Cruisin' with the Kids - NS4003 Black Mane - East Deerfield - Greenfield and the Hoosac Tunnel, MA

Anna, William and I have seen this unit, Norfolk Southern 4003, once before while down in Pennsylvania. (May of 2023). But seeing it was on our "Home Turf", and now Sylvia is with us, we had to go try and find it! So when I saw that NS4003 was heading back from Ayer, MA and would be hitting the #Hoosac Tunnel, I grabbed my gear and the kids and off we went!

First, we went to the East Deefield Yard in MA. An added bonus was that BERX7879, the Genesee and Wyoming "Whisker" heritage unit was in the yard. After waiting around an hour, B101 (train the mane was on) finally crossed the Connecticut river and entered the yard. The sun was just setting, but the chase was on! Luckily, B100/B101 simply continues through the yard with no stopping or work, so we knew it was heading on to the tunnel!

We stopped for a shot in Greenfield, (did a little shopping too!), and booked it to the tunnel in time to catch it there! Even though it was already dark out, it was still a decent shot and a fun sight!

NS4003 is an AC44C6M DC to AC conversion unit. The Red Stripe on the Mane indicate that the conversion took place in the Roanoke, VA shops. Blue means Altoona.

Norfolk Southern currently has eight "Mane" locomotives in their roster, six of which we've seen!

NS1800 - Yellow Mane (seen)
NS1801 - Yellow Mane (seen)
NS4000 - Blue Mane (seen)
NS4001 - Blue Mane
NS4002 - Black Mane/Red Stripe (seen)
NS4003 - Black Mane/Red Stripe (seen)
NS4004 - Black Mane/Blue Stripe (seen)
NS4005 - Black Mane/Blue Stripe

There's also at least one former NS Mane locomotive still out there, now part of Knoxville Locomotive Works - KLWX8520. This one is the "Red Mane". (We've yet to see this one!)

#norfolksouthern #heritageunit #altoonapa

[KATGEMINI]

I just happened to come across your site. What stood out to me was your reference to the Hoosac Tunnel. I'm originally from Massachusetts and have visited this area numerous times. One of my sisters lives in Shelburne Falls.I know very little about the train systems, but it's nice to see you sharing your apparent love of trains with your children!

[thiagofigueiredo]

Adorei isso! Obrigado por compartilhar! Saudações do Brasil. 👏👍