Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 20: November 22, 2004

[Sterling1]

As much as I like GE AC4400CW locos, an SD40-2 is is a nice reflection into the past and present. In reality I wanted a third option: both pictures are of fine quality.

[JLarry]

I like erics pic -it has the appearance of motion to the train- and concidering how he took the pic, did a good job. However, as a Paramedic, I dont favor either's approach.
Be safe.

[Anonymous]

Went with the CP engine, mostly because all that I see around here is UP & BNSF. Though I think that the exposure is better on the UP, I just can't pass up a CP.

Looks like this is going to be a close one!

[Anonymous]

WOW, this is a close one. But I voted for Mike, so now it is Mike-132 and Erik-131. I think this is the closest it ever got[:O][:O][:O]. Both of you had great shots for D.W.T.P (Driving While Taking Photos).

[fievel]

[8D] At first glance, I thought the U.P. shot was best, but the C.P. unit
looks like it is really "moving on". Both are worthy, but I admit I voted
with my heart, and chose the hood unit !

[Anonymous]

My vote goes to Mike. I see UP's in action everyday and that just struck a familar nerve with me. I thought the photo just had the "edge".

[Anonymous]

I voted for Mike's picture because the locomotive was brighter, the sky stood out in the background and there was a little bit of non-sky background. It made for a more interesting photo.

[Anonymous]

I thought that both photos looked good. What helped me to choose is that I'm a UP fan. Keep up the good work.

[TH&B]

I voted Erik's picture, SD40-2 ON THE MOVE !!

ps; though I don't realy want to endorse taking pictures while driving, should get buddy to help you.

[espeefoamer]

It was really close,but I chose Erik´s photo.The sun was on the wrong side,but it is still a dramatic shot.The SD 40 s are getting harder to find,especially on the point.I especially liked the bell hung between the number boards.Also,I hate the UP!

[Mark300]

I voted for Erik's photo; good sense of movement, and even though the engine is backlit, it still has enough edge for a strong and dramatic feel of running or pacing. Getting backlit RR scenes to work is very tricky - though Don Ball and others have been sucessful in their work.

Mike's got good sense of motion.....but the glare kinda keeps things flat. Also there is background just above and beyond the rails that Erik's photo leaves out..... Erik's engine is running against the sky.

Just an opinion....thought this thread has turned into an excellent photography primer for those of us moving into digital from film.

Keep it up.

Mark

[Anonymous]

As can be seen by my name, the SD40-2 snoot nose wins.You hardly see those any more, where as you could spot a AC 4400 from 50 miles away.Don't hate on the SD 40's picture because it had minimal lighting.

[knowsme]

[:)]I vote for Erik's picture. I am paratial to the "red" units that go through my home town. It looks just like home to me. knowsme

[Anonymous]

Both photos convey the feeling of motion. Mike, the technical quality of your shot is superior due to the abundance of ambient light (the glare at the top of the engine would be gone an hour later in the day, but it is not objectionable. Overall a very nice shot for UP fans.). Erik, the composition of your shot is superior due to the man-machine relationship communicated by the Engineer's shoulder being clearly visible. Your shot of the CP is a grimy, grittty shot of man's rise to civilization through the use of machines. Both shots are good, both tell a story, Erik's is the more compelling. Ding! A vote for Erik. Good job guys

[overall]

I voted for Eric's photo. The long snoot on the SD-40 conveys motion better.

George