I did some Googling on the names on the tombstone:
http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~fifield/fif0007.htm#i6444
497. SAMUEL7 FIFIELD (1767) (Peter6, Abraham5, John4, Joseph3, Benjamin2, William1) was born on 24 Sep 1816 in Andover, Hillsborough, N.H (Eastman, Andover history, Page 155.) (Bradsbury, Bureau County, Page 521.). He married Lurana G. Stevens (1768), daughter of Thomas J. Stevens (9436) and Eliza Smith (9437), on 2 Aug 1843 in Bureau, Illinois (Ibid.) (ILVR, online http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/cgi-bin/archives/marriage.s.). He died on 23 Mar 1869 in Buda, Bureau, Illinois, at age 52 (Eastman, Andover history, Pae 155.) (Peter Fifield Wells, P. O. Box [x], Rindge, Cheshire, N.H. 03461-[xxxx], [phone #], Handwritten transcription provided by Carol Scripp 4 June 1993.). He was buried in Fifield Cemetery, Concord, Bureau, Illinois (Ibid.).He appeared on the census of 1850 in Concord, Bureau, Illinois (Bradsbury, Bureau County, Page 521.); The History of Bureau County lists the children of Samuel as Thomas J., Lucien, John, Lucy J., George, Mary E., Chester and Frank. It also names the husbands of Lucy and Mary.Children of Samuel7 Fifield (1767) and Lurana G. Stevens (1768) [include]:
. . .
Quoth Mr Danneman: "The only problem was that our tent nearly blew away in the windy conditions that we had on Saturday. In fact, we had some help trying to get the tent back together from a couple of Trains.com forum brothers. Thanks guys!"
You are welcome. The helpers were me and my railfan buddy (but resolute Forum non-visitor) Roger Worchel. I took a grab shot as the tent was blowing away in the general direction of Peoria IL. Perhaps some day I will post it in a future photo contest comment section. Only a video would have done it justice.
Dave Nelson
Hey I'm kind of partial to the cable car shot.
In front of the Hyatt Regency, 5 Embarcadero Plaza. (On California St @ Drumm St)
Yes I'm kind of partial to SF. But its still steel wheel on steel rail. & It is even a narrow gauge operation(3'6"). Remember it is operated by a (San Francisco Municipal) Railway.
In the backround is 1 Market St. That was originally the headquaters of Southern Pacific. Market St has the last "Main St" Street railway in the country if I remember correctly.
Ok I'm done with my 3 cents worth.
Thx IGN
CopCarSS wrote:I went with Tom's shot. I think if I had been basing my vote off of the thumbnails, I probably would have gone with Kathi as the scenery and such is much more interesting. After viewing the larger images, I couldn't get over the lack of sharpness in her shot (a result of diffraction at f16 perhaps?). On the other hand, the larger shot of Tom's image is bitingly sharp, and gives the ACe a neat "in your face" kind of look. Those bulldogish ACe's are cool to see, and Tom's shot doe a good job of portraying that.
I went with Tom's shot. I think if I had been basing my vote off of the thumbnails, I probably would have gone with Kathi as the scenery and such is much more interesting. After viewing the larger images, I couldn't get over the lack of sharpness in her shot (a result of diffraction at f16 perhaps?).
On the other hand, the larger shot of Tom's image is bitingly sharp, and gives the ACe a neat "in your face" kind of look. Those bulldogish ACe's are cool to see, and Tom's shot doe a good job of portraying that.
dito
zardoz wrote: Bergie, et.al.Any plans on something special for the 100th installment? Perhaps a huge multi-participant, multi-category contest?
Bergie, et.al.
Any plans on something special for the 100th installment?
Perhaps a huge multi-participant, multi-category contest?
We might have something up our sleeve... I guess you'll just have to wait and see!
Bergie
....Now that would be great....if someone who might have access to flying over Tehachapi and click off a group of photos from the air. Would really be an interesting group.
Would love to see just how the route was accomplished by doing the wild engineering to create the circle and tunnel to gain elevation acceptable for the railroad.
Quentin
I'm torn. Kathi's composition was great, the telephone poles, and the tracks coming out of the tunnel in to a shallow cut, with the remainder of the train high above the lead locomotive... The downside is the slight lack of sharpness. On the plus side, the contrasting vegetation makes for an impressive array of colors.
Tom's shot, while sharp, well lighted, and great composition, really didn't speak to me so much. I thought there was too much shadow on the tracks, and it made the photo a touch too dark, in my opinion. But, I did like the squat, pugnacious nose of the SD70ACe, it shows "muscle" and is also gives the photo an aggressive feel.
I'll have to come back and vote after I make up my mind..
Two fine entries again, but Tom's got my vote simply because it's a good solid rail photo...well balanced with a great backdrop (and the shiny fresh paint on the 9232 doesn't hurt anything, either).
Kathi...I think I'd have felt differently about your submission, and maybe even voted for it, if the lead unit had been closer...almost to the bottom of the frame. It's an intersting shot...but somehow seems a little lackluster.
TJB in Nashville, TN
This was a hard one. I really liked Tom's as it was clear and defined but Kathi's was unique and different. The front of the train coming through the tunnel with the rest up top is something to behold. Although Kathi's was further away I had to go for this one. Sorry Tom.
