Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 74

[gemotor]

Well, it's Erik's shot this week.  I thought I recognized Sherman even before reading the sign.  Besides the diesels, I have several shots of 844 at Sherman as well.  But, to the photos, the lighting, the composition, and the excitement of the approaching train made Erik's shot live.  Still, just a bit less foreground might make it better.  I liked Mike's locale, with winter still reigning in the leafless trees, but too bad it was a "noon in June" kind of shot.  The light was just too high in the sky to get nice color off the sides of the locomotives.  I realize that the lack of traffic makes it hard to get choosy, but still, I wouldn't hang it in my train room.  Ah well, if I had been there, I would have taken the shot anyway.  Good photos this week, gentlemen.  Thanks for your efforts.

[Anonymous]

Good day railfans, I had to go with Mike's CSX shot going over the trestle.. much more "artsy" shot that the UP train.  Yes the UP was at a very interesting location, but thats all you can say for it besides the fact it was crystal clear. The CSX shot on the other hand had many things going for it.. the trestle.. the sky in the backround.  the river below, even the fisherman (who I missed on my first viewing also)  good work guys!

[edalsie]

I've got to go with the Eastern shot . . . they are just too rare here. Although a touch of cropping may have helped, I think the height is emphasized as it is. Looking again, a little wider actually to show the right-hand bridge a tad more would be nice.

[UnionPacificVic]

I voted for Eric's picture.  Something about the historical setting kind of reeled me in, that and the switch stand with no target on it!.  Mike, your picture was good, but would have been better (1) in the fall, and (b) a little more tighly cropped.  Get closer to the bridge next time.  I would have loved to have been able to see your fisherman without the use of the Hubble Telescope!

[mandelswamp]

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.

[Rocket Man]

Both equally nice shots for different reasons guys. I am sorry to say that neither diesel photo really tripped my trigger much, but I am still on a high from riding three different steam engines on three different excursions in four days!!! (just had to rub it in a little)

[cherokee woman]

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.  

[Noah Hofrichter]

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

[CNW 6000]

...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.

[Bergie]

It's all better now: Trackside Vol. 74.

Bergie

[Bergie]

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

[mikeyuhas]

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]

Is there something missing like the other photo?

[CNW 6000]

Where's the UP picture?  I can't seem to find it anywhere.

[Bergie]

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