This is a shot that was planned out since December and we finally were able to pull off just days before significant rain and warming temps threaten to ruin the chance to complete. Merry Christmas, early or late, or perhaps a Valentine's tree, this Charlie Brown Christmas Tree was begging for some decorations to be supplemented by the pair of big red Vermont Rail System SD70M-2s and a red middle unit. Getting that combination of power has proven to be difficult due to a variety of factors, but for only the second time in a year (and by design) the all-red consist VTR SD70M-2s 432 and 431, with CLP GP40-2 306 in the middle, is seen passing the decorated tree at the Okemo Jackson Gore Ski Resort. Comical story in decorating the tree - the first ornament I placed was high and I had pulled the young tree toward me to place it. When I let the tree go, it was catapulted down the hill and actually wound up trackside. The remaining ornaments had the hooks bent around the branches to insure their attachment. PS: My wife is happy that we no longer need to keep the bag of red and silver ornaments in the SUV, having carried them around for this shot for more than three months now...
