DM&IR from the 80's. Or is it?

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

Wondering what people think of this here photo. I tried to incorporate numerous things to make this scene accurate; actual Missabe safety glasses, actual Missabe hard hat, obviously two Missabe engines, and appropriate clothing and paperwork. During the shoot (just myself and the other guy doing the shooting and acting ourselves) I wasnt as pleased with it but once I blew it up I think I am pretty darn happy with it. What do you think? Does it pass the test if you didnt know it was a recent picture? I am one of the people who really hates fakey, gimmicky shots of people posted in ridiculous situations, i.e guy holding lantern with a blank stare in front of steam engine, guy in a carharrt on steam engine, etc. I really tried to replicate a Missabe conductor who, knowing he has a long night ahead of him, gets that weary look as he is told they will be waiting for another train. The hostler on the other hand is fully prepared for a long wait and has his feet kicked back and a cigar blazing away. I know the Trainmaster who worked Two Harbors back then and im sure he wouldnt have minded the cigar being smoked.

Click to enlarge!

2

Pretty decent. I’m no radio expert - did they have those Motorolas back in the 80s?

The only thing I see that is a little off, is how bright the other engine cab is. Most hoggers I’ve worked with never turned on the overhead light unless they had to read something. (company related, of course…). You also look just a little too clean. I know, some railroaders were good at keeping clean, but I never learned the secrets.

I do agree with the fake shots though. I guess everyone in the olden days spent their time polishing headlights.

Still, a hell of a lot better than I could ever do, that’s for sure.

3

With the second person neatly framed, it obviously looks posed, but in an O. Winston Link sort of pose, I don’t know if that is the effect you were after, but it is really an interesting photo.

4

I’ve never worked for a railroad, but I think you’ve captured the mood. One thing I would suggest is to subdue the colors. Also, I think it would look great in black-and-white.