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5/21/2024
 
 
 
 
 
By:Jacob Werling
Dates:12/16/2023 - 12/16/2023
Album Info:After missing out on last year due to other scheduling conflicts, I decided to head down to the Whitewater Valley to document the Polar Express, which is their final run of the year. The recently restored Lima #709 would be on the train which made this a must-go trip. Had a great chase along with some other trains around the area. Enjoy!
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CSX 5310
Title:  CSX 5310
Description:  For the past few years I had been making a trip down to the Whitewater Valley to document the very last Polar Express runs of the year, but last year I was unable to go due to scheduling conflicts. This year, however, was open, and I had decided I was going to go once again. Most years I go to Muncie and railfan during the day and shoot the Whitewater after dark, but I was going to try to make an attempt to shoot both the Whitewater and the Nickel Plate Express today, so I opted to grab the 2 PM Polar Express over the 5 PM run. Still, with plenty of morning daylight to spend, I decided to see what the CSX Indy Line would offer me in the morning at Farmland. It didnt take long before I could hear chatter from CSX I007 coming west. About 20 minutes later the train arrived, splitting the grain elevator and some millitary equipment that is owned by one the residents across the street fron the large lot alongside the tracks.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/14/2024 4:17:44 PM
Location:  Farmland, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  CSX 5310(ES40DC)
Views:  27   Comments: 0
UP 8090
Title:  UP 8090
Description:  Almost immediately behind I007 was I131 with the usual pair of UP GEs.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/14/2024 4:18:19 PM
Location:  Farmland, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  UP 8090(ES44AC)
Views:  31   Comments: 0
CSX 7011
Title:  CSX 7011
Description:  CSX I008 was next up eastbound. After I008, no more trains were in the general area, but there was plenty of scanner chatter on NS, so I decided to continue south to Hagerstown.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/14/2024 4:19:58 PM
Location:  Farmland, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  CSX 7011(AC4400CWM)
Views:  31   Comments: 0
NS 4069
Title:  NS 4069
Description:  A three-way meet was being set up at Hagerstown, and with plenty of time still left before the Whitewaters departure, I decided to stop at CP Bailey, which still sports 90s Safetrans at the interlocking. The only other interlocking along the New Castle District that has these signals is CP Vaughn down in Cincinnati. NS 143 was first to come south through the CP splitting the signals.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/14/2024 4:23:10 PM
Location:  Hagerstown, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  NS 4069(AC44C6M)
Views:  27   Comments: 0
NS 7113
Title:  NS 7113
Description:  A GP60 was 2nd in the consist. Online nonetheless!
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/14/2024 4:24:15 PM
Location:  Hagerstown, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  NS 7113(GP60)
Views:  33   Comments: 0
NS 4617 and NS 4324
Title:  NS 4617 and NS 4324
Description:  As long as this train was it made sense why the GP60 was online. Two more big GEs bring up the middle of this massive land barge. They definitely needed everything they had to be able to get over the hill at Richmond.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/14/2024 4:27:13 PM
Location:  Hagerstown, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  NS 4617(AC44C6M) NS 4324(AC44C6M)
Views:  26   Comments: 0
NS 9612
Title:  NS 9612
Description:  NS M74 comes out of the siding after NS 143 with a Dash 9 leading one of the recently reactivated SD70M-2s. Still have yet to see one of those lead a train.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/14/2024 4:28:10 PM
Location:  Hagerstown, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  NS 9612(C44-9W)
Views:  25   Comments: 0
NS 1139
Title:  NS 1139
Description:  NS 1139 leads NS 26C westbound about a mile east of Hagerstown with some horses questioning my sanity in the foreground.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/14/2024 4:29:12 PM
Location:  Hagerstown, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  NS 1139(SD70ACe)
Views:  27   Comments: 0
WVRR 1
Title:  WVRR 1
Description:  After NS 26C it was time to get down to Connersville. The Polar Express still had not yet shoved to the platform downtown, which gave me an opportunity to grab some shots of the other power that they have scattered about. First off, as usual, was the 40Tonner right up front.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/14/2024 4:30:39 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 1(65Tonner )
Views:  43   Comments: 0
Amherst Industries 99
Title:  Amherst Industries 99
Description:  The Amherst Industries ALCO was next in the lineup.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/14/2024 4:33:24 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 99(S12M)
Views:  29   Comments: 0
MILW 346
Title:  MILW 346
Description:  The things I would do to see this paired with the SD10.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/14/2024 4:54:15 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 346(S12)
Views:  45   Comments: 0
WVRRR 320
Title:  WVRRR 320
Description:  The 3rd Lima that Whitewater owns sits in the deadline. Hopefully one day...
