Trackside with Trains.com, Vol. 111: "City scene"

[alsorailfan]

 The city argument can go on forever!  Anyways, Bergie got my vote simply for the 'dramatic' back ground, some color for the foreground and the clean crispness of it all.  And yes, I've noticed in many videos and pictures that yards are being more or less kept clean.  (This could be an interesting contest-clean vs. dirty yards..)  And in Aaron's defense, what overpass doesn't have a billboard on it??  Even though the ads themselves evolve over the years along with the engines/rolling stock hence making it easy to date the scene, that it's a Coke advertisment gives it more or less of a timeless feeling.

[Bergie]

Thanks for sharing, wanswheel. Great stuff! And thanks to everyone for your comments and lively discussion. Erik

[wanswheel]

Compare Bergie's picture of Chicago Board of Trade Building

http://www.trains.com/trn/objects/images/bnsf-yard-chicago-sears-tower.jpg

with pictures of Chicago Board of Trade Building before Sears.

http://www.railpictures.net/images/d1/1/6/9/7169.1041994380.jpg

http://www.railpictures.net/images/d1/9/5/4/2954.1223356173.jpg

http://www.railpictures.net/images/d1/0/2/7/9027.1182812400.jpg

http://www.railpictures.net/images/d1/7/3/0/8730.1233848617.jpg

http://photoswest.org/photos/00002501/00002550.jpg

http://photoswest.org/photos/00013501/00013583.jpg

[henry6]

I am still sticking with Eric...but some of the posts here do make a lot of sense.  "What is a city?" is a good question.  I worked in the City of Cortland, NY..20,000 people with no metropolitan area; I am now in Binghamton, NY, less than 50,000 but a larger, almost 300,000 metropolitan area; but I was born in New York City and grew up in Metropolitan NJ.  My real definition of a city is New York.  Or Chicago.  That is why I picked Eric's shot.  However, further, I would suggest a shot of a passenger terminal throat, mass transit, clogged highways, masses of people, and huge skylines would have done more to portray the city-metropolitan-urban railroad scene.

[edblysard]

Toss up between Erik and Drew...

The only draw back to Erik's shot, besides the standard "city scape" background is that the yard is way too clean...looks like someone swept the ballast and posed the switcher...

Drew's shot,, at least for me, says "in the city"...which, considering I work at a railroad that winds between refineries and blue collar neighborhoods, the outer edge of my city, and down in the docks, it struck me as more close to the subject....trains in this setting do seems to pop out from between warehouses and oddly shaped bridges.

The rest of the shots are more postcard photos, these two said "train" more than the rest, and for me, Drew's shot said "in the city" more that Erik's.

[cx500]

 For once I felt all the shots conformed quite well with the theme, even if sprawling suburbia is not my favorite part of a city. Ultimately I went with Kathi's, since the background buildings show the wonderful variety and density of industrial buildings typically found (and probably once served) by the railroads in the heart of the city.  Erik's came a close second, but the emphasis was primarily on the switcher with the city was rather secondary.  It was a nice portrait though.

 John

[lotech_mech]

[squeeze]

I can see I'm a little late getting to the comments. Most of what I picked up on are already mentioned, but here goes:

Erik> Firtst impression was "Is this a MSTS shot? Then after expanding shot it came to be a lot nicer. The smaller photo gave a Train Simulator impression. (Third Place.)

Kathi>Good composition, as usual, and I agree that red on white is getting old (So is this winter) (Second Place.)

Aaron>Great elevated shot and had me going for you till I saw the billboard.

Drew>Interesting shot, but is this a shoe polish ad with a bridge and engine in it? Engine needed highlighted more, that's my opinion, FWIW.

Andy> Looked the most familiar with me, as I'm not in any great big city. One thing I did notice is that none of the flashing lights are lit. Is this typical? I never noticed before, but do all the lights flash at the same time, and Andy just happened to get it when none were lit? (First Place.)

Thanks,

Jim

[highgreen]

The competition was good, but I went with Aaron's shot. I liked that bridge over a city street, captured with the lead CN unit just crossing it. It really says "urban" to me. (Imagine the dramatic nighttime possibilities at that location.) The buildings in the background are impressive, too. What really did it for me, though - of all things - was that outdoor ad billboard blocking one of the locomotives. Its size and mounting remind me of the green-bordered billboards of the '50s. Getting an urban rail shot back then often meant having at least one of those big posters in the frame. So there... And I'm proud to stand with the minority vote!

[Partsman_ba]

C'mon Tom, we know all you journalist types have huge salaries and only have to write for maybe one day per issue, leaving you all the time in the world to traipse off to Outer Montania for those awesome shots!

