Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 25: February 21, 2005

[Anonymous]

I Really liked the UP shot, that being the predominant railroad in this area, howver having said that, I had to go with shot #1 even taking into account the excess shading of the nose of the Soo. I also would like to know if there is a possibility of getting copies of the full sized shots you've both posted over the year?
Rich Martin
Martinez, Ca.[/

[Anonymous]

Great to see 2 different trains again and so 2 different picture types to choose from.
It was hard choice though as I like the first one for the light quality and atmosphere etc but I had to go with the second overall simply because the colours were so brilliant, which in the end gave it such impact it just grabs ya.
Did the taker use a polarising filter ?
Exposure was simply brilliant, crisp and, and.........wow !!

[8D]

[virogue]

Hi Everyone,

Shot #2 took it, without much hesitation. Not a UP fan at all, but snow, big blue sky and nicely lit locomotive sides with the flags were nice symbols to me. [C):-)]
Both are real good shots, but that milepost hanging from you don't really know where in the first picture kinda bothered me, I couldn't say why for sure.

Get better with your fingers Erik! [#oops]

Take care,

Vianney Roge
France

[Anonymous]

Even though #1 is a good looking shot, I feel that #2 is the best due to its simple, yet strong lighting and overcasted background. The composition is very simple, a 3/4 wedge (considered by many a no-no for "professional" railfans) does the right thing to show the contrast between the UP yellow and dark sky.

[Anonymous]

Photo 1 took a lot more talent to pull off!

[wcnut]

A speedy and safe recovery wish for Erik!

#2 got it for me this week. Very strong diagonal composition, I like it. Beautiful snow cover with pillowy clouds in the sky... and not that you can control this, but clean or fairly clean UP's up front!

#1 was only okay for me, it didn't grab me as much as it did for some readers. I think I would like it better if the locomotives light were actually off. They are too distracting for me.

Greg "wcnut"

[tree68]

Really tough choice! Number 1 is moody and has an element of hustle to it - really caught my eye.

Number 2 is a classic-style shot (as has been mentioned), and I liked the depiction of a lot of power (more or less matched, no less) doing what railroads do. Certainly qualifies for wallpaper on the ol' computer.

My vote went to #1.

[jjlamkin]

Had to vote for #2, it may have looked ordinary, but it got my attention right away. The color contrast is GREAT! It gives you that "cold outside" feeling. Keep up the GREAT work. Stay safe, LOOK - LISTEN and LIVE.
Jim

[jjlamkin]

QUOTE: Originally posted by wcnut

A speedy and safe recovery wish for Erik!


Greg "wcnut"

What happened to Erik? I have not been in the forums much, pretty busy!
Any info appreciated.

Jim

[jimmac230]

DEFINATELY THE U.P. crisp cold day with snow on the ground with a whole lotta power on the move. Seen this a lot where I used to live. #2 got the vote. Keep it up

[FThunder11]

THe UP one is better

[PRRK4s1361]

I'm feeling somewhat patriotic today (though I should be every day). Yes, six UP's in a row, the snow on the ground and the blue sky just seem to round out a rainbow of colors. #2 got my vote but keep up the good work guys. Eric, hope you get better soon - strange how hindsight is 20/20.

[Anonymous]

I went with photo #1. As some other people have said, the 3/4 shot is boring compared to the head-on shot of #1.

Also, there's nothing like seeing a big train lean into a curve!

G

[Anonymous]

Photo #2 was the big winner in my book. I think it just came down to the varity of color and the whispy clouds that were in the blue sky, perfect. #1 was a great picture too, I just don't think it grabbed me as much.

Hope your fingers feel better soon Erik, Joe's not kidding around when he says "Stay safe"[;)]

[Anonymous]

SOO line deffently. Photo 1.