I began tailing the 2816 and 261 before the train was done passing under my first vantage point at the U of M Transitway bridge. I was on my bycicle,!but since the engineers were easing them slowly along I was able to pass them and was approaching the grade crossing on Energy Park Drive where the "Union Cutoff" crosses...when the lights began to ring and the bells began to ding! Here they came, with the 2816 whistling up a storm! The train was switching from the old GN to the old NP due, apparently, to congestion on the old GN. I thought of the CP 4-6-2 2317, the Steamtown excursion locomotive, as I watched her repatriated Steamtown alumnus approach leading her larger American cohort. Bless you again, F. Nelson Blount, for saving the 2816, and thank you Milwuakee Road for your decision to save the 261! |