Friday Sept20 is calling for overcast and some rain...definitely no trains today...or so I thought. It's one week till I turn the big 5-0. The main duty for the day was to go down to Vanilla Pastry Studio to order cupcakes and a cake for my party next week (and pick up some samples for home of course). Since they recently moved from Shadyside to Edgewood, the plan was to take the Turnpike to Monreville and then down the Parkway East to Rt30 (I still hadn't Googled the actual address and was going on my sister's comment they were on Ardmore Blvd). Before I get to Cranberry I notice that NS 261 with the N&W unit is reported by Latrobe. Oh well, the weather is lousy, but It might be nice to see it. I punch in the bakery address and notice it is just off the Edgewood/Swissvale exit, so it would actually be better to swing through town instead, not to mention skip the Turnpike toll.
As I roll down the Parkway North, the Roadrailer is reported by Wing per Freddy, so I decide to maybe do a grab shot off the I-279 ramps at Federal Street. A few minutes away, I hear him calling mp350...this will be close! I pull over and within a minute 261 is crossing over the Ft. Wayne bridge...wow, that was some timing! NS 261-19 has a nice shiny 8103 leading 6757 elephant style down the ramp. Cool!
Ok, off for some cupcakes. I pull in at Vanilla Pastry and soon notice a text about the OCS that was called out of Conway with the NS Fs. After a few seconds of clearing the cobb webs out of the brain, I realize I'm too close not to go take a look. A quick call to Freddy informs me they are by the Station. After a quick drive over to the tracks I have a few minutes to find a spot with some elevation to clear the Bus-way. It isn't long before I hear 951 call mp346 and his headlight appears. And if that wasn't enough the clouds parted to boot! NS 951-19 has all 4 F units and 7 cars...all gleaming.
Time for some cupcakes...and a cappuccino
