Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 57

[espeefoamer]

I almost had to flip a coin on this one.They are both very good photos.Mike's was taken on a dreary day,and there is that tower in the background which nothing could be done about.Erik's was shot on a sunny day, but has a more distracting background.The first thing I noticed was that wall to the left of the train.Is that a retaining wall of some kind or the side of a building? Also the crossing flasher seems to be growing out of the side of the train.I liked the station,and the bright red loco,but after much thought and studying both photos several times,I voted for Mike's picture. I would have voted for both if I could.

[Anonymous]

I just posted the latest installment of Trackside with Erik and Mike in our new section within the Railroad Reference area of TrainsMag.com.

Read Trackside with Erik and Mike Volume 57

Voting for Trackside with Erik and Mike now occures at the top of the Trackside with Erik and Mike section. Click here to vote.

Please feel free to add your comments regarding this week's photos here.

Thanks, Erik

[CSX_road_slug]

Both excellent shots, but I chose Mike's because I like the sweeping curve and the heat waves from the exhaust.

[Willie4]

I cast my vote for Mike this time. Reasons are simple. I like the subject. There is some train in the photo. And the heat haze is a treat as with these newer cleaner locomotives that is about all we get.

One thing I would have done... remove the tower and relay station from the background. This is the joy of digital and we should take advantage of the tools we have.

-- Bill Keene
Irvine, CA

[espeefoamer]

I cast my vote for Mike this time. Reasons are simple. I like the subject. There is some train in the photo. And the heat haze is a treat as with these newer cleaner locomotives that is about all we get. One thing I would have done... remove the tower and relay station from the background. This is the joy of digital and we should take advantage of the tools we have. -- Bill Keene Irvine, CA

Altering the photo along the lines you mentioned is not,or at least should not, be allowed in this competition.