Remarks: In a fitting follow-up to the 8801's performance on Q405 earlier the same day, SD40-2 8885 (ex-Conrail 6999) led the way as Q400 thundered through downtown Ashland on the evening of April 14th. The 8885 was assisted by two fellow ex-Cons - C40-8Ws 7379 (ex-CR 6242) and 7352 (ex-CR 6177).
'Clear, North Ashland' crackled forth from the scanner as Q400 approached, and 9 cars into its passage I spun around to face the headlight of intermodal hotshot Q033, led by a powerful GE trio - ES44AC 847, AC6000CW 5013, and ES40DC 5488. Even the non-railfans on the platform that evening were impressed.
A symphony of sound in a dramatic juxtaposition of strobe-like movement. Beyond the beauty and the power is the very essential element of commerce that is expressed in the movement of these trains. The strength, courage, and determination of this country cannot be better represented than this. We live in a land that rebuilds itself daily. Thank you for this quiet affirmation of values that are so often ignored in the media today.
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