It was nice to see some work from some of the forum denizens with the bridges post, so how about a thread for this week’s competition – B&W?
Here’s my offering. This is one of my favorite B&W shots that I’ve ever taken. Sadly, it’s one that won’t ever be possible again. For starters, the Ski Train is long gone and attempts to resurrect it were quashed by Amtrak. Union Station is also getting a major makeover, and I don’t know that this angle will be possible when it’s all said and done. Finally, it seems like it never snows in Denver anymore (or only does so while I’m out of town…grumble), so even that aspect of the photo has gotten harder to capture. Nevertheless, all three items came together on a March night back in 2009 for me:
B&W’s aren’t easy. I know a lot of railfans just like to convert lousily colored photos to B&W, but it never works. I’ve tried many. Very few look decent.
Then there’s the steam shots. To me, that is just too cliche. I think I showed this one before in some capacity, but anyhow:
Oh why not… here’s one I always liked from 10 years ago or so.
You guys are confirming something I’ve thought about for awhile. The best train B&W shots are in less than perfect weather conditions. I especially dig your rainy shot, Zug.
That’s what makes a good photo for me - you are “in” the picture. The pictures from the forum - even the b/w (not usually my favorite) would be a real challenge to vote. They are all so great - to choose just one would be to eliminate some excellent shots.
Glad we are not voting on these! Just enjoying!
Crandell - is that a class J engine? They look smaller when static like that. Were they a smaller, sleeker engine?
MP - First step is to find a site to host your picture. I’m pretty sure any of the popular photo sites will do.
Step two is to click on the “insert photo” icon in the toolbar above the text area. That’ll ask you for the URL (address) for your photo. Again, the photo sites often offer the URL for sharing. If not, just copy and paste the URL from the address bar at the top your browser.
Another possible option is to right click on the image and select “properties.” That will display the URL for the image.
I still use the “img” tags, but the forum software tends to format the URL like a link, so I have to go in and modify the HTML. Not a task for the weak of heart.
If I missed something, I’m sure someone will chime in.
Mookie, it is a Canadian Pacific Railway Selkirk, the largest steamer used in the British Commonwealth. It’s Whyte designation is 2-10-4, which many American roads knew as the “Texas type”. This beast sits, caged as you can see, at the entrance to Heritage Park in SW Calgary, AB.
Crandell
If I don’t get chastised, I’ll include a model view of the same engine on my last layout. Sunset Model HO scale with QSI sound decoder.
I feel I should add another ‘entry’. This is of the ex-CN 2-8-0 currently run by the Kamloops Heritage Railway Society’s excursions. The occasion was Canadian Thanskgiving in early October, 2007, just before the run for the fall colours to Armstrong, BC. We were running tender first in reverse on the way back from Armstrong that afternoon and collided with a hay wagon towed by a five ton dumptruck at an uncontrolled crossing. The engineman had been blowing the whisle, but buddy must have been listening to local radio or something.
