It's just past peak and the occasional gusts have already taken down some of the foliage, but plenty of color still abounds the landscape in Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts on this beautiful Fall morning in late October. After making it's presence known for quite some time on it's ascent, westbound merchandise freight Q425 has finally pulled it's train through the reverse curves that pierce the Twin Ledges, slowly winning the battle against gravity and the 1.5% ruling grade that graces the east face of Washington Hill on the old Boston & Albany main through the Berkshires. Q264's autorack loads drop downgrade alongside the Q425, seconds away from crossing over the West Branch of the Westfield River for the 8th (and not final) time on it's descent down the mountain towards Chester and eventually Springfield. Rolling meets on the B&A are not observed too often, and are always a thrilling sight to take in when one happens to be in the right place at the right time and at the right elevation...
