CSAO Elizabethport Yard (ex-CRRNJ)
Elizabeth, NJ
22 October 2010

NS #5288 [GP38-2]

After CSX # pulled out of the EPort Yard with it's string of municipal waste containers on flatcars, we were able to see another locomotive working further in the yard.

NS #5288 was drilling some covered hoppers for an industry located in the yard. We were taking pictures (what else do railfans do?) when we were apprached by a well dressed middle aged man carrying a clipboard. He asked if were with the railroad, we replied no, and explained we were just rail buffs taking pictures of the equipment.

He smiled, and introduced himself as Avi, and that he was the owner of the industry taking delivery of the covered hoppers. As it turned out Avi has had his business located here for quite some time and remembered the old passenger platform that was onlce located in the yard (a private station for local industrial employees).

He said that if we wanted coffee or cold drinks, snack or a bathroom, please feel free to avail ourselves of his employee lounge in the warehouse. We were taken aback by his generosity!

After a few minutes, the locomotive pulled up next to us, and engineer and conductor cautiously approached us and inquired to our business. We repeated our explanation that we were railfans, and engineer inquired as to the safety vests. We explained we wore them as a safety precaution. He shook his head in an approvingly way, and introduced himself as Marty and said, while he didn't have a problem with us being in the yard or taking pictures, he couldn't speak for the railroad. We said we understood completely, and would be leaving within a few minutes.

Joe Roborecky talked with him for a few more minutes (as a retired locomotive engineer to an active one) which seem to put Marty more at ease. Avi bid us a good day and returned to his business. Then we heard over the scanner that the PD Interlocking at Port Reading was returning to service, so we decided to return to that trackside location.

Minolta Maxxum 9
Tamron 70-210mm f2.8 SP LD IF
Fuji Superia 400

Photographed by Philip M. Goldstein, October 22, 2010.
Added to the photo archive by Philip M. Goldstein, October 25, 2010.
Railroad: Conrail Shared Assets Operations.

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