TravelingGandyDancer

[TravelingGandyDancer @TTGandyDancer]

#FrontEndFriday in Winnemucca! 🚂❄️
UP No. 7455 leading a stack train east. Cold morning, blue sky, and fresh snow on Winnemucca Mountain—sometimes the simple scenes hit different.

#ttgandydancer #UnionPacific #Railfan #Winnemucca #TrainPhotography #RailroadLife #ScenicRailways #FreightTrain #RailwayAdventures #TrainSpotting #HistoricTracks

[TravelingGandyDancer @TTGandyDancer]

My Good Friday treat was quite unexpected. While I was cleaning and performing maintenance at the former Silcot property, now an annex of the Ohio Railway Museum, I had the unexpected pleasure of spotting a couple of Norfolk Southern Heritage Units—NS 1067 "Reading Lines" and NS 8099 "Southern." I even managed to photograph both of them. Unfortunately, I missed capturing NS 4004, which, while not a heritage unit, was still nice to see. It had already grown dark by the time it passed, and I was occupied building a planter.

A quick note on volunteering - it's an enriching experience, where even a single person’s efforts can make a profound difference. Museums and similar organizations depend heavily on dedicated volunteers to thrive and survive; without new and enthusiastic individuals stepping up to learn and contribute, these institutions face the threat of decline. The Ohio Railway Museum, for example, has faced such challenges in the past but has since been revitalized by a vibrant and energetic community of volunteers. There’s always meaningful work to be done, whether it’s at ORM or another local organization, and your involvement can play a critical role in preserving and advancing these valuable operations for future generations. Why not consider lending a hand?

#PreserveHistory #VolunteerOpportunity #RailwayHeritage #SupportLocalOrganizations #MakeADifference #FutureGenerations #HistoricPreservation #railroadphtography #railfans_of_instagram #railfanning #NorfolkSouthern #diesellocomotive #trainphotography #ttgandydancer

[TravelingGandyDancer @TTGandyDancer]

Side yard railfanning capture of the day - Norfolk Southern No. 8099, the "Southern Railway" Heritage Unit, leading NS 178 en route to Bellevue, Ohio. The timing couldn’t have been better as it powered past the yard just before the rain arrived.

Video Clip - https://t.co/setDyvCTQs

#sideyardrailfan #railroadphtography #ttgandydancer #railfanning #NorfolkSouthern #railfans_of_instagram #railheritage #diesellocomotive #trainphotography

[TravelingGandyDancer @TTGandyDancer]

Roughly fifteen years ago, I witnessed one of those surreal moments that seemed too bizarre to be true. An eastbound train on track one of the Norfolk and Southern Dayton District was forced to make an emergency stop because, incredibly, a hot air balloon had missed its intended landing spot—my backyard, of all places. (Why they thought that would be acceptable is still beyond me.) Instead, the wind pulled it off course, with the basket colliding with the tracks and coming to rest against a pile of ties. The scene was straight out of a movie—equally chaotic and absurd. I couldn’t help but marvel at the ridiculousness of it all and wish the live camera had already been installed to capture such a spectacle. However, not everyone shared my amusement. The train crew was visibly unimpressed, and the FAA wasn’t thrilled either. Needless to say, it turned an ordinary afternoon into an unexpectedly entertaining, albeit unconventional, experience.

#railroadphtography #railfans_of_instagram #railfanning #trainphotography #sideyardrailfan #NorfolkSouthern #ttgandydancer

[TravelingGandyDancer @TTGandyDancer]

The iconic Flying Scotsman departs Bury Bolton Street Station, enveloped in a cloud of smoke and steam, embarking on yet another round trip to Rawtenstall along the historic East Lancashire Railway - March 2023
#trainphotography #railfanning #steamengine #railfans_of_instagram #trains #railroadphtography #eastlancashirerailway #flyingscotsman #ttgandydancer

[TravelingGandyDancer @TTGandyDancer]

The Tonopah and Goldfield Railroad (T&GRR) once maintained its rail yard and roundhouse in Millers NV, located about 10 miles outside of Tonopah. The relatively flat terrain in Millers provided an ideal setting for such operations, making it a strategic choice for the railroad. The proximity to an ore processing facility further enhanced the practicality of this location. Operating from 1905 to 1947, the T&GRR played a significant role in the region’s industrial history, and remnants of this once-vital railroad can still be found today.

Remarkably, the pit for the 90-foot-diameter turntable remains in excellent condition considering its age. Alongside it are the remains of pits and service tracks that once supported the railroad’s eight-stall roundhouse. Visitors can also spot traces of old roadbeds, wooden ties, bolts, spikes, and other artifacts scattered throughout the site. These fragments offer a window into the bustling activity of Millers during the railroad's prime, preserving a piece of the area's rich industrial heritage.

For those wishing to visit, the site is easily accessible from U.S. Route 95 via a turnoff near the Millers Rest Area. From there, a short traverse along a dirt road followed by a walk will bring you to the historic location. The drive and walk are manageable for most vehicles and visitors, requiring no special skills. - Google Maps Link - https://t.co/op8s3KtMfG

#railfanning #steamengine #trainphotography #railroadphotography #railfans_of_instagram #trainyard #railroadhistory #railheritage #nevadahistory #tonopah #ttgandydancer

[TravelingGandyDancer @TTGandyDancer]

Taking the train to Cascade aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad during winter has always been one of my most cherished experiences. I still vividly remember my first winter trip back in the early '80s, when I wouldn’t leave the open-air car for the entire journey—much to my parents' delight (despite the freezing temperatures). The combination of the crisp, cold mountain air and the smoky scent of coal was simply invigorating. The rhythmic clickety-clack of the wheels on the rails, the powerful sound of the steam engine working tirelessly up the grade, and the sights and sounds of the Animas River all blended together to create a truly magical adventure for my younger self.

