A chance encounter

 

We both have a drinking problem...... Me with coffee and my Jeep with gasoline 

                Not everyday do you get a chance to not only meet a movie star from one of your favorite movies but, it is even more rare to meet two of them and the same year to boot!!!!

This year started out with a trip to see my love's favorite actor William Shatner during a local photo op and autograph session. There were many there including Daisy from Dukes of Hazard and others but one really caught my attention and that was Ned from Unstoppable. For those who may have not seen the movie or not remember Ned was the crazy long haired welder that drove along the side of triple seven to help the conductor board and save the day. After a long conversation with him and him telling us that he really enjoyed the role we went on our way. 

Us chatting with Lew Templeton A.KA the Welder from Unstoppable 
You can see the Unstoppable  movie scene on the banner behind him 

 Fast Forward a couple of months.......... And we find this 

Serious Business with the 6353 or hero unit 

       

    During a local trip with my son to find a propane hose to a heater that I would wind up sending back anyhow (boy was I glad they didn't have one..) we decided to take the back roads home and see what locomotive was out at the gravel yard and maybe snag a few quick pics. As we turned off the main road and approached the unit my heart started racing..... Could it be?....... YES!!! The 6353 unit. Now for those who are not locomotive savvy the Wheeling and Lake Erie unit 6353 was none other than AVR 1206 in Unstoppable!!!!! This is the unit Denzel Washington operated and was the main focus of the film.....

The unit is still Identifiable by the large window on the side that has been modified for the camera crew and yes they did run the locomotive in the movie. 

Me with the 6353 and note the window above my hand 

        

        

    To say this locomotive has evaded me and my camera lens is an understatement, for years it was a trail of tears, anger, and frustration as either I would miss the locomotive because of work, family business, or it was tucked behind other units, never leading nor in good weather. But Finally!!!!! Not only in good weather, but sitting perfectly still and I was able to park our Jeep next to it and get as many pictures as I could while containing my zeal and excitement of finally crossing a bucket list item off my list. 

My son, me and the 6353 

            It was a day to remember for sure not only did we get to meet the welder but on this trip we got to see the main star of the movie, all 200 tons of her. This year coming up I hope to cross more off of my list and I can only hope that it is as awesome as this day was. I hope you enjoyed our story about  this chance encounter and as always, remember God is still in control, Stay Healthy and Stay Blessed...

Until Next time..........