Out of the black world. When NH 3025 emerged from her rebuild last November, she was a "stealth" locomotive, operating only at night on the Christmas trains. With the start of the railroad's regular season on May 12th, she finally emerged from the "black world" and hauled some revenue trains in broad daylight. Astute observers who are familiar with this line will note that there's something very strange going on in this photo. The 3025 was recently turned (temporarily) for an upcoming event and is facing SOUTH! Valley Railroad fans have often moaned and groaned about how difficult photography is with the line's engines all facing north. Well folks, I've got news for you. Be careful what you wish for. When the engines face north, the train is coupled behind the engine for most of the run. When the engine faces south, the train is coupled behind the locomotive only for the 10 minute run from Deep River to Essex. The simple 3/4 wedge you see here at Essex Street is probably the best view available of that run. Although a south-facing engine could be a major advantage on a dedicated photo charter, there are far more photo opportunities during normal operations when Valley Railroad Engines face north.