Now, more than four decades later, I’ve returned with my own family to recapture that same magic. Sharing the ride to Cascade with them feels like handing down a treasured tradition—a way to relive those cherished memories while creating new ones together. This experience beautifully connects the past and present, uniting generations in a sense of wonder that transcends time.

#coloradonarrowgauge #narrowgaugesteam #steamengine #train #trains #trainphotography #railfans #railfans #railroad #railroadphotography #railfanning #ttgandydancer

[TravelingGandyDancer @TTGandyDancer]

Today's side-yard railfanning highlight – Positioned as a mid-train DPU, Norfolk Southern's Heritage Unit No. 1065 (Savannah & Atlanta) glides by the homestead on a wintry day.

Video Clip - https://t.co/O4KF4swPYo

#railfanning #diesellocomotive #NorfolkSouthern #railroadphotography #railfans #sideyardrailfan #railfans_of_instagram #trainphotography #railroad #ttgandydancer

[TravelingGandyDancer @TTGandyDancer]

Railfanning the BNSF Bakersfield Subdivision has been a cherished part of my life since childhood. In many ways, my passion for all things railroads was born in this very spot. I still remember the days Grandpa would take me to the old depot in Corcoran, California. We’d smash pennies on the tracks and watch the freight trains thunder by. Though both Grandpa and that historic depot are now long gone, my love for sitting trackside in Corcoran, watching freights thunder past, remains as strong as ever. Today, the town’s rebuilt station—with its cozy benches and perfect views of the tracks that stretch endlessly north and south—makes railfanning here even more enjoyable. Just recently, during a holiday visit to see Grandma, I brought my own kids down to the tracks. Together, we sat, watched the trains, and created new memories. Below are some snapshots from our adventure.
#trainphotography #railfanning #diesellocomotive #dieselpower #BNSF #CorcoranCA #railfans_of_instagram #railroadphotography #ttgandydancer

[TravelingGandyDancer @TTGandyDancer]

Side-yard railfanning catch of the day. Norfolk Southern No. 911 "First Responders Locomotive" pulling its hazardous materials training consist through Columbus Ohio.
#railfanning #FirstResponders #NorfolkSouthern #railroadphotography #sideyardrailfan #ttgandydancer

[TravelingGandyDancer @TTGandyDancer]

The MetroLink light rail system glowed in the warm hues of the golden hour during my recent trip to St. Louis.

#railfans #trainyard #trainphotography #railfanning #railfans_of_instagram #StLouis #PassengerRail #lightrail #ttgandydancer

[TravelingGandyDancer @TTGandyDancer]

The Dayton District welcomed an eco-friendly visitor today as Norfolk Southern No. 6210 and its accompanying slug, No. 891, made an appearance. Both the engine and slug boast impressive pedigrees that traces back to the MoPac and N&W.

Live Cam - https://t.co/RHF2yq1h3u

[TravelingGandyDancer @TTGandyDancer]

Recent Exploring - Manufacturers Railway Company, established (1887) by Adolphus Busch to streamline the supply and transport of his brewery’s products. Although the railway is no longer in operation, its legacy endures, with new tenants flourishing in the space. #ttgandydancer

[TravelingGandyDancer @TTGandyDancer]

I had the privilege of exploring the Wabash, Frisco, and Pacific Railroad, and I was genuinely impressed by their exceptional setup! This 85-year-old, 12-inch gauge steam railroad is a must-visit for anyone in the St. Louis area. #steamengine #railfanning #ttgandydancer

[TravelingGandyDancer @TTGandyDancer]

Amtrak Illinois Service Train No. 392 arrived and departed from Effingham, Illinois (EFG) yesterday evening - 7/21/24.
#amtrak #railfans #railfanning #trainphotography #railroadphotography #passengertrains #ttgandydancer

[TravelingGandyDancer @TTGandyDancer]

Amtrak's No. 21 Texas Eagle departs on time from St. Louis. Tower One, the Edison Brothers Warehouse, and the iconic Gateway Arch serve as a fitting backdrop.

#Amtrak #TexasEagle #StLouis #GatewayArch #EdisonBrothersWarehouse #TowerOne #railfans #railfanning #ttgandydancer

[TravelingGandyDancer @TTGandyDancer]

D&S No. 103, No. 101 departing Tacoma siding. As someone who's grown up riding the D&S, I wasn't sure how I'd feel about these Alcos pulling trains through steam country. However, I have to admit—they look fantastic and sound even better.
#narrowgauge #dieselpower #ttgandydancer

[TravelingGandyDancer @TTGandyDancer]

The Casey Jones railbus in Silverton, CO, set against the stunning San Juan Range. Between rain showers, the sun emerged just long enough for me to capture this shot in near-perfect light.
#railwaymuseum #trainphotography #railroadphotography #coloradonarrowgauge #ttgandydancer

[TravelingGandyDancer @TTGandyDancer]

No 1630 "Frisco" and its crew were grappling with a finicky steam-powered generator but after about thirty minutes of adjustments, they had it running smoothly. This was crucial, as we were scheduled for a night photoshoot later that evening at the Illinois Railway Museum - 10/22

[TravelingGandyDancer @TTGandyDancer]

@CruisingTheCut Much the same here on a football (US) Sunday. It’s a veritable ghost town, making it absolutely the best time to do the grocery run.