Happy New Year 2017

Some steam to welcome the New Year. 

And some steam whistles.

 

His pick for #1 is also my favorite.  I have been in the cab of #12 but didn't get to blow the whistle.

Check last years New Year post for how to make a whistle from wood.

Christmas Trains

Merry Christmas

Spokane, Portland & Seattle #700 Holiday Express Train. Trains are operated on the Oregon Pacific Railroad and depart from Oaks Park Station adjacent to Oaks Park in southeast Portland. Ride in vintage rail cars behind Portland's historic steam locomotives.

Spokane, Portland & Seattle 700 is the only surviving example of the E-1 class 4-8-4 Northern type steam locomotive. Nearly identical to the A-3 class Northerns built for Northern Pacific Railway, it burns oil instead of coal.

"Christmas Trains" running in the western United States. Many are decked out with colorful lights and wreathes. Quite a variety, even a couple of steam locomotives.

FEC 428 Stuart, Fl.

FEC 428 in Stuart at A1A crossing 12-01-2016. (Approx. MM 262) EMD GP-40-2
FEC ordered 24, road numbers 411–434. 

Note the section crew just past the crossing. I was listening on the scanner and after the train passed I heard them call the dispatcher and tell him they were going back to work repairing the broken rail. It is single track here, just north of the Port Sewall passing track.

Bonus: If anyone is interested "A Railfan's Guide to the FEC, Version 32A, prepared 7/25/98" is available here.