Square peg, octagonal hole
Wednesday
– photo by Mitch Waxman
Another occasion whereupon I found myself acting as interlocutor for Our Lady of the Pentacle’s transit needs occurred. After dropping her off where she needed to go, providence soon found a humble narrator lurking about in Allegheny Commons Park, and waiting for a train, here in Pittsburgh. This is a spot which I’m somewhat enamored by, and one has lurked about at this POV more than once.
Norfolk Southern #617 appeared. A quick look around at various rail sources indicated this as being a ‘rebuilt road slug,’ which apparently indicates that Norfolk Southern’s Juniata shop, in Pennsylvania’s Altoona, built the unit out of spare parts they had in stock. I’m told this is a ‘thing.’
Who knew?
– photo by Mitch Waxman
This choke point of tracks is a pretty active rail location, and the trains that drive through here are likely heading for either the set of tracks which follow the north side of the Allegheny River, or for the Fort Wayne Railroad Bridge (crossing the Allegheny) which provides access to a set of tracks that go through downtown Pittsburgh, and the old Pennsylvania RR station which also hosts Amtrak.
Can’t tell you where it went after it left my sight though, and I’m just barely able to speculate on its path. Such speculation indicates somewhat major progress for me, in understanding the many, many sets of rail tracks and ‘rights of way’ you’ll encounter while moving about in Pittsburgh. I’ve been paying attention.
– photo by Mitch Waxman
Luckily, I was able to scuttle across the street without being struck by a car, and get a shot or two of #617 heading on the way towards wherever it was going. My phone chimed right then, and it was time to retrieve Our Lady from her assignation and return to HQ.
A quick scuttle over to the Mobile Oppression Platform ensued, followed by a drive, and then our reunion with Moe the Dog.
Back tomorrow.
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The Newtown Pentacle 
How come your NS locos are green? They are usually black.
Michael keit
May 16, 2024 at 7:57 am
They’re black, color balance on those shots leaned a bit towards green I guess.
Mitch Waxman
May 16, 2024 at 8:25 am
Also, at least on my screens – black. Yours?
Mitch Waxman
May 16, 2024 at 8:26 am
green on my ipad
Michael Keit
May 16, 2024 at 8:30 am
Weird.
Mitch Waxman
May 16, 2024 at 8:31 am
Your ref to “road slug” led me to find the below link on railroad “slugs” and “road-slugs”.
https://www.trains.com/trn/train-basics/abcs-of-railroading/slugs/
Very interesting. Apparently the absence of fans on the roof of the leading unit identifies it as a slug. Great shot of the crew member sitting behind the open door of the lead unit.
dbarms8878
May 20, 2024 at 9:24 pm