Trains.com

TrainsMag.com Reader Poll – January 26, 2004

5895 views
50 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: Louisville, KY
  • 9,002 posts
Posted by cherokee woman on Sunday, February 8, 2004 5:00 PM
Originally posted by locomutt

Perfect Summer days are geneally just that.PERFECT
Winter snowstorms are really fasinating to see.
In the winter you really get a chance to see first hand
what the road and equipment are up against. Could
be trackside in a picturesque spot, a yard, a highway
crossing,or just on the road, mabe pulling a 1% grade.
Just use your imagination in whatever you see,or want
to see.

Sure summers are nice(warmer too) but for picture
taking WINTER is the only way to go.
Although cherokee woman preffers summer.


[:D]Locomutt sure knows me WELL (as well he should after 17 years of wedded bliss). I do enjoy railfanning more in spring & summer when it is warmer outside. But railfanning in winter does have it's advantages also.

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, February 8, 2004 4:00 PM
What happen to fall? Nothing can top it in the east.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: US
  • 219 posts
Posted by PistolPete on Saturday, February 7, 2004 8:47 PM
During a snow storm in Colorado would be perfect.
"Model Railroading is a great pastime, BUT SOCCER IS A WAY OF LIFE" Enjoy Life Pistol Pete
  • Member since
    July 2002
  • From: Stevens Point
  • 436 posts
Posted by AlcoRS11Nut on Friday, February 6, 2004 6:30 PM
Bring on the cold!!!!!!!!!!! I live right by railroad tracks and I run out with out a jacket in January, and the wind chill is -10, just to get a winter shot of a SD90MAC or a GP38-2. This last time the engineer slid open the window and yelled "your nuts!" Half laughing. I just thought to my self, yup! My parents think I have Anti-Freeze for blood.
I love the smell of ALCo smoke in the Morning. "Long live the 251!!!" I miss the GBW and my favorite uncle is Uncle Pete. Uncle Pete eats Space Noodles for breakfast.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, February 5, 2004 4:47 PM
I'd have to say a winter snow storm when a trian can prove its real power. plus when you live in Wisconsin you just can't resist the outdoors no matter what the conditions.[C=:-)]
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Lancashire - UK
  • 74 posts
Posted by oubliette on Thursday, February 5, 2004 5:29 AM
Lighting in winter can be so dramatic making for moodier pictures, downside is that it's so cold and batteries never last as long in cameras.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 1:32 PM
I voted for summer but sure enjoy ALL pictures in print and videos. San Diego is having GREAT weather today! Love those images in print and video anytime. All seasons are great, just like God created them. PTL!
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, February 2, 2004 10:13 PM
winter snow storm or a cold winter day as there is nothing like the picture of 3 feet of snow large banks to give a portrait look but then that could be the Canadian in me as we get at least 3 months of this
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, February 1, 2004 7:54 PM
I don't know what it is but theres nothing like catching a good photo of a locomotive with its lights gleaming off of the snow flakes in the evening hours. Day time is just as good though , Catching those big brutes covered in snow rummbling on through the storm with their freight in tow. Although I'd have to admit , Summer is very nice .....But ....."TIS THE SEASON"
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, February 1, 2004 8:49 AM
I voted for a Winter Snow storm picture. There is something special about standing outside in the cold snow filled air, watching a steam or diesel train blowing through the snow covered rails. I remember as a youth my first experience watching a PRR GG-1 rolling past the station at Trenton, New Jersey, and how beautiful she looked on that Christmas Day back in 1958.

Take care all, and remember, keep your wheels on the rails.

Tom [:D]
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 31, 2004 9:50 PM
i voted for winter since i live at the base of of the blue mountains and i have taken photos all during the year i think winter gives you more options
  • Member since
    September 2002
  • From: Rockton, IL
  • 4,821 posts
Posted by jeaton on Saturday, January 31, 2004 9:05 PM
Lawman-Erie, PA

At age 17, I left the family farm to live, go to school and work in the much warmer climes of Chicago.[banghead][banghead]

Now, later in life I have come back to Southern Wisconsin. [banghead][banghead][banghead][banghead] One more winter like this and my wife are leaving this[censored][censored] place.

I'll only take winter photos of mainline steam in the Hawian Islands.



