With snow still falling, the crew of the "Santa Special" prepares to disconnect the locomotive and run around to the other end of the train at Deep River Landing.

A conductor for the Connecticut Valley Railroad flags the "Santa Special" through the crossing at Deep River Landing as it backs into the station. Taken with Canon Digital Rebel

During the first measurable snowfall of the season, VALE 97 crosses Essex St. during a weekend run. Taken with Canon Digital Rebel.

Orion rises over the cab of #97 in Essex, CT. Canon EOS 40D, Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8, Lumedyne flash

#97 lets off some steam at the end of a day of hauling around children on the Santa Trains. Canon EOS 40D, Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8, Lumedyne flash

Over most of its right-of-way, the Valley Railroad is oriented north-south, making RP-style photography a bit of a challenge. For about 3/4 of a mile between Dennison Road and Old Deep River Road... (more)

Valley Railroad locomotives typically run around their trains at Deep River Landing and operate tender first for the trip home to Essex Depot. With his fire nicely squared away, Fireman Ken mans ... (more)

The countdown to sunset has less than an hour to go as PSX97, the Santa Special, rumbles across the bridge at Deep River Creek. On point today is Consolidation #97, a superheated Alco product tha... (more)

A 1/15th Panning Shot of my favorite Valley Railroad Steamer as she races across the Centerbrook Meadow with the first of four SOLD OUT Santa Specials on the day after Thanksgiving. Even... (more)

VALE 97 lets off some steam before being connected to the "Santa Special" for a run to the North Pole. Taken with Canon Digital Rebel.

A look at the running gear of #97 as she rests in Essex, CT. Canon EOS 40D, Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8, Lumedyne flash lighting

Valley Railroad #97s "parking brake". Canon EOS 40D, Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8

Valley Railroad #97 sits quietly under the stars in Essex, CT after a full day of pulling passenger excursions along the Connecticut River. Canon EOS 40D, Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC, Lumedyne flas... (more)