[tdanneman]

Since I’m not in the contest this time, I feel it’s my responsibility to make some comments that are probably worth less than 2 cents. In my opinion, Erik’s shot went with the theme the best. Chicago is definitely the railroad capital, and nothing says “city scene” like Chicago’s impressive skyline. I must also give Andy grief since he gave it to me before the contest even began. I recall he said something to the effect of “What are you going to use for the contest this time? A photo with the skyline of Bozeman?” Well, buddy boy, I don’t see much of a skyline in your photo either. But wait! I do see a crane in the background, could they be building a skyscraper in Waukesha? Nah, probably another Walgreens. It is a nice shot, and as many have already discussed, the definition of a city can be interpreted in many ways. That’s the idea behind all of the themes. It’s fun to see how each photographer views them. I also commend Drew for getting out to shoot with the subject in mind. Most of the time, we pull photos from our collections that fit the theme. While many of the photos that we use in the competition are taken in our local area of local railroads, keep in mind that most of them are taken on our own time, using our own money to get there. So while we would all love to travel on someone else's dime to exotic places to shoot trains, that’s just not the case. Remember, we are participating in the contest on our own personal time, and we want it to be fun (and maybe sometimes enlightening) for you guys as well. We really do appreciate the participation and the comments we receive.

[zardoz]

PacificElectric9

No vote this week cuz I find it absurd that aside from a background glimpse of Metra in Erik Bergstom's shot no urban transit or commuter operations are represented; the REAL city scenes.

To me, REAL city scenes involve rolls of yellow tape stretched across a front lawn, or around the outside of a bar across a few body bags. Also to be included would be a few bums, prostitutes, gang graffiti, drug pushers, weirdos, and corrupt politicians--now THAT would be a real city scene (at least in any city large enought to warrant a transit system or commuter rail).

[CShaveRR]

I'm a (transplanted) Chicagoan--what can I say?  I didn't vote for Erik's the first time, so I'll do it now.

[LU-Trains]

 I’m not sure I really have a favorite this week.
But let’s give it a shot.

Erik:  Switcher setting still, railroad guy obviously sleeping between shifts, Big Tall Building in the background.  Says: Big City Still Life - not so exciting..

Kathi:  Red Engine, Snow, Urban sprawl.  Most distinctive landmark: Pirate flag in background.  Says: Arrrrrrr, Maties!  Where’s my parrot!?!

Aaron:  City overpass.  Lots of Red and White in Engines.  No traffic.  Says:  Wait a minute!  Is that a COKE sign!?!  I thought Milwaukee was a beer place?  I’m so confused.  (Sidenote:  Aaron has a great photo website - everyone should visit it.)

Drew:  Nothing says “City” to me more than a Shoe Polish Factory and an Amtrak engine nose.  Question - If it sees it’s shadow, does that mean 6 more months of government subsidies?

and finally,

Andy:  Suburbia.  Union Pacific - a horse of a different color.  No tall buildings in sight, but highway traffic piling up and 90% of those drivers thinking exactly the SAME thing . . . . “Crap!  Why couldn’t this be the END of the train!?!”

Me?  I usually get out, stand beside my car, and revel in the moment as the cars go rumbling by!  I LOVE IT!  Andy gets my vote!

[Choo Choo Aussie]

It was a hard one between Eric and Andy.  Eric certainly had the tall city buildings but not much train. I liked the busy scene of Andys.  To me that is what it looks like when a train is passing through city suburban areas.  The others were also good but for me Andy's stood out the most.  I voted for Andy's. 

Julie

[DadH]

Went with Andy's photo as it is a CITY scene viewed quite regulaly throughout America in cities of all sizes -- skyscrapers not-withstanding. My city (500K+) butts against a legally recognized CITY of one square mile area and a few thousand persons -- and the RR runs through both (though they have a "yard" (LOL) here!!

Bergie's photo was great but a "yard" is a "yard" is a "yard" ... unless you're here!

"Trust GOD, but have a back-up plan".

[lhtalbot]

First, let me put in my vote. I voted Erik's Chicago shot because it is a great shot. I love vertical shots because they are hard to do especially with a railroad type theme. We actually had 2 verts this week, but I thought Erik's was a clear winner overall.

Now, let me comment on the comments. I was surprised when Waukesha was dissed as a city, but when even Milwaukee was relegated to a suburb, I was really surprised. Everyone has a right to their own opinion, but sometimes you have to stick up for your own!  Milwaukee IS a city & believe it or not, there are still some good places to get railroad shots. Sometimes you just have to be a little more creative.

Nice vol everybody, thanks

Larry in Wauwatosa (also listed as a city)

[Ken101]

I thought that Eric's Chicago shot was clearly the best, but I didn't vote for it because it is recycled. I would like to see only unused photos in the contest. So, I voted for Kathi's red on white beautifully composed shot. If we want to bring back previous winners, how about and All-Star competition among previous winners? Kenk

[Partsman_ba]

PacificElectric9

No vote this week cuz I find it absurd that aside from a background glimpse of Metra in Erik Bergstom's shot no urban transit or commuter operations are represented; the REAL city scenes.

