The Newtown Pentacle

Altissima quaeque flumina minimo sono labi

Posts Tagged ‘Sly Fox Brewery

Six mile scuttle, fin

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Wednesday

– photo by Mitch Waxman

I had to kill an hour or so before the next CSX train showed up, on their Pittsburgh Subdivision Tracks, but at least I had a place to sit down.

If this shot looks familiar, it’s because you’ve seen it dozens of times here but from a different POV. In this instance, I was high above the Sly Fox Brewery, whereas I’m normally down at ground level.

The building that the brewery is located in is a former railroad terminal and warehouse called ‘The Highline,’ by its owners. There’s a former vehicle ramp which overflies the scene below, hence ‘Highline.’

– photo by Mitch Waxman

I had drank a pint glass of ice water, and then two beers, while waiting. Honestly, I had given up hope and remembering the very productive day which saw trains, and a smokey incline, and then bridges and even tugboats appearing in front of the camera – I didn’t want to be a glutton.

I then headed up to the Highline, with the intention of walking back out to the street side of the property and summoning a rideshare home. Then the signal arms started chiming…

– photo by Mitch Waxman

What am I supposed to do, not take pictures? Sheesh.

I was fairly tired at this point. Six miles is about all I can get out of the ankle at the moment, although my stated goal for this stage of recovery from the injury is ten miles. What can I tell you? I’ll get there when I can.

Saying that, it did pretty well when I was back in NYC in June.

– photo by Mitch Waxman

As quickly as I could walk, the other side of the Highline ramp was attained, and what I would call ‘fetching shots’ of the train were captured.

Really lucky with light on this particular day. There was a not inconsiderable amount of heat distortion to deal with, but it’s summer.

– photo by Mitch Waxman

The CSX train cavorted off towards Ohio, and your humble narrator officially declared his day as done.

A quick car ride saw me back at HQ, reunited with Our Lady of the Pentacle and Moe the Dog.

– photo by Mitch Waxman

Glad that I decided to have a second drink, would have missed out on that last train if I hadn’t.

Back tomorrow with something different, at this – your Newtown Pentacle .


“follow” me on Twitter- @newtownpentacle

Buy a book!

In the Shadows at Newtown Creek,” an 88 page softcover 8.5×11 magazine format photo book by Mitch Waxman, is now on sale at blurb.com for $30.

Written by Mitch Waxman

September 3, 2025 at 11:00 am

Terere tempus

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Friday

– photo by Mitch Waxman

After a short walk on a very hot day, one took up his now familiar station at the Sly Fox Brewery found in Pittsburgh’s South Side Flats section.

A couple of enormous terminal buildings there create a puddle of shadow, in which one can shelter from the burning thermonuclear eye of God itself. Also, there’s cold beer and outside seating.

A grade crossing nearby hosts the typical sort of rail signal arms that ring bells and flash lights when activating, so you’ve got a good couple of minutes to get into position and figure out the exposure triangle before a train comes through.

– photo by Mitch Waxman

Luckily, this was a busy time of day for CSX , and multiple trains were crossing through the POV. First it was #3316 pictured in the first shot, followed by #5432 above. The T light Rail is out for the summer due to maintenance, and whereas a shuttle bus is being offered in its lieu, I had already decided to splurge on an air conditioned cab to get back to HQ. By splurge, I mean spending about $13 plus tip.

I paid my tab, walked back outside, and summoned a ride.

– photo by Mitch Waxman

While waiting, CSX #3254 suddenly appeared. Lucky capture.

Back next week with something different at this – your Newtown Pentacle.


“follow” me on Twitter- @newtownpentacle


Buy a book!

In the Shadows at Newtown Creek,” an 88 page softcover 8.5×11 magazine format photo book by Mitch Waxman, is now on sale at blurb.com for $30.

Written by Mitch Waxman

July 19, 2024 at 11:00 am