Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 39: September 26, 2005

[Anonymous]

For an upcoming issue, why not try some black & white photography. Color is neat, but there's still an element of B&W that is really fascinating.

[Anonymous]

B, for the light, colors, abstract patterns and old things in general. Please show more "non-traditional" photo sets like this. I've found my shooting to be a bit stale lately - photos like these remind me to keep my eyes open and not just look at the trains.

[Anonymous]

I voted for Exhibit B because it was just plain more interesting and for its artistic composition.

[trainboyH16-44]

I found B was more artistic, as A was a peice of track.
B also had some historical context beyond a few letters.
Personally, I believe we should get back to trains.
Trainboy

[mrunyan]

Even though it needs more depth of field in focus, B is still a more compelling shot and composition.

[Anonymous]

This was certainly an interesting installment of Trackside With Erik and Mike. My verdict is Exhibit B. It's just a fascinating photo and subject in so many ways!

[Anonymous]

This is a toughy!Both are ,at least in my consideration,excelent in content and composition and equally relavent to this weeks subject! I bought a Canon digital rebel just because of the excellent content that I see here.later!

[Anonymous]

I preferred B to A mostly because of a multitude of things but mostly it just seemed more crisp and the rust and weathering on the pier seemed to fit so well together.

[wweidner]

Whats off to the "trackside" is why the railroad exists at all, so let's have a few of these kind of shots sprinkled in the mix.

[kicksvette]

Let's see now... Based on who's been where on various trips means that A was taken by... Sorry, forgot that wasn't the point of the contest.

Yes, I know where Barstow Il (not to be confused with Barstow Ca) is. Just don't blink. The shot shows great detail that a modeler can appreciate. There's the welded joint in the far rail. Of course the differnce between the shiny top and the rusty side. The coloration variation of the ballast between the rails versus outside the rails. The split tie. And is that a bit of Pink Lady mixed in. But I can take a carpenters crayon from the local home center and mark up a rail about anywhere and get a similar pic,

The dated concrete pier is harder to find. The shot immediately had me thinking about places where I might have been able to find a similar view and the angle to be able to get such a shot. Then there is the color contrast between the rust of the bridge and the grays of the concrete showing the efflorescing caused by the weather acting on the lime in the cracks.

Like so many others, I had to go with B.

But both will be inspirational in the basement this winter.

[Anonymous]

I like the new format and the institution of blind voting as it eliminates any possible prejudice in the selection of the winning photo.[^]
Perhaps, you could stray somewhat in your selection of subjects and show "trackside" scenes (i.e. structures along with locomotives / rolling stock).[;)]
Now onto how I voted: I chose "B". I liked the composition of it as "B" had all the right elements that draw the eye to it (i.e. lighting, texture, etc.). In addition, exhibit "B" seems to "tell a story" better than exhibit "A". Photo "A", to me, seemed to lack creativity and imagination in its composition.[V]

[jimmac230]

I voted for A but both the photos are telling history in their own ways, just as the graffiti on the sides of boxcars tell a story. Railway maintainence is just as important to railroads as they are the people who keep them going. Kudos to both of you.

[wcnut]

I have been waiting to see if you guys would do a competition like this! I hope it comes more often! Maybe other alternative topics too... rolling stock, line side details, people (that was done, but again would be nice) etc. Anyway, B is for me! There is something really striking about the small depth of field that really makes the date stamp pop. Also the numerous textures found on the bridge pier along with the uncountable colors found in the concrete, lichen, and rust. Excellent shot!

Greg
"wcnut"

[IRONROOSTER]

I voted for A, but B is good also. I just like the track detail and you hardly ever see pictures that focus on it.
Enjoy
Paul

[ardvard]

Someone commented that they don't date bridges anymore. That's everyones loss. I trace it to less pride of workmanship today. Craftsmen used to be proud to be building something that they expected to last for years to come, but in todays world, everything is temporary.