Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 17: October 11, 2004

[walthuston]

I like Erik's shot for the colorful loco in a colorful background. It's nice to see what Chicago looks like. I have only been there four times and I've never gotten outside the boundaries of O'Hair Airport. Gotta take the Empire Builder there soon.

Walt

[mandelswamp]

Erik's shot illustrated the down time in railroading whereas Mike's shot was of a railroad at work. While Erik's shot is okay, I much prefer Mike's action shot so I voted for Mike this time.

[Anonymous]

I voted for Mike. Great shot! I love the fact that you can see the whole train!!!

[Anonymous]

A really hard choice. I voted for the switcher picture only because I HATED the way the exhaust marred an otherwise perfect UP freight train shot. Sorry.

[kolechovski]

It's a very good decision. In Mike's, I like the above angle, and the plume of smoke showing those locos workin' hard! Still, I found myself voting for Erik's photo, as usual, as it is a unique picture of the area, with an uncommon sight (when you get stuck looking at wide-cabs over the past 5 years, you REALLY miss the older style looks of the locos!) I especially like how the yard switches were included, and clearly visible. Finally, getting to see the guy riding along is a nice touch. Nice shots, especially Erik's!

[Modelcar]

...Must vote for Erik's photo....Like the difference of subjects in same photo...like the colors. Kind of dramatic with the massive Sears Tower in background. Yet the bright orange color of the engine is strong in presence as well.

[techguy57]

Both shots are cover worthy, but Mike's gets my vote. Nothing better than seeing an overhead perspective shot. It screams of diesel power. And sorry Bergie but your pic seems to be tilting to the right, like its the leaning tower of Chicago. Nit picking I guess but it gave Mike the edge.

[Anonymous]

Location, location, location. I had to vote for for Erik's shot because of the subject. I also liked the way the vertical mass of the towers was balanced by the low mass and brilliant color of the locomotive. Mike's photo was beautiful, but Erik had the grabber.

[shanson2]

Perhaps it's my screen contrast, but the shadow to the left of the UP train in Mike's picture made the overall effect of the image too dark for my tastes. I'd be interested in hearing from other forum members about contrast.

[Anonymous]

Eric's hands down. All three of my loves are covered: trains, architecture and photography!! Even with that aside, I think I would still vote for Eric's, while Mike's is a great shot, it just seemed more "common" a shot whereas Eric's was more "monumental" (sorry my architecture classes being regurgitated[B)]).

I think it might have been a more difficult choice if Mike had submitted the night shot of the CN engine, I thought that one was really cool.

P.S. I think it is about time for another round of anonymous voting[:)]

[brilondon]

I can't believe I voted for Erik's photo. I said I would not vote any picture with the butt ugly BNSF scheme but when you incorporate the Chicago sky line into a picture how can you go wrong.

[Sterling1]

This one was another tough call. I liked the ex-CNW UP painted locomotive, bu the underexposure in the picture made the shadows around the train a little too dark. Voted for Erik this time 'round. The BNSF switcher in a Chicago yard with the great angle to the Sears Tower provided an awesome contrast along with the bright, blue sky.

[Anonymous]

I had to go with Erik's photo. Great Backdrop!!!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Mike's photo doesn't even compare with half of the locomotive in shade. Erik's photo has much better overall exposure and much better composition, applying the "rule of thirds". There is just no comparison.

[Anonymous]

Mike - great shot. One word - Drama. The yard shot doesn't do it for me.