Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 58

[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?...

[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?

[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! :)

[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

[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.

[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]

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]

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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[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Poppa_Zit]

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.

 

Yeah, Bergie, go get 'im! S'bout time you fired back.

Re: winnepegtrainguy --

I second what Bergie said. Put 'em up for all to see, and be judged yourself just as you have passed judgement on others ... or stick a sock in it. I'm a professional photographer, so I'll be more than happy ... on Bergie's behalf ... to critique your work. As I'm sure will be a loooooooong line of others here.

PopZ

 

[Bergie]

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.

 

[winnipegtrainguy]

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?

[Anonymous]

I like so many others went with photo #1..  The ladder in the middle-ground area, the condition of the rails, this all shows a hardworked marshalling yard. Then having had the luck of the Road Diesels come through on the mains at the rear of the photo just added to an already excellent shot.  The solar panels powering the throws just adds yet another dimension to railroading.  I couldnt bring myself to vote for photo #2 due to all the "non-railroad" distractions.. (ie) the tractor, the scraped area etc... made it seem like the start of yet another housing area going up on the edge of the lines, causing more complaints about railroad "noise" 

[spbed]

Actually in RR speak what your pix showed is a known as a "ladder"/. IMHO your pix won hands down

 

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 58

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 add your comments regarding this week's photos here.

Thanks, Erik

 

[NYC]

Line up of switches literally rocks.  Great shot of train coming into the yard.

[Anonymous]

I think that the technical quality of both photos is excellent.  However, #1 is just much more stimulating, visually, and got my vote.  The lines of switches/photo cell poles and the curviness of the side tracks is great.

David

[Anonymous]

I miss the banter!  What's with That? You two have a squabble?

 

(and I voted for #1 - Love those Switches and Tracks with the Engines rounding the bend!)

[fuzzybroken]

As has been mentioned before, Photo 1 has a lot more geometry in it that really adds interest.  The dozer is interesting, but doesn't quite fit into Photo 2 -- the shot could have been better-composed.  And, the photo is a bit too light for my tastes, should have been darkened a bit before posting!

As usual, great shots guys.  I'm not gonna be too nosy and look at whose shot is whose, but I'll find out when the results come in.  Though I do have some sneaking suspicions...

[walthuston]

Guys,

As much as I loathe the UP, the yard switch photo has way more RR infrmation and interest than the dozer photo.

Walt

[Chris Owens]

Nothing beats an old SD-45.My vote is for # 2

[Poppa_Zit]

Great idea to do these "anonymous." Now members who are mad at Bergie for deleting their posts can't get even.

Anyway, photo 1 has a tremendous geometric influence, plus the timing of placing the locomotive where it is makes it near-brilliant. Good use of telephoto lens to gain compression. It really works in this photo by emphasizing your focal point. I like photos that speak to me like this one.

On the other hand, photo 2 says "America is still a land on the move." It has a rough-hewn feeling, of hardworking men with calloused hands continuing to build and progress and grow a great nation on their backs. The gritty locomotives backing a big yellow diggy-thing really work well to convey this concept.   

Anyway, it was a very tough decision, but I liked Mike's photo and that's how I voted.

Note to Mike: Next time you go anonymous, clear the file information. Those of us with industrial-strength PS are nosy when it comes to mysteries.    

[mikeyuhas]

I probably don't need to mention this, but just in case... click the images for the larger versions.

[lhtalbot]

Never mind.....I know you can't amswer without revealing the photographer.

Also, I just figured out where you were.

At first glance it appears the engine is coming at you, but a closer inspection reveals it is on the main. There is no track between the line of switches & the engine. Great shot.

Larry

[lhtalbot]

Had to go with #1. That loader is downright ugly & sure takes away from the train. Butler used to be a great trains photo location. They ruined it with that chain link fence on both sides of the Hampton Ave bridge. Were you facing north for that shot?

Larry in Wauwatosa

[Rocket Man]

Thank you for leaving the photos anonymous! I hope we find out next week that both photos were taken by the same person! This will make voting more objective IMHO.

The compressed tele photo of the yard is the BOMB! Love it... if someone gave an assignment and said take the most interesting shot of a yard, that may the best you could find. Great perspective of the switches and good use of zoom to compress them and stack that UP loco on them!

[mandelswamp]

This was a tough vote because I liked both pictures.  Picture 2 was a beautiful shot of the leading CN engine and the dirty bulldozer added interest.  However, I decided to vote for picture 1 because it was an unusual view that I feel was wonderfully executed.