CSX Q436 is seen approaching CP-83 in Palmer, MA with a monster train of 75 loads and 60 empties. At the yard, they will spot 29 cars for New England Central. The CSX 911 "Spirit of our First Responders is leading the train, a GE ES44AH painted in this scheme in 2019. Shooting this locomotive leading a train in good light has been at the top of my list for some time. Those of you who know me know that I am a career firefighter and very much into my job and the history behind it. This locomotive has led trains local to me in perfect light several times in the last couple of months but always seems to do so when I am out of state on vacation. A tip from a friend told me that this unit would be on this morning's Q436 manifest out of Selkirk, but he had no idea if the unit would be leading. I woke up early and took a chance driving straight to Palmer. Another tip and then a look at the Chester Rail Cam confirmed the unit was leading. By the time they got to Palmer, the clouds were playing all kinds of games but parted at the right time at all three locations we shot the train.
