a month or so left before its her turn for a 1472 inspection.
Always gotta make them look pretty! Ross after getting the fire situation straightened out a little better, finally took #475 back to the pit and while filling up the ashpan decided to wash down the tender and cab a bit. I liked the effect of the dripping water in the morning light.
Smoke and steam surround the complex in the east end of the SRC yard as Ross slowly backs #475 through the array of switches. Ross and I are about the same height (about 6'3") and I've always found that #475's cab was most definitely not made for men our size.
Mike Wilson
Michael J. Wilson Photography
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