coborn35 We have a fully restored GN NW5 hehehe Beat cha
We have a fully restored GN NW5 hehehe Beat cha
AND we have a MACK do you lol...its a 15 ton oil electric even MACK didnt know they made lol...and the NW5 is not only fully restored but works 7 days a week for 6 months in a row every year
Hmm... Is Alec right, or Max? Well, trains are trains... And both opinions on the modern GEVOs and SD70ACes are just that - opinions. My opinion is that all trains are trains; I greatly prefer standard-cab EMD power (except for SD80MACs, they're right up there with standard cabs) over wide-cab GE's any day, but being a train-deprived railfan, any train is great to me!
Some GEs are cool too; a few years ago I saw a lashup of CSX power with partly modern GE's and EMD's (no GEVOs or ACes, just AC44000CWs and SD70Ms) but including 3 or 4 CSX B36-7s! Those were neat to see! I knew they were rare at the time, but I didn't know just how rare... I wish I had my camera...
Until a couple years ago when I joined these forums, I was totally isolated from the world in the way of trains. I didn't know anybody interested in them, and my knowledge of Western railroads was based on one book with photos from the 80s about Tehachapi Pass. I was so surprised when I found out that the ATSF was merged into BNSF 5 years previous and the power I thought of as modern (Dash 8s and GP60s) weren't considered "new" anymore...
I agree with Ty on this one guys. We need to make the best of it.
Look, I know I don't have too much to showcase, and I have nothing better to say than "nice picture!" but that is why I come here. I come to see everyone's work, NOT to here everyone whine and complain. I can do that by watching politics. Here, I expect everyone to enjoy submitting their work.
So, can we PLEASE get back to the photos and videos?
Besides, I don't understand how this sounds bad. Sounds like music to me!
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=vxqzOa68kJ4&feature=channel_page
Alex
Railfan Alex Look, I know I don't have too much to showcase, and I have nothing better to say than "nice picture!"
Look, I know I don't have too much to showcase, and I have nothing better to say than "nice picture!"
Yeah... Same here. I come here to enjoy photos and videos from you guys, because I so rarely (especially in the winter) get out to go railfanning myself. It's like armchair railfanning!
EDIT: And that GE chug sounds great! There's something about those older GE units that (enviromentalist geek that I am) makes me wish that they still built 'em that way!
...And to get us back on the right track (*groan*) here's a couple recent images I've scanned in from film prints... I've got a few more that I'll do today.
MARC Commuter
Conway Scenic - Storm Brewing
Conway Scenic - Storm Brewing 2
San Francisco Cable Car
Amtrak Silver Meteor in 1974
NKP GP9 on the Steamtown Turntable
I'll have more up later today... A couple better-lit shots of the Bay Colony Trash Train on the Cape Cod Canal lift bridge (the 2nd larges lift bridge in the US) and a few more from other locations... To the scanner I go!
Just my opinion, but I agree with Alec and Robby. Like Alec said, I've given GEVOs a chance, and I'm not a big fan. I have come to realize in recent years that I'm lucky living as close to the WSOR as I do, but even they have become more "standardized," getting rid of the SD20s, GP7s, and other odd ball power for a fleet of SD40-2s and GP38s. Not that I'm complaining as I certainly don't mind shooting that, but it's changed quite a bit. I wish I had more opportunity to shoot the WSOR.
Even in the last three years that I've been going to the BNSF to railfan, they've gone from a mix of power to mostly GEVOs. I can get more excited about driving 2 hours to shoot the ICE/DME than driving twenty minutes to shoot the CP. That's part of why I can't wait to attend UP-Platteville next year; a half hour drive from the "heart" of the ICE will be great!
Alex, I don't think you were around for the very beginning of TRP several threads ago, but the original purpose of it wasn't just to share photos. It was also a place for teenage railfans to come and share ideas and opinions and just talk if we felt like it. It's not politics, it's just having a discussion over our opinions. Over the years the place has developed into a photo sharing center as most of us are into photography too, but I don't think that should be it's only purpose. I still like having a mix of both photos and discussion so long as the discussion stays civil, though it is good we don't get into the flame wars that some used to on this thread...
Noah
I do agree with Noah on the fact that this thread of for discussion as well as photos and videos. We've went months without any flame wars (but based on my past admin experience I think one is extremely close to happening right now) so lets not even think of getting that nonsense going again.
Back in the beginnings of TRP several years ago there were hardly any photos posted at all. Back when this discussion opened, Youtube didn't exist, RPs was still a very young site and we didn't have the kinds of cameras we do today, so there was no point of posting any photos and it was nearly impossible to post videos. I think it has worked very well combining photos, videos and discussions in the past and that needs to continue in order for this thread to be successful. Also, remember it is winter right now, its cold, the days are short so there aren't as many photos and videos as normal, which is actually pretty normal for this time of year. I haven't gotten many photos lately as the weather has been crummy, cold and of course it getting dark out early is the biggest killer. Don't worry though, it'll pick up again hopefully in February or March as it normally does.
