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

Posted by wctransfer

on Wed, Apr 26 2006 9:33 PM

Chose number one. Thos GP38-2's with the flared radiators, in new paint, and on a old (not maintained) line makes for a great shot. Plus the long hood forward aspect is very nice to look at. Number 1 got my vote, but number 2 is still a shot that is nice, but i look for things to stand out a little more.

Alec

Check out my pics! [url="http://wctransfer.rrpicturearchives.net/"] http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?userid=8714

Posted by Texas Zepher

on Wed, Apr 26 2006 9:49 PM

Is that a wide vision caboose I see behind that SD45?

Posted by ValorStorm

on Thu, Apr 27 2006 3:07 AM

"Toto too?"
"Photo 2."

Posted by wctransfer

on Thu, Apr 27 2006 6:45 AM

Yes, looks like a SOO caboose. But its not an SD45, its a rebuilt GP40X, now a GP38-2.

Alec

Check out my pics! [url="http://wctransfer.rrpicturearchives.net/"] http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?userid=8714

Posted by gunzel2

on Thu, Apr 27 2006 7:19 AM

Photo 1 for sure....
Nothing beats looking down the full length of a long snout of an engine at high-speed in mainline service!

DW - Locomotive engineer/Driver
Pacific National R&B South Dynon. Melb, Australia.

Posted by Anonymous

on Thu, Apr 27 2006 1:00 PM

#1 You can't beat bright red - up close and personal!

Posted by Anonymous

on Thu, Apr 27 2006 1:13 PM

#1
Question, the unit looks like an SD45 but the CP roster says it's a GP38-2. What gives?

On your 50th, congratulations

Posted by wctransfer

on Thu, Apr 27 2006 5:26 PM

The CP bought them as GP40X's and then rebuilt them to GP38-2 specs. Heres a shot of one.

Alec

Check out my pics! [url="http://wctransfer.rrpicturearchives.net/"] http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?userid=8714

Posted by fuzzybroken

on Thu, Apr 27 2006 7:02 PM

FYI, CP did have SD45s! Almost. Two of their SD40M-2s were rebuilt from SD45s. And painted in Dual Flags paint.

And I think that's SOO 91...

-Fuzzy Fuzzy World 3

Posted by Soo2610

on Thu, Apr 27 2006 11:52 PM

Photo one seems to be a spur line and note the burned out ditch light.

Posted by Sterling1

on Fri, Apr 28 2006 11:04 AM

Ok, both are sweet photos. However FEC units aren't as rare as the EMD flared CP unit. This particular unit used to be GP40X rebuilt into GP38-3. So yes I voted for a rarity this time ...

"There is nothing in life that compares with running a locomotive at 80-plus mph with the windows open, the traction motors screaming, the air horns fighting the rush of incoming air to make any sound at all, automobiles on adjacent highways trying and failing to catch up with you, and the unmistakable presence of raw power. You ride with fear in the pit of your stomach knowing you do not really have control of this beast." - D.C. Battle [Trains 10/2002 issue, p74.]

Posted by Anonymous

on Fri, Apr 28 2006 4:09 PM

I vote for photo #2 this week.

Posted by Anonymous

on Fri, Apr 28 2006 4:32 PM

I vote for photo #2 this week.

Posted by rrandb

on Sat, Apr 29 2006 2:47 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by Rocket Man

Congrats on #50 and thank you for this installment, it's weekly treat!

Both great photos. Love the color of #1! Grabs your attention. Love the blend of color in #2, FEC must have picked out "Florida Storm is a Brewin' Gray" for their locomotives. Also love the more tropical background as a change of pace. My vote goes for #2 as it is a classical shot with no obvious photo faux pas. I wonder if #1 would have won if only the point of view would have been closer to the ground to portray the scale better. Some have mentioned UP locos in the back??? Looks like UP but not quite. Any Florida rail pros out there that can clarify for us?

Keep them coming Mike and Erik!!!

They are former UP SD40-2's that are now FEC SD40-2's but still wearing Armour yellow paint. The have FEC #'s and marks but no paint yet. These are the first 6 axel engines on the FEC but more are coming as they have ordered new SD70's due this fall. I did vote for #2. It's good to see photo's of the FEC.

Posted by atsf2929

on Sun, Apr 30 2006 11:45 AM

I picked #2. I like the uniqueness of the engine in #1, the draw-you-in shot, and that you can see the whole train. A short train like that begs to be photographed in full. I think there is a better shot of that train that would get my vote.