Thanks, this is good! And nicely edited, too.
The gondola may have been used as a handle extension, though I don't think there are many places where that switch engine couldn't go. But I don't think it was empty. There are not many good shots except toward the end, but the truck springs look pretty well compressed.
It's been a while since I've caught a CTR train crossing North Avenue, but believe me, they really do lay on the horn. And for good reason if you've ever seen the traffic (auto, bike, and pedestrian) on that street. No one really wants to stop if they can help it. Likewise, I've seen them pulling outgoing loads onto Goose Island. The instance I recall was two loaded gondolas that they left behind on the run-around rather than shoving them all the way to the lumber yard as they did this time. I suspect it may have something to do with WHERE the outgoing load was picked up, as this video shows four gondolas in addition to the original Norfolk Southern car, with loads, coming into North Avenue yard.
Thanks again. Makes me want to go hang out by the tracks.
be well,
bob roman
