Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 80

[asnjoe24]

Like all of the other readers, I have enjoyed Trackside with Erik and Mike (or Mike and Erik, whichever you prefer) every week, and will miss Erik's regular contributions. One other tendency throughout the column that I've personally noticed is that we see Mike more often on camera than Erik. That could just be me, as I joined the readership rather late and have not looked at all of the columns.

Now, to the vote: Erik's UP rocky mountain shot is simply spectacular! Against the rushing river, snow-packed peaks, and nice engine side shots with good lighting, it has so much scenery and action that it won my vote for this week (and not just 'cause this is Erik's final column). I think it would have a pretty good chance in a rail photography show.

Of course, this is not to say that Mike's CN shot is not well done (one thing's certain: throughout this column, Mike and Erik have taken way better shots than any I've ever taken). I think it has nice angle and lighting (the overcast day somewhat seems inviting to me), and the scenery with the water and the green embankment add to it. This makes Mike's shot feel more relaxing than Erik's, to me.

- Bryan

[kj7wk]

I agree,

Both photos are great, but the snow, rocks and the stream seem to obscure the photo of the Colorado UP scene whereas the CN photo is clean and well proportioned.

Steve G

[LVJJJ]

I have to choose Erik's Christmas card shot of the winged UP, and this is not a sympathy vote. Really Erik, you should get that on a Christmas card, I'd buy it.

[mandelswamp]

Mike presents a very nice photograph and I prefer the CN over the UP.  However, Erik's Rocky Mountain vista is so majestic that I just had to select Erik's entry over Mike's.  It seems to me that after 80 contests, it will be nice to see the voting end in a total tie.  Great job on all of Trackside with Erik and Mike.  Looking forward to the new Trackside with Trains.com!

[loadmaster747]

Sorry, Mike, but Erik's "UP in the wilderness" shot blew me away.  White water in the foreground, mountains in the background, and a freight train powering up the grade, but almost dwarfed in the middle of the shot... even without the train, his photo could be in a "Majestic Rockies" calendar.  Maybe you chose a relatively bland photo purposely, so your final "Erik & Mike" vote would end the series in a tie? 

[fish1467]

I've enjoyed this serries alot and I'm going to miss both of your great photos.  I went with Erik this time; beautiful mountain shot.

Thanks guys,

Richard 

[emddd40x]

Hmm...Rockies vs Great Lakes.....Even though i'll be moving to the Great Lakes area in a month (Michigan), the Rocky Mountains will always have a place in my heart.  No matter what company is running a train through it.

Erik, were you standing in the water? or did you have a good zoom from the far bank?

I've always enjoyed y'alls pictures.  You work inspired me to sink the money in for a Digital Rebel XT last January.  Haven't had any time to go find the few rail fan spots in S. Calif though.  Maybe make some time before I move east.

Anybody know of some good spots along i-10 (LA, CA to San Antonio, TX) that I should keep my eyes (and camera) out for?

[dorfantiques]

Mike, you could have gone in the tank on this one and it wouldn't have mattered. Eric's view rates a place on next years UP Calendar...a GREAT shot!!!

[edblysard]

On their own credits....

Erik's wins my vote, for the following reasons.

It's unusual, taken for a different perspective.

It's a forceful image, and leaves nothing to the imagination; you can see what the train has to do.

The starkness sets the train off....the photo makes you realize most of the train tracks run through places people don't live.

 

Mike's shot, on the other hand, just leaves me wondering....it could be a posed builders shot in typical wedge format.

And I have looked through Mike's on line album, he does a lot better work than this...in fact, some of his bridge shots are by far some of the most interesting photos you will see out there.

 

Simply put, Erik's shot has action, Mike's appears static....

[CNW 6000]

I had to go with Eriks.  The shot was rugged, 'cold', and striking.  Here's this very powerful train easily dwarfed by a mighty mountain.  That pic reminded me of being in one's place in the world.

Dan,

I take a photo in your town and you vote for the other guy? Sheesh - I was certain you'd vote for mine!

 

 

Mike yours was neat but that perspective is something I've seen lots of times.  I like your composition and am flattered that you have 'wanted and needed' to get a shot from my hometown near that spot, one where I also shoot trains from.

Remember one of those weeks where you two were doing night shots and you had the CN 9549 (I think)?  I had to vote for you because I 'knew' that engine.  Don't feel bad!

[Anonymous]

Wow!! Erik, your final shot blows me away.. MAJESTIC!  truly one of the better shots I've seen you post on here.  You will be missed by us all,  and I for one look forward to your guest apperances hereon the column.  It just wont be the same without you two's bantering back & forth at each other.  Good luck in all your future endevours.

