Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 24: January 31, 2005

[Bergie]

In our online feature, Trackside with Erik and Mike, Trains.com staff members Erik Bergstrom and Mike Yuhas go trackside and share their photo results with you. In each installment, we’ll include let our users vote on who got the best shot. Read this week’s installment.

Please vote and then share your comments.

[mikeyuhas]

There! I voted for mine this week!

[Anonymous]

I voted for Photo #2 simply because it was at a slightly different angle and showed the Signals at the right side of the picture. I had logged on to "Trackside" earlier today, (1/3l/05) and the last photos were Volume 22. I attempted to e-mail Trains.com to find out why I hadn't seen any recent photos. My e-mail was returned adviving there was no such address. I then sent an e-mail to Kalmbach e-mail address. Guess what? I just happened to log on to Trains.com-Railroading and there was Erik and Mike Volume 24. How's that for speedy service. Thanks to all and keep up the good and enjoyable work. w stolper (Doodlebug)

[Noah Hofrichter]

Had to go with number 2, For the above mentioned reason of the signal, and also you can see the slope better in the track.

Noah

[DICKK]

I voted for number two. The signal plus more of the train decided it for me. Number one seemed a bit clearer though.

[virogue]

Hi!!!

I wanted to vote for that Wisconsin & Southern shot, but heck, the thing would not work [#dots]!!! So well, shot number 1 took my vote. I guess the mile sign and signals already mentionned were more a distraction to my eyes, and I wanted more focus on the train.

Nice to see you shooting together for once! However, I may have a tortuous mind, but I'd rather see two completely different pictures (I don't care if they are "blind" or not, I vote for the photograph, not for the author... nothing personal here!) I was a little jeopardized having to vote for what almost looked like twice the same shot...

But well, maybe we can use the pics for a "Find the 7 differences" game, that could be fun!!!

Keep up the good work, and keep it funny the way you do please, nice to read from you every week! [bow]

Sincerely,

Vianney Roge
France

[CTGreybeard]

I wanted to vote for the W&S shot, too! [:(]

Photo 2 from this contest had it hands down once I viewed the full sized shots.

The lighting was better (but not great) on the head end to show a little more detail. But what did it for me was both the extent of the train behind with the swale that it is lugging through and the heat ripples above the engine to show that it is working like crazy! Together these bring a dynamic to the static shot that captures me. The non-voting W&S shot is similar because the way the snow is exploding in front of the engine as it plows through the drift is impressive. I wish I had been there! [:D]

[mandelswamp]

Wow, it was a really tough choice this week. I have been complaining that you guys were doing too many artsy pictures, mainly of locomotives and that I prefer seeing both the locomotives and their consists. Well this week's contest answered my beef and handed me two great pictures. Picture 1 was a little closer shot of the train. Picture 2 showed more of the train plus the signals. After examining and comparing both shots about 3 or 4 times, I decided that Picture 1 seemed a little clearer (better focused) for studying the locomotives and the freight cars and so I voted for Picture 1. Keep up the great work you guys!

[Anonymous]

I voted for #2. #1 was clearer and expressed the brute strength of the motive power but #2, with the signals and the arc of the train as the track grade changed, did it for me.

[warriorpilot]

I had to go with number 2. While the milepost was a bit of a distraction the signal was nice, and the wider angle showed more of the train, more grade, and MORE HEAT!! Also, the first photo was a bit too dark for my tastes.....or my monitor maybe, and the colors just looked better in number 2.

[Anonymous]

#2 was a masterpiece of railroading...signal lights, mile marker, etc. This is my first time to respond, but for all the right artistic (and railroad) reasons. Bring on more!

[Robertdale]

I voted for photo #2. I liked the signals and also the switch on the opposite side, plus more of the train. But , I agree that photo #1 was a bit clearer.

[Anonymous]

I voted for number 2, photo showed more as the angle was better, showing the down grade, the signal and the heat vapors raising off of the power, cab was sharper as the sun was not shinning through the back windows.

[Anonymous]

i chose number two because it has more texture and depth by catching alot more of the train as well as the signal........

ROBBIE!

[Anonymous]

I voted for photo #2. I felt the composition, the signals etc was better. I also think the lighting was slightly better. Keep up the good work and remember, almost anyone can take an excellant picture under ideal conditions, however real photographers get good pictures in poor conditions.