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/14/2024 4:55:40 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 320(LS-1200)
Views:  34   Comments: 0
NYC 6894
Title:  NYC 6894
Description:  The poor NYC Steam Engine looks worse and worse every time I see it. Now THIS would be something to see if it was restored.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/14/2024 6:07:39 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  NYC 6894(0-6-0)
Views:  50   Comments: 0
WVRR 25
Title:  WVRR 25
Description:  The Polar Express shoves back to Grand Central Station in downtown with WWVR 25 on the head end. The 709 would be the "chaser" locomotive this year. Two Limas operating on the same train...have to say I never thought Id see this day.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/14/2024 6:10:40 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 25(LS-750)
Views:  45   Comments: 0
WVRR 25
Title:  WVRR 25
Description:  The train continues to reverse.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/14/2024 6:11:50 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 25(LS-750)
Views:  37   Comments: 0
WVRR 25
Title:  WVRR 25
Description:  Looking down the tracks into downtown.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/14/2024 6:13:46 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 25(LS-750)
Views:  28   Comments: 0
WVRR 25
Title:  WVRR 25
Description:  The train sits at Grand Central Station as the 2 PM passengers begin to board.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/14/2024 6:14:21 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 25(LS-750)
Views:  30   Comments: 0
WVRR 25
Title:  WVRR 25
Description:  Passengers have boarded and the train is about ready to blast off south. I grabbed one more shot from the other side of the tracks.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/14/2024 6:17:30 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 25(LS-750)
Views:  30   Comments: 0
WVRR 25
Title:  WVRR 25
Description:  The 2 PM Polar Express is underway passing the Dearborn Tower on the south side of Connersville.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/14/2024 7:54:44 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 25(LS-750)
Views:  20   Comments: 0
WVRR 25 and WVRR 8
Title:  WVRR 25 and WVRR 8
Description:  Wider shot including the Muncie and Western Tonner that has been on display by the tower now for a few years.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 11:29:45 AM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 25(LS-750) WVRR 8(70Tonner)
Views:  45   Comments: 0
WVRR 25
Title:  WVRR 25
Description:  The Polar Express hauls around the corner by the IMI Quarry south of Connersville.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 11:36:13 AM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 25(LS-750)
Views:  24   Comments: 0
WVRR 25
Title:  WVRR 25
Description:  The Polar Express comes around the tight bend just south of Fall Creek on the north side of Nulltown.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 11:52:55 AM
Location:  Nulltown, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 25(LS-750)
Views:  25   Comments: 0
WVRR 25
Title:  WVRR 25
Description:  The Polar Express passes the horse sanctuary in Nulltown.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 11:55:54 AM
Location:  Nulltown, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 25(LS-750)
Views:  25   Comments: 0
WVRR 25
Title:  WVRR 25
Description:  The Polar Express passes Lock 35 on the Whitewater Canal south of Nulltown.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 11:59:14 AM
Location:  Nulltown, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 25(LS-750)
Views:  19   Comments: 0
WVRR 25
Title:  WVRR 25
Description:  The Polar Express takes the wide turn into Alpine giving off some smoke.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 12:23:09 PM
Location:  Alpine, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 25(LS-750)
Views:  28   Comments: 0
WVRR 709
Title:  WVRR 709
Description:  The prized possession soon following right behind. Its first official assignment on the railroad since it was donated in the 80s. It also takes the turn at Alpine. Seeing this come around the curve was next to surreal, especially after passing it several times in a decrepit condition on State Road 121 for years.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 12:25:28 PM
Location:  Alpine, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 709(LS-1000)
Views:  29   Comments: 0
WVRR 709
Title:  WVRR 709