On another forum (cough *railroad.net* cough) there are so many threads where it has become a flame war or just a load of crap. On one forum alone, in the last month, there have been numerous threads that have been locked or deleted because of whatever. We are lucky to be able to have this thread, and we should keep it this way.
As for me, I don't get to do a lot of railfanning. Due to the recent weather (snow at least twice a week), it's been really hard. Hockey has been almost everyday, and lacrosse starts in March, so it's hard to find time. But I *hope* that I can go in February because President's weekend is a 4 day weekend, so I might go that Tuesday. I'm also not sure if my video camera works with my computer so I don't even know if videos are worth anything, and I already have some, so it may all be wasted film.
My Model Railroad: Tri State RailMy Photos on Flickr: FlickrMy Videos on Youtube: YoutubeMy Photos on RRPA: RR Picture Archives
wctransfer Max, this isnt complaining, its talking about the crap that is coming and the cool stuff that is leaving (see EMD 1966-1971, and EMD 1972-1981) because of it. GEVO's dont look or sound as good as a standard cab EMD, and for some reason you dont see that. But, no matter how wrong someones opinion is they are entitled to it.
Max, this isnt complaining, its talking about the crap that is coming and the cool stuff that is leaving (see EMD 1966-1971, and EMD 1972-1981) because of it. GEVO's dont look or sound as good as a standard cab EMD, and for some reason you dont see that. But, no matter how wrong someones opinion is they are entitled to it.
Another plus to my uppity mood is I can calmly respond to your arguements now.
Hmm...Let me begin by saying an opinion can NOT be wrong. Since it reflects the tastes of the person who expresses it. By all means enjoy the spartan cab power and the like, but there's no reason to call me wrong/taboo/etc because I disagree. I respect that you're into different motive power than me, and all I ask is that you give me equal treatment.
wctransfer It was always fun going out and not knowing what would show up, but now thats practicly gone. I mean, you could bet some serious money on what a train will have leading now adays, and win! That sucks, this whole new wave of stuff sucks. And you complained about stuff that NOT ONE PERSON complained about, something many people envied. You also used such toddler phrases as "Zombies" (and arent you the one that puts human features on a locomotive, then yells at someone for calling an Empress such as a straight SD40 a she? If that isnt the most hypocritical thing Ive ever seen) and "2 Eyed". Most people here (atleast Robby and Jordan) dont like what the future is either, because its all the same, just different colors. You KNOW what your going to see, and you KNOW what your going to hear.
It was always fun going out and not knowing what would show up, but now thats practicly gone. I mean, you could bet some serious money on what a train will have leading now adays, and win! That sucks, this whole new wave of stuff sucks. And you complained about stuff that NOT ONE PERSON complained about, something many people envied. You also used such toddler phrases as "Zombies" (and arent you the one that puts human features on a locomotive, then yells at someone for calling an Empress such as a straight SD40 a she? If that isnt the most hypocritical thing Ive ever seen) and "2 Eyed". Most people here (atleast Robby and Jordan) dont like what the future is either, because its all the same, just different colors. You KNOW what your going to see, and you KNOW what your going to hear.
I always knew what to expect around here. Either SD40-2s or C40-8s. And you already know why I was never fond of those particular units, so I need not say more. It simply shifted to SD70Ms and various GE power now. A smooth transition to me.
I will PM you the rest of my refute for that...
wctransfer Oh, and your always saying "give GEVO's and blah blah blah a chance" and I have, and it still doesnt do anything for me. Ive been giving them a "chance" going on 2 solid years now, and I believe Ive formed a pretty solid opinion. They uttlerly blow. Alec(ugh.....)
Oh, and your always saying "give GEVO's and blah blah blah a chance" and I have, and it still doesnt do anything for me. Ive been giving them a "chance" going on 2 solid years now, and I believe Ive formed a pretty solid opinion. They uttlerly blow.
Alec(ugh.....)
Ok then. I will go by your logic and say that your opinion is also wrong. Because I love GEVOs. So I guess we're either both wrong, or both simply have different opinions.
Your friendly neighborhood CNW fan.
Max, I was quite surprised that you didnt send a nasty PM, so I will keep this to one last post, as some here are getting sick of my talking about this issue. I will respect your motive power preferences, but you dont need to spout about it. Remember when you always had to post something about how much you hated the SD40-2's of CNW heritage when we were talking about how much we like them? And now you came in here and posted how much you like the new GEVO's when we are talking about how much we hate them? I mean, if you would just not make a comment about it, then it would be fine, but since you know your in the minority why contradict us? It doesnt make much sense to me, but thats not important.
Alright, for now I'll keep my feeling about the crappy world we live in today to myself, but thankyou Noah,Jordan, and Robby for atleast acknowledging that what Im saying isnt stupid, its the truth. To some a train is a train, to others its just "another one". I think you all know that its more of "oh, another GEVo....." to me.
Alec
First and foremost, standard cabs look much better then widecabs. Secondly, older power sounds much better too. New units have federally mandated silence stacks which makes them quieter, and kills off a lot of that classic rumble that a train makes long before you see it working upgrade. Nothing sounds better then a 16 or 20 cyclinder EMD 645 in run 8, while grinding up grade.
