Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 49: April 10, 2006

[jimmac230]

Liked both, chose the UP photo with another train in the distance coming on. excellent work to both.

[Anonymous]

Both were good shots, I however went with Erik's today

[Anonymous]

Both shots were great! As a frequent visitor to Rochelle, I had no idea there were any roads that passed over the tracks! I want to go back now for a better look than the railroad park provides. I voted for Mike's shot.

[LVJJJ]

(I thot I was the only one who kept spelling Eric wrong). Gotta go with Mike's this week, more train, less landscape, altho I prefer EMD's. Larry in Blaine (even tho it says I'm in Las Vegas).

[Anonymous]

As in realty, so in photos -- location, location, location. The NS shot by Mike shows much more of interest. The S-curve contributes to the impression of fluid movement. The UP shot by Erik would be better, in my opinion, if the train was closer and the photo could show more roof detail -- in other words, something you rarely get to see.

[Anonymous]

I ,personally, do not like looking at the back ends of trains, plus my favorite company is Union Pacific

[Texas Zepher]

I must be from a different planet. I thought both shots were Ok, but would never have given either of them a second if it hadn't been for the "contest" conditions.

I also can't believe the number of people who (continue) to vote based on road name which has nothing to do with the quality of the photo.... sigh.

Technically they are about the same. Mike's seems a bit underexposed, but that could just be the black locomotive against a dark background, so it just washes out. I do like the slight curve. For Erik's, one shouldn't have to read the description to understand the photo. I still don't understand the reference to the "railpark". A photo should tell its own story, not the other way around. The oncoming train doesn't make a powerful enough contribution in the picture to merit much consideration.

In the end I went with Eriks, not because of the train or anything railroady, but because it had a more interesting background. with the silo's, barns, elevators, small town on the horizon. The train is framed with stuff - including the over pass that shows the train is somewhere. It took me a bit longer to "see" the entire photo.

Oh for spring time to come and get the dreariness out of the backgrounds.

[tmcc man]

I went with Mike's photo because of the S curve, and the transition colors between the NS and BNSF locos that were coupled together. Erik's was nice too, and it was a close vote for me.

[wweidner]

I'm with rpmarkey on the interurban shot having grown up just across the street from the Illinois Terminal's offerings.

[asnjoe24]

Both pictures are very nice shots, though I would say Mike's has a little bit of the upper hand because more of the side paint schemes on the engines are visible. Admittedly, detail of the side schemes (even when it is apparent from the front which roads they are from) often add flavor to photos for me.

The white stripe above the headlight on the Norfolk Southern engine is also intriguing to me; I personally have not seen that on the NS engines I have watched in my region.

- Bryan

[Anonymous]

Keep up[ the good work.

[kolechovski]

I really didn't want to pick either one, but I guess with Mike's showing the curves, it was enough to get my vote.

[Anonymous]

I had to vote for the Rochelle shot as I`m from Rochelle and the Dement rd angle works for me! I see those every day and never get tired of them! Great Shot!

[mrunyan]

Nicely done gents, loved the snaking NS. I was sorry to see the rare once in 20 years R&N shot of last competition, a new paint scheme to this venue and probably never to be seen again, beaten by a shot available any given day. It was much more creative. Still enjoy the friendly photo battles. Carry on.

[Anonymous]

In regards to your question about NIPSCO cars on NS, they're taking them to interchange with UP to send to Powder River for refill.
My sister and I were very interested in your photo of the South Shore. We lived in Michigan City for 50+ years before moving to southern Utah in 2004 and our Dad was a conductor on the old orange cars. He retired in January, 1979 after 34 years of faithful service.