 

You know what, I was going to make some snide comment about needing hydroencephalitic banjo pickers in the "real country" format for next week, but you are right, PacificElectric9!  Why didn't anyone submit a transit or commuter action shot?

[selector]

Erik, I can happily say that you (finally) have my vote.

My first process is to look at each thumb, top to bottom, and then to open each one, bottom to top.  I actually dismissed yours outright during the thumb reading.   But, being a good soldier, I made sure I wasn't leaving anything undone or unseen.  When I got back to yours, it popped hugely.

So, my compliments.

I think I understand the observation, above, about no transit being represented.  Still, rails is rails, and what was offered this week for our judgment meets the common definitions.  I also understand that the noun "city" means different things to different people.  I live in a stretched country with tons of space and comparatively few people.  A populated centre with more than 20,000 people counts as a city in some places.  I live in twin communities totalling 50,000 which we delight in calling a city.  Yet our only rail traffic consists of a dialy VIA RDC and the occasional small local freight.

-Crandell

[PacificElectric9]

No vote this week cuz I find it absurd that aside from a background glimpse of Metra in Erik Bergstom's shot no urban transit or commuter operations are represented; the REAL city scenes.

[Partsman_ba]

TOMinTN

I don't usually comment on the comments, but after scoping out the rest of the remarks I was a little surprised to find that the definition of "city" had a great deal to do with influencing those who voted and offered opinions.

To me, a city can be almost any size.  I grew up in a community of just over 1,000 that was chartered as a city, so maybe that's why I wasn't necessarily looking for high rise office towers.

TJB / Nashville

 

Thank you.

Although, if someone would have got a shot of a high rise office tower on a flatbed, I probably would have had to vote for it. 

[TOMinTN]

I don't usually comment on the comments, but after scoping out the rest of the remarks I was a little surprised to find that the definition of "city" had a great deal to do with influencing those who voted and offered opinions.

To me, a city can be almost any size.  I grew up in a community of just over 1,000 that was chartered as a city, so maybe that's why I wasn't necessarily looking for high rise office towers.

TJB / Nashville

[kicksvette]

The theme is CITY not suburbs. Those of us south of the Cheddar Curtain seem to think of Milwaukee as just another outlying suburb like Rockford or Kankakee or Gary or... Besides, when you can use the nation's tallest building as a backdrop for both freight and commuter on Amtrak property, it speaks of what happens in the wolrd's greatest railroad City.

Bergie got my vote even if he did pull out a rerun. This is now the second time I've voted for this shot.

 Kicks

St Charles IL

[TOMinTN]

Should I be honest?

Sure, why not?

None of the submissions really did much for me, but Andy's had the most interesting composition so it got my vote.

When I saw the "city scene" theme I really expected a commuter run in Chicago,  Los Angeles, or maybe the Miami area...but nothing of that ilk showed up. 

Now, I'll look at the comments that have been posted and see if anyone else shared my opinion.

TJB / Nashville, TN

[Partsman_ba]

Thought Erik's was beautiful, but just didn't do it for me. Kathi's and Aaron's gave me the same kind of feeling. Drew's suffers from underexposure of the focal point - nice frame, dark loco. Then, I saw Andy's shot, and realized what was missing for me in the other shots - the bustle and activity of a city surrounding the train.  Not sure why some don't think it fits, as the theme wasn't "Urban w/Skyscrapers Scene."

[espeefoamer]

Erik's fine shot got my vote.The BNSF switcher with Sears Tower in the background shouts "city". The Metra car balances the photo nicely. Arron,too bad about that billboard.Without that the choice would have been tougher.

[zardoz]

Thanks, everyone (except Erik) for the tour of the Milwaukee area.

Aaron had a nice shot except for the billboard.

Drew's was too tightly zoomed.

Andy's was all about sprawl.

Kathi's was nice, but it lacked something.

Erik's shot was iconic.  There was no doubt as to where he was. He got my vote.

[Anonymous]

I voted for Erik as well. I like how the buildings are included in the frame, and not cut off. Just one note: Railroads never played any "roll" in making Chicago, they did however, play a "role" in the same.

I also like Kathi's shot. Red locomotives in snow do look good (and there's been enough of a break from them that I might consider voting for a shot of one) and the shot is well composed and full of color, but the skyscrapers in Erik's shot won out today. Definetely my second choice, though.

Aaron's shot was nice except for that billboard. It just cut off too much of the train for my liking. Nice shot otherwise though. My third choice.

I liked how the P42 was peeking around that corner in Drew's shot, but the cropping is a bit too tight in my opinion. Also, the loco is in shadow, something that couldn't be helped of course, but it does make a big difference in my mind. My fifth choice.

Andy's shot is good as well (it looks like somewhere other than WI though!) but it doesn't exactly fit the theme. My fourth choice.

Very nice entries, all!