Comments on: GEXR 581′s power rests in the yard in Stratford overnight. It was pretty cold, but neither engine was idling. The green lights I believe are from the APUs which kick in automatically when needed to keep things from freezing. 4001 was added to the fold in Stratford on this day, but it was buried pretty far back in the yard. Given it’s been around for over a week now, I am wondering if anyone knows how it’s factored into things there?

By: ngineered4u

ngineered4u — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 16:34:32 +0000

Thx for the update RLK! Always good to be in the know. Its appreciated!

By: jknott86

jknott86 — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 15:24:09 +0000

Thanks for the clarification on that (and the kind words). I wasn’t even entirely sure.

By: RLK2211

RLK2211 — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 04:33:55 +0000

GEXR units are not equipped with Smart Start, those lights are for small APU block heaters.

Great shot James!

By: ngineered4u

ngineered4u — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 03:25:43 +0000

The green lights are for “Smart Start” not APCU. You definitely have the right idea of what Smart Start does. When the temperature goes to a certain level, the locomotive starts up again to prevent freezing of the engine block.

By: jknott86

jknott86 — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 02:23:04 +0000

Haha. I don’t think I’ve ever pulled one off in the daylight. Honestly I’m probably not mindful enough of my surroundings to have done it yet. Too busy making sure I’ve at least got the camera on the right settings haha. The long exposures sure give me a lot more time to think and be aware of the little things around me especially when the subject isn’t going to be moving for hours and its reflection is staring me in the face. Kinda hard to miss the opportunity when that’s the case!

This I just kind of stumbled into. I was there in all honesty to find 4001 but it was too far in the yard and nose in on a cut of hoppers at that. This was a happy accident.

By: David Thompson

David Thompson — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 02:11:12 +0000

Ahhh! I see you are practicing the ways of the Master and learnt those lessons well. Soon he will be asking how you took such fine photographs, to keep pace with the new generation. Excellent night puddle work Jamie.