Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 52: June 5, 2006

[wweidner]

I went with Mike's, but both had great shots. The switching shot by Mike was the best!!

[asnjoe24]

Though both photo albums are wonderful, I would say that Erik's album contained more photos that I liked, primarily due to the nice scenery. Erik's first shot taken at sundown is magnificent, with the lighting having that right kind of "easing down" feeling to it.

I am often a fan of action shots, and Erik's shots of the BNSF coal trains really grabbed me (particularly the first one). And they are actually loaded! That is a bit of a rarity for me in my region along Glorieta Pass, where I usually only see very faded BNSF SD70MACs (like that seen in Erik's second coal train shot) hauling empties north, but also with pusher units on the end like Erik talked about.

However, I must say that Mike's nighttime CN shot is absolutely breathtaking. The lighting could not have been any better for that; the image almost looks surreal! My hats off to Mike for that nice shot!

- Bryan

[Anonymous]

As others have previously said, both albums were great, enjoyed being able to see
them, thanks to both of you. Mike's one photo of the train seemingly coming through
the forest did it for me, so Mike, you get my vote this week..

[Anonymous]

Sorry Mike!!! I like your pictures, but I'm more of a BNSF & UP junkie, so Erik, you take the prize!

Rob Knight
403 Maiden Lane
Cuba, MO 65453
BNSF & UP all the way!!!

[PBenham]

It was a slam dunk for Mike with the variety of shots all within a short distance of home. Plus, it doesn't hurt that CN is the road in the pictures. Until CSX began leasing WC SD45s and an F45 I didn't really acknowledge their existence. In this vein, I really have to admit that WC was on my list of railroads that I didn't "approve of', after they took over the Algoma Central, which I liked for a Logan Box full of reasons! (Anyone care to guess the reason I used that reference?[sigh]) Now, BNSF in Nebraska might be some people's "cup of tea", but not mine! I saw footage shot in 1991 on "Winter Railroading" from Clear Block Productions. C30-7s and SD40-2s ruled then, in Cascade Green. Nuf' said!

[espeefoamer]

You guys just don't make it easy,do you.They are both great sets of photos,but I thought Erik's told a complete story better.Those wonderful shots of coal trains in Nebraska got my vote.Keep up the good work,both of you!

[LVJJJ]

Wow, Eric's first shot sold me and that's all I needed to see to make the choice. Anything that has to do with Santa Fe also helps. Larry in Blaine WA (the sun acutally shown all day today! so we went camping, which will bring rain)

[atsf2929]

While you can hardly beat the blasting-exhaust vistas of panoramic unit coal trains, I really dug Mike's jointed-rail look at the true work-a-day drama of local railroad service.

[SrBldr]

While Erik's pictures were interesting I thought that Mike's had more variaty both of time at which the pictures were taken and the different styles of motive power

[Anonymous]

Erik's pics are a departure from what both guys have been submitting for quite some time. There's nothing wrong with the shots Mike offered. It's just that the variety of Erik's shots coupled with the brilliance of the colors and a beautiful background makes for appealing shots.

[Anonymous]

I voted for Erik's Album. The dusk shot with the crewless BNSF coal really made up my mind.

[Anonymous]

As much as I love that night shot in Mike's, I went with Erik's. Overall, they seem to be better and much more dramatic photos.

[dreams]

I have to vote for both- My office is in Thiensville. I was on a 10 day vacation & Monday I was trying to figure out what was going on. Now I know. --- Several years ago I was planning on going to Crawford Hill as I went west on HWY 2, but I didn't have enough time. So both albums equally intigue me. - Chuck

[Anonymous]

Although I liked the scenery of Erik's shots better, Mike made better use of what he was given. It isn't hard at all to get a quality pic out in the West as long as you have decent camera equipment. (I was in that area in the mid-90s before I had "nice" equipment). The Midwest is an extremely hard place to shoot "awesome" photos (if not the most difficult!) and Mike exhibited excellent use of his locations. [bg]

[jroebuck]

Voted for Mike - like short line railroading, and that night shot made the difference. Am I the only person who thinks the new BNSF is bad? Bland? Un-photogenic?