I agree with Alec on this topic 100%, railfanning used to be a lot of fun not knowing what you were gonna see. However, it is now so predicable that a Gevo will be leading that is takes out that "rush" that you'd feel when you would first see a headlight gleaming on the rails as the train came around the curve. Last time I felt good about railfanning was last Friday when I saw three SD40-2s lugging a transfer up hill in run 8. I've been out almost everyday this month fanning, and seeing something good is becoming very tough.
DJ Dugga ThugNew Brighton, MN
wctransfer Max, I was quite surprised that you didnt send a nasty PM, so I will keep this to one last post, as some here are getting sick of my talking about this issue. I will respect your motive power preferences, but you dont need to spout about it. Remember when you always had to post something about how much you hated the SD40-2's of CNW heritage when we were talking about how much we like them? And now you came in here and posted how much you like the new GEVO's when we are talking about how much we hate them? I mean, if you would just not make a comment about it, then it would be fine, but since you know your in the minority why contradict us? It doesnt make much sense to me, but thats not important. Alright, for now I'll keep my feeling about the crappy world we live in today to myself, but thankyou Noah,Jordan, and Robby for atleast acknowledging that what Im saying isnt stupid, its the truth. To some a train is a train, to others its just "another one". I think you all know that its more of "oh, another GEVo....." to me. Alec
That's what happens when I start seeing stuff I like. Lower blood pressure = a more civil atmonomian overlord
I understand what you're getting at as well. But when I posted, I wasn't calling anyone wrong for not liking new power. Like what you like. But remember others may disagree. Even if it's currently just me. Just because I differ shouldn't mean I can't post as such. The way I see it is that as long as I don't speak down to anyone for disagreeing, I shouldnt be forbidden to voice my opinion. I know I did say "why is everyone else complaining now?", but that was a joke. Sorry it missed its mark with you. I'll be more careful next time.
And don't think for a second that I'm not upset over all the spartan cab stuff going away too. I am. As much as I enjoy newer power, I had always longed to see Altoona turn into SD60 country. That dream will never come true now . The problem was the spartan cab power i WANTED to see was never sent here, and the stuff I HATED to see was all I ever got. I loved the SD60s, SD50s (I have never seen an SD50 in my whole railfanning life!), SD40-2s/C40-8s that were never CNW, and especially the tunnel motor power! SD40-2s had awesome sounds to them I will miss hearing at night. So yes, I am very upset to see spartan cab power go away, but when all the spartan cab power I ever got was ex CNW, it was doing me more bad than good. And that may be why I'm so happy to see SD70Ms. Out of tremendous relief that this area finally isn't a constant wave of power I couldn't bear to look at.
I'm not trying to sound like a jerk or anything. If I could send you all that power, I would do it instantly. But I'm just trying to best explain why I shouldnt be looked down upon for having a different reaction to this.
I do understand that many people don't live by lines that see GEVOs or any newer power for that matter. It's all we get here.
Meanwhile, the countdown to the J's death is on again, just 2 1/2 days away! It's amazing how we keep talking about BNSF and UP when one of the oldest and greatest shortlines to ever grace the country is about to fall. The DM&IR was known as a very old railway, but the EJ&E is actually older than the DM&IR by a good 15-20 years. The changes expected to occur on the EJ&E are drastic to say the least, in fact, when the J power goes away the route will probably be downright unrecogizable like it was never EJ&E.
Maybe my problem has always been I've never understood how someone can hate a mechanical thing. Not like it or be unimpressed by it sure, maybe even be annoyed by seeing it, but to hate a mechanical thing so emphatically that it supposedly clouds one's ability to think rationally and causes depression seems a little over the top. I'm not an expert in psychology or anything though.
I don't hate GEVOs, but I mean they just get annoying after seeing them on every train. I mean come on, IAIS will most likely have 24 of them by the end of this year and they aren't even a class one!
For railroads, I dislike CN, but I don't neccessarly dislike their engines, it's their management that bugs me. Heck, I really do like some of CN's unique power such as the wide-nosed SD40-2s, the SD60Fs and the C40-8Ms.
I did read something today on CN's website that kinda was interesting. I just read that CN has retired 50% of their motive power fleet since EHH became CEO, HALF the roster! In the process they've cut or eliminated local service to many local customers, scrapped perfectly good engines then complain about being power short, and they've had a dramatic rise in the amount of derailments. Yeah, they achived their goal of reducing the roster, but they sure did a lot of cut-backs to get there.
It also said in this same article that CN will continue to reduce their motive power fleet as new engines come in. 40 SD70M-2s are expected this year, meaning 80-120 more engines will be eliminated, probab ly SD40-2s if I had to guess.
Reality is that I don't strongly hate any railroad engine, I may sound like I do sometimes but I don't.
Alec, I like the new sig, looks just like the CSX SD40-2 I saw leading J746 through Joliet this past summer. Nice job with the paint, it looks strikingly like the real thing.