Trainspotting at Gaithersburg

[WMAveteran]

I spent a glorious Friday afternoon (7/30/2010) at the Gaithersburg MD station hoping to spot a new MARC diesel.  Between 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM I spotted 4 trains: MARC #P875 made a station stop on its way to Brunswick MD; MARC #P877, a limited stop express to Martinsburg WV, cruised by at a stately 30-40 mph: AMTRAK's Capitol Limited roared by with twin P-40s and the usual Superliner consist (no private cars this time).  The last train was a CSX manifest freight with a varied consist including a string of tankers marked "molten sulfur" (I'm glad there was no derailment).  This relatively short freight was powered (or perhaps overpowered) by no less than three GE ES40DC locomotives producing 12,000 horsepower. No new MARC diesel was observed.

[rideonrulez]

If you started trainspotting a bit earlier, the Capitol Limited going into DC had 2 private cars and a "pepsi can" as the 3rd engine. I know as I was on that train....Also to note that on the way down I did see MP36 #11 parked at the Martinsburg WV facility.

[79MetroExtraMD]

They use P42DCs. The P40s were sidelined. NJT acquired a few for the ACES service.

[WMAveteran]

If you started trainspotting a bit earlier, the Capitol Limited going into DC had 2 private cars and a "pepsi can" as the 3rd engine. I know as I was on that train....Also to note that on the way down I did see MP36 #11 parked at the Martinsburg WV facility.

Thank you and welcome back to town.  As you know, I'm not a morning person, however.

[WMAveteran]

They use P42DCs. The P40s were sidelined. NJT acquired a few for the ACES service.

Thank you, that was a misprint.  Actually, I read that NJT is leasing the P40s for the ACES service and I saw a photograph of P40 #4800 painted in NJT colors at the head end of an ACES train with an ALP44 on the rear (to prevent motive power changes).  The article on the ACES service appeared in the May 2009 edition of TRAINS (pages 24-25).   The P40 looked much better in NJT colors than AMTRAK colors. 

[79MetroExtraMD]

At least NJT is actually USING these regularly. I've seen a couple pics of ex-Amtrak E60s in NJT paint but never heard about them being in service that often. Also, they are going to get dual mode locomotives which could help with the ACES train and the other diesel lines that can't service NYP.

[WayneNYC]

I had stopped looking for the new diesels on Brunswick line.  Of course I see them at Union Station regularly.

[79MetroExtraMD]

I had stopped looking for the new diesels on Brunswick line.  Of course I see them at Union Station regularly.

There have been a few coming in lately and so far there are about 12 or so here of the 28 locomotive order. They've kept a couple down at Union for contingency purposes. In the coming months, they'll be on most of the Camden and Brunswick line trains as well as the midday Penn. Of course, when all of them are here, the red nose Geeps will be sold off to MPI for them to lease to other railroads.

[WayneNYC]

OK - So today on my way home from work, I was approaching the grade crossing on N. Summit Ave (Gaithersburg MARC station) and as usual (approx 6:15 PM) the lights start flashing and gates come down.  As I'm waiting to see which old loco comes along.... to my suprise one of the new units (#24) showed up.   

[WMAveteran]

OK - So today on my way home from work, I was approaching the grade crossing on N. Summit Ave (Gaithersburg MARC station) and as usual (approx 6:15 PM) the lights start flashing and gates come down.  As I'm waiting to see which old loco comes along.... to my suprise one of the new units (#24) showed up.   

Cool!  I just might try to see if they run it or a sister unit again on Friday, 8/6/10.  Thanks.