[OT from cottage renovations]

This image was yesterday morning's consolation prize. 
Shorter days and longer nights this time of year mean that one has to leave the Grove before there's light, and return to it in darkness ( Read more... )

[OT from cottage renovations]

(aboard MARC train P881 yesterday evening, heading off the terminal lead onto the CSX Metropolitan Subdivision and stopped for a red signal at QN Tower)

Conductor to passengers:  "We're going to have to hold here for one of those hot Wal-Mart trains.  The dispatcher says he's sorry." 

[OT from cottage renovations]
[selected images crossposted to texture]

here's where it all happened: 

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[OT from cottage renovations]

with another ice storm the external texture of everything changed once again.  a little rain or snow doesn't really have much effect on my commute, but ice is a condition that causes me to make a modal choice in favour of the railroad and circulator bus.

(click through these thumbnails for higher resolution images)
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[OT from cottage renovations]
[select images crossposted to texture]

the past couple of days it was cold.  cold cold ( Read more... )

[OT from cottage renovations]

the Grove is a flag stop for the later trains so there's always a personal touch to the privilege of being let off at the end of the street:  one has to ask for it.

(click through these thumbnails for higher resolution images)

Railroad Street

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[OT from cottage renovations]

some months ago the railroad "improved" the Rockville intermediate signals by replacing the B&O Colour Position Lights (CPL) with these modern units, seen in clear morning light.

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Rockville station

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[OT from cottage renovations]

the commuter train pulls in, lets off and takes on its passengers and then heads down the line into the morning sun where it will do the same at the rest of its stops ( Read more... )

[OT from cottage renovations]

anybody can take pictures when there's light, but when it runs out sometimes things just get more interesting.

(click through these thumbnails for higher resolution images)

Rockville station

it's almost time for the westbound passenger train when an eastbound freight rolls through the station. 

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[OT from cottage renovations]

chafing though I am for not yet being able to resume the bike commute, the othermodal consolation prize ain't too shabby: riding the train to and from the office is nearly as good a way to begin and end the day.  the Millville-to-Bladensburg Rock Runner often comes through around the same time.

(click through this ( Read more... )