Eastern Railroad Discussion > Another Late Amtrak 40, a CPKC and Ducks Cooling Off

Thursday July 10, 2025
Vermilion, OH
80 degrees by 9:30 am 

Once again Amtrak Train 40, the westbound Floridian was a daylight show being 6 hours and 6 minutes late. I've passed on quite a few lately, but decided to wander out this morning to grab it. 

1. Just before it arrived, Train 268 went by on Track 1 with NS 4013 and 1098 past the mayapple flowers. At least I think that is what they are called.

2. & 3. Now comes the Amtrak. The last two expeditions out I got badly bit up by chiggers. Can anyone relate to that ? The insane itching is bad enough, but I tend towards an allergic reaction that sets me back a bit and otherwise makes me more miserable than normal. It is just healing, and I didn't choose the best angle here because I didn't want to get in the grass. The power is 315 and a differently painted 303. I can't recall seeing one like this before. And I don't keep up with all the different phases and schemes either. Maybe someone has some info.
 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/10/25 13:51 by train1275.

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4. - 6. Checking out the train as it goes by.

The consist was:

Power: Amtrak 315 and 303
Coaches: 25085, 25016, 25121, 25048
Cafe: 28024
Diner: 68016 "Madison"
Sleepers: 62041 "Middle River", 62001, 62511 "St. Mary's River
Baggage: 61038

 

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7. - 9.  Overall, except for the baggage car, the consist was cleaner than normal.

 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/10/25 13:46 by train1275.

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10. & 11. Due to the heat maybe, young mallards are frolicking in the Vermilion River, splashing about and just enjoying life.

12. As the ducks have their water fun, Train 60W frac sand, with CP action red 8070 leads a KCS Belle (4854) east overhead. This is a Bensenville, IL to Waynesburg, PA move.

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Number 40 appears to be the gift that keeps on giving photographically, thanks for the look.
—Mac

The chiggers (as I believe them to be) are brutal here in the San Jose area in California.

I get totally chewed up whenever I hike up in the Santa Cruz Mountains foothills or do yard work.

I think my allergy to them is getting worse too because each year seems worse the the last.