Description:  The "North Pole" is located in the middle of a field just south of Alpine. It is pretty much innacessible unless you are on the train so I decided to sit in Alpine to wait for the return. The return chase was obviously the most important, and I saved some shots I skipped out on with 25 to get with 709. Sure enough, about a half hour later the train came rumbling back north with WWVR 709 on the front end. The very first train it has pulled since the 1980s.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 12:30:18 PM
Location:  Alpine, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 709(LS-1000)
Views:  48   Comments: 0
WVRR 25
Title:  WVRR 25
Description:  WWVR 25 now brings up the rear. The only two operating Lima Diesels in the world on the same train....just wow.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 1:06:30 PM
Location:  Alpine, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 25(LS-750)
Views:  31   Comments: 0
WVRR 709
Title:  WVRR 709
Description:  The train crosses State Road 121 for a second time north of Alpine.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 1:19:14 PM
Location:  Alpine, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 709(LS-1000)
Views:  25   Comments: 0
WVRR 709
Title:  WVRR 709
Description:  The train crosses over Williams Creek north of Nulltown at 3 Mile Bridge. I had never actually gotten a shot right up at the bridge before. Turned out pretty well.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 1:21:00 PM
Location:  Nulltown, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 709(LS-1000)
Views:  27   Comments: 0
WVRR 25
Title:  WVRR 25
Description:  Going away around the curve.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 1:24:18 PM
Location:  Nulltown, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 25(LS-750)
Views:  27   Comments: 0
WVRR 8
Title:  WVRR 8
Description:  While waiting for the train to come back north by the tower and station, I grabbed a quick still of the Muncie and Western Tonner. This engine was moved here for static display back in 2018. A nice fit amongst the tower, station, and various signal displays.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 1:25:49 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 8(70Tonner)
Views:  20   Comments: 0
WVRR 709
Title:  WVRR 709
Description:  The Polar Express rolls back into Connersville northbound by the station.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 1:26:49 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 709(LS-1000)
Views:  41   Comments: 0
WVRR 709
Title:  WVRR 709
Description:  Wider shot with the Shelbyville station in the backdrop.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 1:28:40 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 709(LS-1000)
Views:  27   Comments: 0
WVRR 25
Title:  WVRR 25
Description:  Going away with the yard in the backdrop.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 1:37:39 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 25(LS-750)
Views:  34   Comments: 0
WVRR 709
Title:  WVRR 709
Description:  The train smokes up as it crosses 1st Street. The crossing on the left side of the road is a unique overhead cantilever dating back to NYC steam days with a "no right turn" blinker on the bottom. Unfortunately, it appears the crossing has stopped working as it was flagged both times the train crossed it. Hopefully it will not be replaced, but we shall see.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 1:41:54 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 709(LS-1000)
Views:  32   Comments: 0
WVRR 25
Title:  WVRR 25
Description:  Almost back to the station, crossing 1st Street.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 1:43:39 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 25(LS-750)
Views:  27   Comments: 0
WVRR 709
Title:  WVRR 709
Description:  The train arrives at the station, preparing to board the 5 PM riders. I went to the north side of the train to grab a shot of 709 with the station in the backdrop.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 1:46:55 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 709(LS-1000)
Views:  28   Comments: 0
WVRR 25
Title:  WVRR 25
Description:  I decided to opt out on going to Noblesville with the rain being too close and that basically taking out any chances of doing flash photography. So, I decided to wait for the 5 PM departure and get one last shot of WWVR 25 passing the tower as the sun set. Some nice blue light contrasting out the scene.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 1:50:25 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 25(LS-750)
