Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 58

[espeefoamer]

I voted for #1.I ws drawn to the photo of the yard loking down the ladder track. The line of solar panels added an interesting touch to the photo,as most people,myself included,have not seen this feature.I also like the way the ladder track draws one to the train passing in the background.I enjoyed the older units,especially the SD45,in photo #2, but it seemed like an ordinary train picture next to #1.

[CShaveRR]

Another one for number one.  Guess I'd better go vote now.

Having voted my conviction, I noted that the voting area is headed "No. 57".  Threw me for a minute, until I saw the results.

Oh, and Jay, MC was a little preoccupied with a critique of a stretch of track at Camp Mookie.  That lead at Butler looks great by comparison.

[mikeyuhas]

I thought both photos sucked big time. What did you guys do, phone them in? If I strapped a camera around my dog's collar and let him wander around the freight yards, he could take better pictures than these two. He might have trouble snapping them, as he doesn't have opposable thumbs. What's your excuse?

Wow, hiding behind a veil of anonymity and attacking other members is very big of you.

 

Hiding behind a veil of anonymity and attacking the guy who runs the site and then clicking the “Do not allow replies” so others can’t attack you right back, is only going to make the guy who runs the site uncheck that box so other members can attack you… including myself.

 

OK big time, share some of your excellent photos with us. We’re all waiting.

 

And I'd like to see the pictures his dog took.

[Anonymous]

I thought both photos sucked big time. What did you guys do, phone them in? If I strapped a camera around my dog's collar and let him wander around the freight yards, he could take better pictures than these two. He might have trouble snapping them, as he doesn't have opposable thumbs. What's your excuse?

Wow, hiding behind a veil of anonymity and attacking other members is very big of you.

 

Hiding behind a veil of anonymity and attacking the guy who runs the site and then clicking the “Do not allow replies” so others can’t attack you right back, is only going to make the guy who runs the site uncheck that box so other members can attack you… including myself.

 

OK big time, share some of your excellent photos with us. We’re all waiting.

 

And I'd like to see the pictures his dog took.

[Anonymous]

Erik & Mike:  Thanks for all the fine photos you furnish for us.  This week I voted for #1 and will make no disparaging remarks about #2.  I believe      that anyone who takes a shot at either of you regarding your photos, his entry should not be printed.  We don't need that kind of caustic reply.  I thought this forum was for fun, not nitpicking or ridicule.  Thanks again and keep those photos coming, I love them all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Datafever]

I thought both photos sucked big time. What did you guys do, phone them in? If I strapped a camera around my dog's collar and let him wander around the freight yards, he could take better pictures than these two. He might have trouble snapping them, as he doesn't have opposable thumbs. What's your excuse?

Sure, your dog might be able to get some pretty good pictures, but that's only because the mutt doesn't have to worry about trespassing laws.  And I suppose that a dog's eye view could provide a perspective that isn't often seen in train photos.

But I've managed to learn quite a bit from Mike and Erik, so if you don't mind, I'll stick with them.

[Anonymous]

I think the new anonymity approach to the pictures really concentrates our attention on the photographic attributes of each shot, rather than on the photographers.  Now what I'd like to see is "favorite" photo, rather than the "best" photo.  From bitter experience I know that always coming up with a fresh approach, as well shooting railroad pictures themselves, isn't as easy as it seems.  Most of the time, one has only seconds to shoot THE PICTURE.  I remember once setting up an angle of the Amtrak as it left Gore Canyon, Colorado, coming though a short tunnel on the side of the mountain.  But Amtrak was late, my attention wandered, and before I knew it--Amtrak through the tunnel--and I was out another great picture.

 

 

[Datafever]

The anonymous picture isn't exactly a new concept for Mike and Erik.  I've read through the archives, and the original concept was anonymous voting.  I liked the idea back then and was disappointed when the newer issues were non-anonymous, although the real issue isn't the "best" photo, but learning the mechanics that are involved in getting a good shot.

Many thanks to Mike and Erik.  Keep up the good work, anonymous or not.

[gannbb1]

This is the first time I have tried to use the new site to comment .

So where the *&(*&^^&%^%$ do I do it??

If this site is improved please do not try to make it any better!

 

Gannb

[Anonymous]

I liked the ladder yard because of how kinky the rails looked. I also liked the multiple modes of transportation (if a Caterpillar counts as one) in the second picture. Tough call as usual.

On a similar note to another user's post, I agree that the new forum is somewhat confusing to use. Normally on forums I just click "Post" or something to that effect, and I hunted around and couldn't find anything. (Maybe I missed it?) So my next guess was to hit "Reply" to the original post. Is it more like a blog than a forum? I'm hoping that's what I was supposed to do, but it seems very confusing. I also can't seem to format this at all... Most of the site changes seem good though! :)

[da Milwaukee beerNut]

On a similar note to another user's post, I agree that the new forum is somewhat confusing to use. Normally on forums I just click "Post" or something to that effect, and I hunted around and couldn't find anything. (Maybe I missed it?) So my next guess was to hit "Reply" to the original post. Is it more like a blog than a forum? I'm hoping that's what I was supposed to do, but it seems very confusing. I also can't seem to format this at all... Most of the site changes seem good though! :)

I've had no luck quoting other replies or adding any formatting using the Safari browser  - but everything works well with FireFox.  [It's Mozilla-based - the seeds for the Netscape clan of browsers.]

In terms of posting comments - could there be a link when a vote is received by the servers to present "post your comment " and "read others comments" buttons?

[ferroequinologist]

Well, I dunno - maybe thaty's why I never get anything in contests, but I like #2.  Almost.  The 'dozer doesn't need to be there. For me, it's all about how the train fits in with the background.  I know, what better basckground than a yard, but here, the train IS the background, and behind that?...