Suleski Transportation & Cape Ann Rail on 6-8-08
On Sunday June 8th Suleski Transportation ran a mixed freight down to Beverly and Salem over the Cape Ann right of way. Passing through classic New England country settings.
The Cape Ann Rail NW2 switchers were busy moving tank cars of diesel fuel
transferred from tankers coming in to the port of Salem from the refineries of
Galveston.
Heading out over the steel arch bridge one of the few signature rail fan
spots on the Cape Ann Rail line.
Here the SD45 pulls past the Cape Ann Museum K28 steam engine getting ready
for a rail fan weekend.
One of the best things about Cape Ann Rail is the track work. We are able to run the six axle diesels and not worry about if the ties or road bed will hold. If we ever go on the Pan Am (ex-Guilford) line we have to send 4 axle units.
Here as we come around the bend of the pond we see the finished construction of the new Cape Ann Light House.
The Lighthouse was added to help guide ships into the port of Salem for the increased business brought on by the railroads.
Along with container ships for Suleski Transportation’s intermodal service, Tankers are now docking in Salem. Cape Ann Rail is bringing diesel fuel and gas up from the refineries of Galveston, TX and running tank trains to the New England region.
This was Larry Mosher’s idea to help the economy by keeping fuel costs down in the area with lower delivery prices along with an increase of jobs in the Port of Salem. Suleski Transportation got the plan started with federal grant money. Cape Ann Rail will be bringing in home heating oil this winter.
While people were worried that Tank farms would spring up and make the area
look like New Jersey, Larry assured everyone that Cape Ann had enough tank cars
to keep the fuel moving in with out using tank storage.
Since everyone is looking for lower fuel prices there was no opposition to the project.
The Cape Ann area of Massachusetts is very green this year with plenty of spring rain.
A mixed freight from the south shore of Massachusetts pulled by PDLX leasing engines rolled onto Cape Ann trackage. The PDLX units are the old SD40-2 Black Cats once owned by Cape Ann Transportation. They are now owned by Paul and Dave Hazel. These units can be seen all over eastern Mass, RI and southern NH.
Todays PDLX train is bringing coal to the Salem Power plant and Wood chips that will be transferred to Suleski Transportation for delivery to Ross Lumber. There is also a tank car in their train to pick up diesel fuel for their operations.
Here ST 6114 passes Beverly yard which is usually full of tank cars.
Here the PDLX units work towards Beverly yard.
The two wood pulp cars on the end of the train were picked up from Mosher Tree on an agreement with Ross Lumber Company of Amesbury. The wood chips are used in making particle board and Medex.
Here the freight is passing one of the many passenger sheds that have been installed along the Cape Ann Rail right-of-way for the Museum Steam passenger excursions.
Here the PDLX train heads towards the cut and prides crossing.
After the PDLX train clears the Prides crossing area a Cape Ann Rail tank train enters.
A freshly painted and refurbished RailBox 53 footer was in the Suleski Transportation train today standing out over its well used counterparts.
After dropping off cars in the Salem yard for the Cape Ann Rail switchers to deliver during the week, ST 6114 holds the yard switch as another Tank Train proceeds by.
The rear of Suleski Transportation’s mixed freight is brought up by our newest caboose. This unit is a bay window version that allows crews to see down both sides of the train. Crews complained that the cupola version wasn't as good when used at the end of double stack container trains or when tall wood chip cars where used in the freights. While the large class one railroads have done away with the caboose, it is a frequent sight in New England as all Suleski Transportation and Cape Ann Rail trains use them for added safety and security. All trains using trackage rights either bring their own caboose or are assigned one from the host railroad.
Cape Ann Rail uses cupola cubbies on their tank trains.
The PDLX train heads home with a string of empty hoppers. Its pristine restored BN steel sided caboose bringing up the tail end.
A very busy day comes to an end as the right-of-ways grow quiet without the rumble of the diesel and the echoing of the horn.
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