After the slow start in part 1 I head back to the yard.
A large number of BNSF engines is sitting there, perhaps the result of recent detours because of heavy rains west of here.
As I linger, I hear the sound of non-turbocharged engines on the other side of the yard, obscured by cars. I head over there to find a trio of SOO units shuffling cars about.
Then, three BNSF units move about. I am wondering whether they might power a westbound and prepare to head west. Driving through side streets, I encounter a unique old looking motorcycle/sidecar combo. I grab the camera, get it ready, and push the trigger. The bike heads into a driveway and escapes capture. Oh well. A shot of a couple of pretty houses will have to do.
Heading out of town I notice a long westbound. Granted, I had heard something on the scanner.....
A couple of miles out I find a reasonable setting. Minus some horrible noise from a nearby industrial plant. But it will give me a long parting shot along an undulating right of way toward Wisconsin Dells. The train comes, 4 units in full cry accelerating their long train to track speed. They hammer through the crossing. Great! I swing around, settling for the parting shot.
Then comes the message-"MEMORY CARD FULL". Rats. At least I have the engines and the first few cars. Card change = location change. Plus subject change. As I head toward the first vantage point, the wild turkeys encountered in Part 1 roam the neighborhood. This time the camera is handy and they're mine. As I wander around the first location I become increasingly unhappy about it with respect to the hoped for encounter with the 2816.
I remember the mention of a railfan's favorite site - County P south of Portage.
As I arrive there, one gentleman already occupies the north side. I set up shop south of it all and catch a long eastbound freight. As it disappears, so does my tripod. It sinks into the soft soil, ruining my zoom shot with some serious wobble. A westbound follows my conversation with Jim.
Since he is waiting for 2816 also, I figure that I can run to the local department store to buy another memory card. Entering the store I hear something about ...16 on the scanner. Rats.
Oh well, at least Jim will be able to tell me whether I missed her. Actually, his absence will tell me. Turns out I didn't, as you can see here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wI-dWqXRMmc
The Royal Hudson is next.....
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