The Martinsburg Mixed with Everett Railroad 11

The mixed train on a branch line has long been the subject of photo charters, to the point where it's been done to death. The premise is simple, you have a steam powered freight train up front with a lone coach or combine at the back for photographers to ride on all day Thankfully, Chris Lantz's take on the mixed train was a radical departure from the norm. Scenes would be staged all day for slices of life along the railroad, with the makeup of the train changing to truly reflect the picking up and setting off of freight cars throughout the day. The pièce de résistance was the return leg, with the locomotive turned, but not combine, staying in the same of travel.

This was the setup for "The Martinsburg Mixed" on the Everett Railroad, with different locations than what was on the HTP Steam Special charter the year before. Everett Railroad 11 would make a return appearance, but this time in a different shape. The locomotive had been converted back to its as-built oil fired state, snow plough from its Bath & Hammondsport days fitted, and a headlight that was fashioned from one of Reading 2100's ditchlights.

All of this created a perfect environment for the best photo charter I have ever been on. It was a genuine treat to watch the day unfold with tough November lighting to shoot in. I felt pushed a photographer and videographer, and I look forward to attending to any future charters Chris is planning.

©ToledoRails 2023