                                                         Rich

[jeaton]

I have a confession to make.  This is about the 75th consecutive installment where I have not cast a vote.  Call me indecisive if you must, but I will also say that I have read everyone of the introductions and re-caps for the series. Beside enjoying the banter between Eric and Mike (or Mike and Eric) and the fine photos, I have learned much about getting a good railroad shot.

Given the fact that the feature has been produced during "personal time", it has been a fine effort.  Even though I subscribe to Trains (and never miss buying Classic Trains of the bookstore magazine rack), I appreciate the effort as a bonus freebie.

Looking forward to other Trains staff making a contribution.

 Jay Eaton

[TOMinTN]

First, and most important, I really hate to see this series (in its present form) end...but am delighted that it will continue with a different lineup behind the lenses.

As for this weeks competition wrapup, I initially felt that I'd been suckered into a great scenery shot...after all, it's not the best train picture I've ever seen.  BUT...lo and behold...almost everyone else made the same choice.

Backtracking a bit, I almost picked the previous UP shot with a western backdrop, but couldn't resist the misty CN competition that week.

This time, the CN shot is a real plain-Jane (unlike the previous CN photo), and the UP mountain scene is truly spectacular. 

OK, I guess I voted for scenery, but I don't regret the choice.

Thanks to both of you for a great feature...and the friendly competition.  As a participant from the gitgo, I felt like I was a part of the mix, and enjoyed it as much as the two of you obviously did.

Happy holidays, and keep the great shots coming.

TJB - Nashville, TN

[lhtalbot]

WOW....this is one of the tough ones. I am unable to come up with a clear-cut vote. Both shots were well thought out. Many times I laid in wait at a "great shot" location, for me it usually meant no train, no pic. Both shots well done, & apparently not under optimal conditions.

Sorry guys, if it ends in a dead heat, I will vote.

Thanks to all who answered my camera query in last forum!

Larry in Wauwatosa

[blhanel]

Both shots are excellent again, as usual, which normally forces a coin-flip.  This time, however, Erik gets the sympathy vote.  Now if you'd submitted a shot from Cedar Rapids, Mike...

[swabrian]

I vote for Mike.  It's nice to see photography from the "flatlands."

[UnionPacificVic]

Two identical photos, basically.  But one has TEXTURE in spades.  Had to go with Eric's this week on that reason alone.  Both are basically builders poses, but the additional texture of the rocks and the mountains and the streams etc, is just too much to pass on when the other option is a gray day water level shot.

 Both are nice, but I go with the texture.  That's how I roll!

[IRONROOSTER]

My vote goes with Erik.  Both pictures are great, but the snow on the hills and foreground with the white water in the creek makes a beautiful setting.  I especially like the train not dominating the picture.

Enjoy

Paul 

[Bergie]

I had to go with Eriks.  The shot was rugged, 'cold', and striking.  Here's this very powerful train easily dwarfed by a mighty mountain.  That pic reminded me of being in one's place in the world.

Dan,

I take a photo in your town and you vote for the other guy? Sheesh - I was certain you'd vote for mine!

 

 

That'a boy, Dan. Thanks for the support!!!  

[mikeyuhas]

I had to go with Eriks.  The shot was rugged, 'cold', and striking.  Here's this very powerful train easily dwarfed by a mighty mountain.  That pic reminded me of being in one's place in the world.

Dan,

I take a photo in your town and you vote for the other guy? Sheesh - I was certain you'd vote for mine!

 

 

[CNW 6000]

I had to go with Eriks.  The shot was rugged, 'cold', and striking.  Here's this very powerful train easily dwarfed by a mighty mountain.  That pic reminded me of being in one's place in the world.

[CShaveRR]

My vote's going to Mike again this week (very sorry, Erik!).  I know I shouldn't be voting on the basis of which shot is more colorful, but--fortunately or unfortunately--that consideration offset any others (I do like the wild river better than the placid-looking lake) for me at this particular time.

[Modelcar]

....Mike's CN, lakeside shot gets my vote.  I find both photos equal in quality but the "train" seems almost camouflaged in Erick's photo rendition.  I don't like snow either.

[Bergie]

Hello! 

I just posted the final installment of Trackside with Erik and Mike in our section within the Railroad Reference area of TrainsMag.com.  Read Trackside with Erik and Mike Volume 80 to see our latest voting photos, some funny photos of Mike that I thought I'd share, and to learn about the new Trackside that's coming.

To vote for your favorite railroad photo, visit the top of the Trackside with Erik and Mike section on TrainsMag.com. Click here to vote.

Add your comments about this week's photos here.

Thanks!  Erik