Valley Railroad crewmembers Ken and Fred strain for a good look at an unguarded grade crossing ahead as they take the last trip of the day southbound toward Essex Depot. Their mount today is the former Aberdeen & Rockfish #40, a 1920 Alco product that has been serving the Valley now for over 30 years. She's the primary power these days, as the service days on the railroad's other locomotive, #97, are slowly winding down. Look for #40 to be out most of the time next season, with #97 filling in during boiler washes and other maintenance periods. The railroad is working to have their newest acquisition, the Chinese Mikado #3025, restored and in service shortly after #97 times out.
