Trent Rice Photography

FURX in Command. New Hampshire Northcoast D8 proceeds West from Tri-City with FURX 5509.

March brought above-average temperatures to New England, with many days reaching at or near 50°F. In addition to the warm weather, daylight savings provided much more time to get pictures while the sun remained high.

Buds on the trees haven’t quite started to bloom just yet, so stick season still hangs around for the moment. New Hampshire’s selection of Evergreen Trees provides a little color contrast among the dead brush, which I don’t mind at all.

After working Eastern Propane and Rochester’s Ossipee Aggregates for what seemed like decades, NHN D8 roars West with all three of their rostered EMD GP38-2s. Today’s train had the th*****me of four-axel locomotives reversed, as 5509 would normally lead D7 (East) while 3825, trailing three of three, would lead D8 West. Before that configuration, NHN had both of their green machines facing East and West while 5509 sat in the middle.

I didn’t mind the reversed order, as 5509 is my favorite of NHN’s small roster of locomotives. While it may not be painted or numbered to the railroad’s specifications, it sports a unique Old Cast P5 and FURX’s signature paint scheme which I have come to love. While most of my friends disagree with my opinion regarding 5509, I still find it humorous to remark; “Correct Leader!” despite them thinking I’m insane.

[March 22, 2023 at 17:51:06]

230mm (70.0-300.0mm f/4.5-6.3) 1/320 f/5.6 ISO 800

Full Quality: https://flic.kr/p/2ooH3mP

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