Hello!
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 74.
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
Dan
CNW 6000 wrote:Where's the UP picture? I can't seem to find it anywhere.
Don't worry, Bergie will put it up in a moment. That's the trouble with having to generate content for Trains.com when faced with a hefty schedule of meetings.
In the meantime, please feel free to vote for the picture actually displayed
cpprfld wrote:Is there something missing like the other photo?
You guys are just too fast...
I keep pulling the starter rope but she just won't turn over. I think I've flooded it now. Guess I better fetch the ether. Is there a spark coming from that plug? Here, keep it held up against that metal while I pull the rope. Did you see a spark?
But seriously, just a little hiccup. Should be up in minute or two. In the meantime, as usually, don't follow Mike's instructions!
Bergie
It's all better now: Trackside Vol. 74.
Bergie wrote:...In the meantime, as usually, don't follow Mike's instructions! Bergie
HA! Listening wasn't one of my better skills anyway...thanks for putting up another good installment!
I voted Bergie this time 'round. It seemed like his shot focused on the equipment vs. the scenery. For me the equipment is why I like railfanning. Mike's shot is neat in it's own right...and it must be a bit hairy to operate a loco over that bridge when it's windy! I just like the "Comin' at ya!" aspect of Erik's shot.
I liked both shots again this week, but for whatever reason Erik's just grabbed me a little more, so that's the one I voted for. Another good installment though guys.
Noah
Erik and Mike, you both had great shots!! But, sorry Erik, I have to go with Mike's photo.
Both my grandfather and great-grandfather worked for L&N. So going with family pride/tradition, I'm voting for Mike's picture.
I found both entries this week to be pleasant but neither appealed to me much. After comparing the two numerous times, I decided that Erik's inclusion of the Sherman sign post justified selecting his photo for this contest's winning photo. I hope that all Canadian readers to the forum had an enjoyable Canada Day weekend and I wish all the US readers a safe and happy Independence Day!
In response to Erik's statement of Don't ever forget how lucky we are to have the freedom to pursue whatever interests us, like railroad photography! note that the New York Times published an article on Friday, June 29th, that New York City may seek a requirement for obtaining a permit and $1 million in liability insurance for many kinds of public photography. For details see http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/29/nyregion/29camera.html. Such a requirement would negatively impact forum readers abilities to take pictures of New York City subway and commuter trains and the infrastructure supporting those trains. While the intention may be to control professional film makers and photographers, the way the requirement is currently worded, it would also apply to the average railfan. Perhaps Trains can sponsor a petition that forum readers can sign by posting their opposition comments and Trains can send a copy to the City asking for wording that would allow railfans to continue the freedom to enjoy their hobby within New York City's boundaries.
Guys,
I liked both shots, both were good but you've done better. Went with CSX shot as we get alot of UP and North Central US railroad shots. It was great to see something closer to home and a railroad that practically passes my house.
Carl
Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)
CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)
I must go with Erik this week. As much as I like bridges, good old Sherman Hill always takes me back to the West. Sorry mike....but with me I can not even go with CSX.
.....This week, I like both shots about equally. Deciding point has to be subject material for me. That will give my vote to Erik. Simply, it has a bit of unusual info {for me}.....I didn't know the Transcon reached that high of elevation in crossing any of the mountain ranges.
Quentin
Don't much like CSX, but liked the esthetic qualities of the shot. Mikes the man
Bergie wrote: I keep pulling the starter rope but she just won't turn over. I think I've flooded it now. Guess I better fetch the ether. Is there a spark coming from that plug? Here, keep it held up against that metal while I pull the rope. Did you see a spark?
You just might have to explain all of that to the younger members....
Don't forget the screwdriver for the butterfly valve.
UP shot: crisp, clear, and all railroad in harsh, stark surroundings, with the nifty sign showing the uniqueness of the location.
CSX shot: interesting bridge, more of an 'artistic' feel to the image. And I really like the guy in the rowboat watching the train pass overhead. To me, that really reflected some of the awe we railfans sometimes experience when we watch trains.
If I were voying simply on the basis of trains, I might have gone with Erik's shot. However, Mike's shot is more of a complete photo. I voted for Mike's.
Mike: Could we see the next few shots in the sequence? There has to be a better one than the one posted. Went with Erik for the "feeling" more than anything. Neither shot was a prize winner.
Both good shots. Voted Mike's. WOW.....very close this time!
Larry in Wauwatosa
Living nearby to MP 186 of the UPRR Austin TX Sub
First of all, an early Happy 4th of July to everyone!
I like the theme for this week's vote: two different railroads from two different sides of the country! Erik's UP Sherman, Wyoming demonstrates two things, I think: 1.) it evokes a powerful "comin' at ya" feel; I get the sense that those engines are charging at full power, given that you can just see the downward slope of the grade along the length of those auto carriers. 2.) it is another example where the inclusion of trackside equipment enhances the photo: the marker sign, the signals, and the switch gear all give flavor to the context of the photo.
I must say, however, that the rural feel of Mike's CSX Philadelphia Sub photo caught me right from the beginning. Although distance can often take away from the detail, Mike's photo grabs just the right amount of distance that balances detail and a wider view of the lead consist. The river, the bare trees, and the fisherman all give it a very natural feel, coupled with the weathered age of the bridge. This greatly appealed to me, and so Mike's photo won my vote for this week.
- Bryan
Sorry about my brief, explanation-free comment of last night--I was in a foreign state (Michigan) on a foreign computer system (dial-up) that wouldn't let me get very much in before making the cursor disappear.
Anyway, I chose Mike's. Again, with the caveat that I'm not a photographer myself, I just liked it better--you can put a nice bridge into almost any shot and I'll go for it. Nothing wrong with Erik's photo, except--relatively speaking--the lack of a bridge!
Yawn....sorry but there is nothing interesting about either photo...again. Just the usual fare: long train, long lense...zzzzzzzzzzz. You guys need to dig deeper in your photo bags for something more creative. Spice up the composition, subjects, lighting, weather...something!!!!
Matt
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