Choo Choo Aussie
Somewhat off topic--but has anyone else noticed that every time one of these competitions is posted, someone comes on and makes his first post? Check it out!
And welcome, Captain Jack!
Carl
Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)
CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)
This was a tough one to decide because I wasn't too impressed with either of them. Yes, Tom's photo features one of the newest locomotives but to me the shot was pedestrian. Kathi's was more interesting but the locomotive coming out of the tunnel is too far away to appreciate it much. I voted for Kathi's picture but I felt both of you could have selected better entries especially when you had 2 extra weeks to decide what to select for the voting.
Well shoot, since I was just at the loop and got similar photos, had to vote for Kathi's pict. I did like tom's since it was so well defined and sharp. Also liked the older 70mac behind the two new ones. Now that I've been to Tehachipi loop, I have a much better respect for the engineering that went into building it and for the spectactular scenery of the whole area. Larry of the Pacific NW (it's sunny today!!!).
This week's vote was a pretty quick one for me: I chose Kathi's BNSF Tehachapi Loop shot.
Tom's shot from the Transcon with the SD70ACe is real clear, has good lighting, and quite in your face...all of the hallmarks for a good shot. However, in my opinion, Kathi's has more detail and perspective with the raised track (I like how you can see the line of TTX spine cars), and the approaching lead engine through the tunnel below. There's also a bit more scenery in Kathi's picture, and these things seemed to give her shot the edge in my book.
Like her Wisconsin and Southern shot from Vol. 84, Kathi's shot seems to combine perspective, background, and action very well. If I had taken either of these shots, I would consider putting them up on the wall.
- Bryan
Both are excellent, but I see what you mean about the sharpness. I'll have to remember that next time I'm 'given' f/16 as an option on the menu. But Kathi got my vote because between two great possibilities, I'll go for the one actually moving. A train sitting there gives you too much time to try view after view. When the train is moving, you have to line it up fast and use some quick judgement -- even if the settings aren't perfect, the shot is great.
My skills are being honed each week this photo competition runs - and thanks for those of you who comment on the settings and sharpness, etc. It helps neophytes like me to understand a bit more.
Allen
Mookie wrote: Little different perspective. I see Tom's view everytime I watch trains. Kathi's is something I don't see around here. Both are very good, but Kathi's because it is different to me!
Both are very good, but Kathi's because it is different to me!
I gave my vote to Kat (the "other" cat), and came close to the same reason for doing it: I can witness heavy freight activity every time I go trackside. New locomotives aren't all that uncommon around here--most of UP's start their service at Proviso.
But I voted for Kat's because I have experienced Tehachapi, and could feel the struggle there. Chris, you raise some valid arguments bout the picture's lack of sharpness, but, as I've said before, I'm not in the league of even amateur photographers. They both spoke to me, but Kat's spoke louder.
Nonetheless, one of the most difficult decisions I've made.
Well, neither shot really grabbed me so I’m voting in absentia for the COAL TRAIN.I mean, Look at that shot! - It almost has everything....surging motive power, identically undulating rolling stock, parallel arch in the tracks, greenery (NO SNOW!), the visual dissonance of uneven power lines and poles . . and even some semblance of animal life in the northwest acreage.All that’s missing is Dolly singing with Appalachian banjo music in the background and a covey of happy smiling female hikers waving jauntily to the engineer!
That WOULD be the perfect world!Yessirree - one vote for the coal train from me!
A mile from the tracks, but I still hear the whistle! Cleveland, Tennessee
Little different perspective. I see Tom's view everytime I watch trains. Kathi's is something I don't see around here.
She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw
I agree with CopCarSS in that Kathi's shot seems a bit 'off'; however, I think it has more scenic appeal. Additionally, I like the way the loop shows an immense train, as well as acknowledging the engineering that goes in to building a railroad.
I also agree with modelcar when he says he'd have voted for the approaching coal train; I also liked the BNSF 571 with the cumulous clouds in the background, seemingly lost in a sea of green corn.
Tom's BNSF image is powerful, and the image certainly is tack-sharp. On the down side, it isn't a very scenic location, and one cannot see much of the train.
Well - I certainly couldn't vote based on the railroad..
I really like Kathi's classic loop shot, but Tom's classic 3/4 wedge struck me a little more forcefully. It was a choice between voting for both/neither or picking one, so I picked one.
I was at Vandenberg AFB (which surrounds Surf) back in the 70's and saw more than a few SP and Amtrak trains running on the coast line. Wish I'd gotten some pictures, although they would have been with an Instamatic....
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
....I note by looking at the bar graph I'm not in tune with the majority critics at this time.....I voted for Kathi's shot of Tehachapi Loop.
Tom, I would have voted for your shot taken from the overpass that shows an approaching coal train with beautiful contrasting green off to the left side of the composed shot. But alas....that was not on the menu.
The shot you submitted is nice and sharp but the angle is a typical RR shot.
Both submitted shots are nice renditions of photography but to break the tie....I had to resort to the content of the famous Tehachapi location to cast my vote.
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