It's cold outside

I'm snug a home enjoying my family. And the RR has given me a few extra days off in front of my vacation. I'll be on vacation starting Dec 31 and we will celebrate the Christmas / New Years holiday Jan 4th (or so) after my son-in-law arrives.

Christmas derailment

We are not celebrating Christmas until Jan as my Son-in-law (a Conductor) cannot get off until then. I've scheduled my vacation to match his. I still asked for Christmas off but it was denied. I was able to play Tennis today one last time at the club... (it's closing at the end of the year)

Lo and behold the crew office called around 1700 and asked if I still wanted off. I was going to go to work all night running a coal train. So, I'll be on vacation until Jan 14. Merry Christmas to all.

Never the less the Railroad was not forgotten... we had a slight derailment...

Christmas Eve snowstorm

1430 - Stand for 0400 26Dec - how fast the lineup changes!
1130 Tie up - Stand for 1400 25Dec
0700 Deadhead home in rain, sleet, snow and gloom of night. This is the most dangerous thing I do. I was nice however for the RR to send me home for the holiday. I'll get to see my little grandaughter come down the stairs at Logan Field in Billings... nothing else matters today!

Views from the Locomotive Cab - the beginning of the end

As I enter my last 4 years as a Locomotive Engineer, I'd like to post my experiences and photos from the locomotive cab for those that may be interested... a perspective that not many get to enjoy. All photos will be mine or of me running the train submitted by readers. We are going through a historic change in Locomotive Diesel Power. My photo concentration is often about fallen flags. I hope to post at least once a week.

I'll also include my other hobbies as well and the occasional shot of my Grandkids! So pace yourselves!