"We have met the enemy and he is us." Pogo Possum "We have met the anemone... and he is Russ." Bucky Katt "Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future." Niels Bohr, Nobel laureate in physics

  • Member since
    November 2002
  • From: North Central Washington
  • 9 posts
Posted by douglasm on Saturday, January 31, 2004 10:06 AM
I've got too many summer photos now. At this point, i'll drag out the camera for a trip to Skykomish in a blizzard before Stevens Pass in summer. A good winter photo is a challenge, a summer one is a piece of cake.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 31, 2004 6:56 AM
I've lived on the east coast all my life, the older I get the harder it is for me to be out in the cold and snow. I used to LOVE the wintertime, but now, I'll take the summer heat and all. [:D]
  • Member since
    March 2001
  • From: Blooington, IN
  • 118 posts
Posted by JoeUmp on Saturday, January 31, 2004 12:28 AM
My choice is for the spring. Here in southern IN you can get the phercynthias, red buds and some times the dogwoods blooming together for a short two or three days where the leaves are just starting to show their green. Very pretty.

Joe
  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 17 posts
Posted by loopmaster on Friday, January 30, 2004 6:06 PM
anybody that says they enjoy being out in the cold is nuts
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, January 29, 2004 9:34 PM
I have spent most of my 57 years in Erie, PA. Right now it's in the single digits, my snow blower has operated daily since right after Christmas, my furnace is working overtime for the gas company-this question is a no-brainer. THe only ones who would vote for winter probably have never had to live in winter conditions all their life. Sorry to rain on your parade winter voters-but the fire has gone out in your firebox-in other words you're all nuts!! Have a great Day!!!!!
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Smoggy L.A.
  • 10,743 posts
Posted by vsmith on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 6:56 PM
Oh come on guys, just stand out in the freezing cold, let your legs ice up until it reaches your elbows and you dont need a tripod, cause , you ARE the tripod!

Come on, I'm in California and even I dont like the cold...

   Have fun with your trains

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Wednesday, January 28, 2004 10:51 AM
Age is catching up with me. I used to enjoy shooting pictures in the dead of winter, but it's getting harder and harder to get through winter.
The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    May 2002
  • From: US
  • 24 posts
Posted by ralphb on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 9:39 PM
While summer is easier, and my wife prefers it, a snowstorm offers more dramatic impact and more challenge. It's also a good idea to bring a scanner and a Thermos of hot coffee.
[;)]
  • Member since
    November 2003
  • From: West Coast
  • 4,122 posts
Posted by espeefoamer on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 9:00 PM
I really prefer photography in the spring.Around here,the hills are only green for a few weeks in April and May.The rest of the year, they are an ugly brown.
Ride Amtrak. Cats Rule, Dogs Drool.
  • Member since
    May 2002
  • From: New Jersey
  • 318 posts
Posted by joecool1212 on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 8:58 PM
I love this weather and i'm a boater. Trains are good all year long and in the winter you dont have to worry about sweating all over the camara. Joe
  • Member since
    January 2001
  • 33 posts
Posted by The Block House on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 7:25 PM
Summer brings heat, bugs, snakes and stickers. Yes it is cold in winter but none of the above
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 4:48 PM
I prefer the summer time over now because it it 10% outside and a about foot of snow on the ground now. Raillayer
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Aurora, IL
  • 4,515 posts
Posted by eolafan on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 1:44 PM
At first I thought "What a really dumb question", but after some thought I believe the answer is that any day is a good day to watch trains, any time anywhere! Although, I must admit that I am a comfort freak and really like nice warm (not hot) days with a lawn chair and my scanner with some friends watching trains (while likely breathing some diesel fumes and smelling brake smoke). RAILFANNING FOREVER!
Eolafan (a.k.a. Jim)
  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 23 posts
Posted by nkp779 on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 1:37 PM
The perfect Summer day would be the best but then their are not all that many perfect days in the summer that I can do that. But on the other hand a winter storm may make an instresting photo shoot as well if u can brave the elements.
Have fun and hope yo get that perfect shot.
Be safe.
Rick
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 1:07 PM
What about the fall? As any real railfan will tell you, fall is the best time to photograph trains.
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,820 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 10:23 AM
As long as it's outside and Mr. Sun is allowing me the shots I want, I don't care what time of year it is. You need all 4 seasons, not some warped world where its spring or summer all year round. Having worked this year in 106 degree/92% humidity, I'll take winter as a whole (Tornados or Blizzards, you still avoid 'em) [swg]

[banghead][banghead][banghead]
Mudchicken Nothing is worth taking the risk of losing a life over. Come home tonight in the same condition that you left home this morning in. Safety begins with ME.... cinscocom-west
  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Kenosha, WI
  • 6,567 posts
Posted by zardoz on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 10:17 AM
Not really an answer to the poll, but rather a hearty WELCOME to all the new posters.

brtrains
model_train_fan
dickk
dalin
tilecki
stevdel
lawrence2
chuchubobnv
Peter B. Sawyer
txrona

Welcome!

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy