Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 44: December 5, 2005

[Dennis65]

I voted for the shot of the CP Engine coming out from under the main Post Office at the east end of the Amtrak station in Milwaukee. The picture is evidently shot from the Plankington Avenue street crossing. Enlarging the picture shows clearly the radial trucks on this modern GE AC4400 locomotive. With the radial trucks, there is no "squealing" going around this curve. Older AC4400 engines, without radial trucks that look the same above the trucks, squeal loudly negotiating this curve. Also in the picture between the two main tracks is a strip of welded rail which either was, or will be changed out with the south rail on the empty main to the right.

[Anonymous]

When I first looked at the photos, photo A immediately caught my eye as being almost "too perfect". My first impression was that it was a shot taken of a model layout so I blew it up to make sure and was even more impressed that an actual yard shot could be so "clean".

projoem

[Sterling1]

ARRR-GGH!!!!!!!!!!

Another tough choice this week ...

I liked Exhibit B, but I selected Exihibit A:

It was for the details in the yard, CP is tempting but yard action is nicer.

[Anonymous]

I too voted for exhibit A... how rare to see consecutive numbered Loco's. And even moreso, ones on a Fallen flag! B did exude a chilling effect.. but A still to me is the far better shot. You two make it very hard at times to choose, but thats what competition is all about. I just wish you both would make available for purchase the full sized shots.

[LVJJJ]

i like 'em both, but its Santa Fe all the way! Larry in Las Vegas (where its sunny and only 60 degrees, kinda cold out).

[shanson2]

Thanks, guys. It was tougher that the votes might show, but I had to go with A. If the right edge had not been in so tight, the vote would have been even more lopsided. There is something about the track geometry that draws the viewer in, plus the crew figures adding scale and interest. Good job!

[FrankStratton]

Mmmm boy Santa Fe, there isn't many left since BNSF is todays menu. The SD39's in the yard get my vote and yes I caught the consecutive numbers 6214 & 6215. It is a rare sight to see consecutive numbers together like that. Nice shot whomever took it.
The photo in B is a good roster shot and has a good background but the yard shot is the best in my book.

[UPTRAIN]

I voted for the one with the CP Rail unit. I guess I like the snow shot better, the only winter shots I get are the ones where it just happens to look cold, with a nasty, dead ground. That first shot really looks like one from the bridge in Galesburg.

[WSOR4492]

Nothing like 2 workers having to bundle up like eskimos in order to get their work done. I voted for A. Reminds me of my having to work in the elements everyday to earn a wage.

[Anonymous]

Pitcure "B' gets my vote as it show a hopper train comming out from under the Milwuakee Wi, station on a snowy day, but Picture "A" could be any day in any yard.
gary

[Anonymous]

I thought both photos were great. However, I had to go with exhibit "A" because I'm running Santa Fe on my layout this month.

[Anonymous]

Exhibit A it must be. A set of pairs in symmetry. Two locos in mirror image, with consecutive numbers no less. Two tracksets in mirror image. Two track workers in mirror walks. And this vote is coming from a Canadian and a CP Rail fan!

[Anonymous]

I voted for A and the main reason I did is because I live in Cuba, MO which runs on the BNSF line from St. Louis to Springfield, MO! Long live BNSF

Railfan4499[:)]

[Anonymous]

Have fun in that cold weather and those 20 deg days thats why I left Mo. after 21 yrs. but if it helps it snowing and sleeting here on coast of Virginia.
That photo of the two Santa Fe engines is a classic[8D] so which one of you been holding out are on[?][?]

[Anonymous]

Nostalgia or modernity? No surprise, I'll go with CP on this one.