Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 38: September 12, 2005

[Anonymous]

This choice was difficult, for sure, but I had to cast my vote with Mike on this one. All the typical railroad factors taken into consideration, such as: the mile marker, signal head, trainman on the ground for the roll-by, Operation Lifesaver IC locomotive.......It just worked for me. Keep up the fantastic work guys.......we appreciate it!

[fish1467]

Erik's photo seemed stronger to me this time. Since a train meet is the subject in both shots, I think Mike's trains look a little faded out compared to Erik's bright shot. Erik got my vote this time.

[Bergie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kicksvette

Old Kirk is the correct name. Kirk is the overpass in the background on the separated train shot.

You're correct... it is Old Kirk.

QUOTE:
The good thing about Old Kirk is even if something goes wrong, you can get to the other side of the tracks by using the Kirk overpass.

Right again! That's exactly what I had to do because of both trains blocking the crossing.

Take care,
Erik

[Anonymous]

upbob771, I really had a hard time choosing this week, both pictures were great, but I had to gowith Eric,I think it kind of illustrates the power and awsomeness of the 70 locomotives and also my whole model RR is UP&SP, that probably influenced me a bit.Great job to both,truly enjoy all your photos.

[Anonymous]

upbob771, I really had a hard time choosing this week, both pictures were great, but I had to gowith Eric,I think it kind of illustrates the power and awsomeness of the 70 locomotives and also my whole model RR is UP&SP, that probably influenced me a bit.Great job to both,truly enjoy all your photos.

[Anonymous]

First off, nice work guys! Both photos are thoughtfully composed and the subject matter was well worth the time invested. [^]
While I did like both photos, I must give the nod of approval to Erik's shot. From a photographic standpoint, his effort has the best composition, IMHO,symmetrical arrangement compliments the the subject (UP Loco / conductor), lighting is good and the foreground/background scenery does not detract from the subject [whereas in Mike's photo the signal interferes somewhat].

[Sterling1]

Erik's this time , a clearer photo than the all too much color in Mike' s shot.

[Anonymous]

I liked Mike's photo the best. It has two trains, units in a variety of paint schemes and in general is a nicely composed quality photograph.

Erik, I really envy you seeing that train you shared photos of. 4 CEFX units and an MILW bandit! Wow! CP is my local road and this is the kind of thing I dream of seeing when railfanning. Thanks for sharing!

[Anonymous]

I really, really like erik's photo. I know that area well(I worked in that area) where he captured the Union Pacific train braking in two. It is just east of Kirk Road in Kane county Illinois. I have never seen a train picture showing a broken coupler knuckle. Mike's Picture was good too, but I like Erik's better.

[Sterling1]

Still neck-inneck even a few hours from i last voted . .. hmmm . . .

[Anonymous]

MIKE the IC is what did it for me. Jim

[Anonymous]

There is also a public parking lot behind some businesses in West Chicago by the library where you can park and sit and get a view of the EJE tower where it crosses the UP. The Up comes around a curve going west toward Geneva. Not too much EJE action, but still a good spot to sit though.

[Anonymous]

My vote goes to Mike. Erik's story is a little more interesting to read, but I'm a WC fan and appreciate getting a successful low-light shot any day of the week.

-Brian J. Connolly
Madison, WI

[knowsme]

Great job, Erik! Hope you enjoyed Geneva, too.

[wctransfer]

Brian, WC huh? Sweet, i love the WC too. Its obvious if you look in my sig. I got some WC pics on www.Railpictures.net in the WC section, just look for Alec Holmes.

Alec