Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 50: April 24, 2006

[Noah Hofrichter]

I really like number 1. It imediately struck me as a photo that had a really neat angle and when i looked at the larger photos it only confirmed my originaly impression. It's a neat angle, neat power, and I like that only one ditch light is on (from alternating ditchlights with the bell I hope!).

Congrats on number 50 you to! It doesn't seem like it's been that long since the first installment, but I guess it has! Here's to another 50!

Noah

[Anonymous]

Congratulations on #50, we have enjoyed the ride!

Love the first photo for its in your face style, and the compression of the longer lens. All the traditional photo dos are set aside. Long hood first, almost head on picture hiding the balance of the train, it is all big red flared radiators ambleing towards us. This is not to say that photo #2 is not "good", however it is very tradional 3/4 view that while very attractive is not as much of a grabber.

We are ready for the next 50 instalments.

Will

[CTGreybeard]

Two things grabbed me about photo #1

It looks like the train is going to run into me.

I love the weeds growing on the track and the disrepair of the roadbed, that says to me that this is a lightly used line.

The flare of the long hood forward is very imposing, even threatening!

[Anonymous]

# 2 for me - I like having more to look at.

[garyw8klm]

u do good work im gettin into photography myself next month thinkin bout the panasonic fz30 s u get a chance tell me what u think bout it thanks i worked on the gtw r/r and took a buyout from them in 1988

[Anonymous]

Personally I had to go with photo #1. nice crisp detail plus it was an "In Your Face" shot.. clear crisp & close! Photo 2, just another wedgie..

[GRR7315]

Different perspective in the shot, long hood vs cab.

[yardmstr]

Being from Florida, I had to vote for the FEC... I like the Palmettos you can see in the background trackside!

:)

[FrankStratton]

#2 is my vote as it has an interesting sky for a backdrop and the consist can be seen behind multiple units. I just think it has more interest than #1.

I am moving back to Chillicothe, IL in about 3 weeks. Going to be nice to get back to Chilli.

[DICKK]

Number one just did not do it for me.

[Anonymous]

#2 got my vote this week.

[Bergie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FrankStratton

#2 is my vote as it has an interesting sky for a backdrop and the consist can be seen behind multiple units. I just think it has more interest than #1.

I am moving back to Chillicothe, IL in about 3 weeks. Going to be nice to get back to Chilli.

Speaking of Chillicothe, it's got to be hometown to one of the most cleverly named businesses of all time. Any guesses?....... It's the bowling alley, Chilli Bowl! Now that's good stuff. [:D]

You also get back to Edelstein hill... lucky you. PLUS, you're getting back to Avanti country. Send me some of that bread of theirs!!! AND FINALLY, you're getting back to Bradley Brave country now that they've finally turned their basketball program around (after their Sweet 16 appearance in this year's NCAA tournament).

It's all coming together for you, Frank. Of course, as an Illinois native, BN fan, and Bradley grad, I might be biased. [:o)] That bread from Avanti's had to be about 7 of the freshman 15 I put on.

You'll also have to touch base with fellow forum member, and Chilli area resident, jjlamkin. If memory serves me he runs his speeder (along with a dozen or so others) during some feastival in Chilli during the summer. I beleive the run down the Iowa Interstate line.

Have a good time.
Bergie

[UPTRAIN]

I just liked the look of #2 this week, the FEC just looks good with those nifty clouds and surrounding trees. I loved the long hood forward CP Rail...but FEC is a little more exotic.

[fuzzybroken]

QUOTE: Originally posted by thefox

There was also something odd about the CP logo, the left side had tiny horizontal stripes but the right side (in shadow) did not. Anyway, I'm just being nitpicky.
FEC is less common anyway. I see it's in front of two UP locos so either UP locos aren't local or vice versa. I'm guessing that the shot was from Florida from Mike's trip out East or Southeast. I could easily be wrong, especially since I don't even know exactly where he went.

Yep, that's Scotchlite for ya! I saw 4522 at Muskego Yard today, with the sun dancing off the Scotchlite at just the right angle. I hope my shot of that effect turns out right!

One detail that I just noticed about the NRE rebuilds (well, 4522 that I saw today, and 4524 in this installment) is that they have black grab irons. A little odd, but very sharp-looking!

QUOTE: Originally posted by LVJJJ

Love the old SD-45's and their wierd radiators, whataview of the old EMD long hood. Also like the old ties & track, makes the box cars behind look like their wobbling along, rockin & rollin. I like both photos, but #1 just stabs you right in the eye. And the burnt out ditch light adds a nice touch to the whole scene. Larry in Blaine WA

Just for the record, this is an NRE-rebuild GP38-2, that was originally a Union Pacific GP40X. Basically the pre-production GP50, but they should have kept those cool flared radiators!

I think I actually saw this same train, though with a different engine, near Cut-Off. If the photographer would like to discuss this matter, go ahead and contact me off-forum, or on-forum once voting closes. [:D]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CTGreybeard

Two things grabbed me about photo #1

It looks like the train is going to run into me.

I love the weeds growing on the track and the disrepair of the roadbed, that says to me that this is a lightly used line.

The flare of the long hood forward is very imposing, even threatening!

I agree, that's just a cool sight! A fitting photo for #50!

QUOTE: Originally posted by mandelswamp

Happy 50th to Erik and Mike! Wow, another set of photos that makes for a tough decision. In picture #2, I thought the cloud formations above the train were quite interesting and unusually. In picture #1, the bold red color of the CP locomotive and the unusually angles of the engine's rear end make for an interesting photo. After debating both, I decided that bright red + angles wins over beautiful clouds. Congratulations to both of you on two fine submittals.

This is pretty much the same as my sentiments... so [#ditto] [8D]

[Stephen Clark]

I have enjoyed looking at and voting for the photos. This time I voted for photo #1 Long end leading is always a good photo and the image is very clear