In our online feature, Trackside with Erik and Mike, Trains.com staff members Erik Bergstrom and Mike Yuhas go trackside and share their photo results with you. In each installment, we’ll include let our users vote on who got the best shot. Read this week’s installment.
Please vote and then share your comments.
I like Erik’s photo better this time. I like how he got the train coming and the signal.
I voted for Eric. The diesel haze is pretty cool looking to me. I like the framing of the signals too.
Two very nice pics, and a very tough decision. I like the angle and motive power of Mike’s shot. I decided to vote for bergie’s shot, though. Although you can’t see the second locomotive very much, I like the unique angle, and the exhaust coming out of the stacks as it lugs those doublestacks, around. Both had great pics again!
This was a tough one in my opinion. I liked the angle and haze from Erik’s, but there was just something about Mike’s that was very eye-catching. It basically came down to a coin toss in my mind. My vote is for Mike this week.
Both are excellent! Tough one! I voted for Mike because you can see both locos and a good part of the train.
This is the first time I’m participating in this photo competition. I’ve chosen Eriks photo because in my eyes it has a more dramatic appearance then Mikes 3/4 shot. (no offence Mike) I like the way the way the exhaust blurs the back of the train coming around the curve in contrast to the sharp image in the foreground. The signal adds to the viewing interest of the picture as well. Great shot Erik!!
I have to go with Erik this time around. The cool heat distortion effect, the line side singals, unmatched air conditioning unit, ability to see the train crews and the height of the photo location all add up to winner in my opinion. I do like Mike’s photo though as we can see an uncommon SD45 on the point and the lovely WC paint scheme as well as the CN stenciled trailing unit.
Although the exhaust plumes distorted the cars behind, they also displayed the effect of power in motion. I liked Mike’s photo also but it was much more subdued.
I had to go with Mike’s shot this week, for one reason: shadows. In Erik’s shot, I can tell it is a beautiful sunny afternoon elsewhere, but the train was shot in the shade; a mistake in my opinion. I’m honestly not a fan of cloudy day shots either, but you have to take what you are given sometimes. Mike’s shot is about the best you can do under such conditions, and it turned out nicely.
Erik’s photo has a much better quality than Mike’s cloudy “mode.”
One note for Erik would be to maybe have a little more sunlight thru the trees but other than that a great shot Erik. You get my vote. 
Okay this might make me a “flip flopper” but I am a huge fan of Eric’s photo this week. I know in the past I might have made a comment or two about how the odd/ artsy/unique photos can be overdone. This one isn’t. It’s just plain cool.
And, it’s BNSF. The railroad that passes through Monticello, MN. Can’t knock the home team.
I voted for Erik’s photo, the shot was more alive by having the signal in the composition.
I liked Erik’s and therefor voted for it, both were good and would be great for all uses where ever printed.
Went with Eric this time. Really liked the distortion caused by the heat, which served to emphasize the engine. Great shot!
I had to vote for Mike. It looks like he was at waterstreet road. The trains look great coming around the curve at night too.
I believe Eric had the best picture this time. Although I do not like pictures of trains in shadow, this one was nice. Very good heat distortion. Mike I am sorry but I do not like pictures when the day is cloudy.
Nikos
Thessaloniki, Northern Greece
I voted for Mike, I am a Wisconsin Central fan.
Too bad CN isn’t maintaining the Maroon and Gold paint scheme properly.
Lots of engines have also lost the WC shield, like this one. Shame on CN!!
But some maroon and gold now runs on the railways of Estonia!
Maarten Vis
Sorry Mike, I had to go with Erik’s photo this time, but it was a hard choice. Normally I don’t like the straight-on shots like Eirk’s, but the image was so clear and the heat/smoke waves coming off of the locomotives was too cool! Mike’s photo also looked a little under exposed, probably from the overcast. You can tell there were a lot of clouds. Keep up the GREAT work, both of you!!
I went for Eric’s photo this time. In comparison with Mike’s picture it shows more “life” and color.