Views:  26   Comments: 0
WVRR 709
Title:  WVRR 709
Description:  The sole flash shot I took this trip. WWVR 709 follows close behind the 5 PM run of the Polar Express passing the Whitewater Campgrounds south of Connersville.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 1:54:28 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 709(LS-1000)
Views:  31   Comments: 0
WVRR 25
Title:  WVRR 25
Description:  Despite rain coming in taking away any chances of doing flash shots, exposures were still possible since the rain was light. So, I waited for the train to come back and did some exposures before they would bring the train back to the shops and call it a year.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 1:56:56 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 25(LS-750)
Views:  34   Comments: 0
WVRR 25
Title:  WVRR 25
Description:  A side shot from the CVS parking lot. The smoke train added quite the effect.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 2:00:40 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 25(LS-750)
Views:  29   Comments: 0
WWVR 709
Title:  WWVR 709
Description:  Moving to the other side, an exposure of WVRR 709.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 2:02:23 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 709(LS-1000)
Views:  47   Comments: 0
WVRR 709
Title:  WVRR 709
Description:  A wide shot with the traffic on Western Avenue passing by. I have to say, this was definitely one of my better trips of the year. If you would have told me that I would go on a trip and see the only two operating Lima Diesels in the world on the same train a year ago I would have told you you were crazy. The 709 will be in regular operating circulation for the upcoming season, so if anyone wants to get a chance at documenting it, there should be plenty of chances. Shortly after everyone boarded the train went back to the shops and another year of operating along the canal came to an end. What a day!
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 2:08:50 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  WVRR 709(LS-1000)
Views:  35   Comments: 0
CSX 6563
Title:  CSX 6563
Description:  Usually after I finish up with the WWVR I move onto CSX and CNUR (now BFT) to get some exposures of the power lying around their yards. A brand spanking new GP40-3 was sitting in the CSX yard tonight. So shiny you could still smell the paint off of it.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 3:09:10 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  CSX 6563(GP40-3)
Views:  76   Comments: 0
CSX 6563 and CSX 779
Title:  CSX 6563 and CSX 779
Description:  Another set of CSX power was also in the yard. A SD40 variant was behind the GEVO but I wasnt going to walk between cars to get its photo. After this I moved onto the Big Four Terminal Yard.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 3:10:58 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  CSX 6563(GP40-3) CSX 779(ES44AC-H)
Views:  83   Comments: 0
RMEX 4
Title:  RMEX 4
Description:  First off right up front and center was RMEX 4, former MAW 4. Sparty was recently sold to another company and was taken off the property about a month prior to me being here, so this is the only regularly working motor on the property as far as I know. It appears the Wendelin is trying to get out of the railroad business with all the recent sales with locomotives and properties.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 3:13:24 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  RMEX 4(GP7u)
Views:  41   Comments: 0
GMTX 2210
Title:  GMTX 2210
Description:  Along with storage cars, GMTX has a contract to get units repaired at the shops in Connersville as well. This GATX Geep as been here for quite some time. Usually when GATX isnt ready to take them back right away, BFT will use them if needed for working around storage cars.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 3:14:53 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  GMTX 2210(GP38-2)
Views:  37   Comments: 0
GMTX 2210
Title:  GMTX 2210
Description:  A head on shot of GMTX 2210
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 3:15:21 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  GMTX 2210(GP38-2)
Views:  38   Comments: 0
GMTX 340
Title:  GMTX 340
Description:  GMXT 340 sits in the old CNUR yard in Connersville.
Photo Date:  12/16/2023  Upload Date: 1/15/2024 3:20:19 PM
Location:  Connersville, IN
Author:  Jacob Werling
Categories: 
Locomotives:  GMTX 340(MP15AC)
Views:  32   Comments: 0


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