Two words to describe your photo Erik, “holy crap.” Its a wonderful, bright shot. The BNSF switcher is a good contrast to the Chicago skyline, and to the sky. I’m looking forward to seeing more results like this from you Erik [:D][;)].
Say, are we about due for a another round of anonymous voting? Now that we have seen several pieces of each man’s work it would be interesting to see if we can match photo to photographer.
The orangy loco and the brilliant sky are hard to resist, but the front of the loco drops off into a black hole. I have to take the UP for clearity and detail.
Mike’s photo is a great action shot ! And besides that, it reminds me of
Summer,now long gone.
Eric has a good “mood” setting,but I voted with the road units pounding the
mainline.
I am going with Mikes photo this time. But I give Erik a lot of credit, I have never seen a BNSF switcher (probably because I live in New Jersey). Both of you have great photos.
Both shots were very good. They show the contrast of big time mainline running and the humdrum of the “waiting game” all railroaders know so well.
I’ll have to go with Erik’s photo. It gives me a great shot of the Nation’s railroad capital and the unsung heroes of the railroad industry - yard switchers.
THE CHICAGO SKYLINE, NOTWITHSTANDING, I AM COMPELLED TO VOTE FOR MIKE’S PHOTO AS IT HAS THE IMPRESSION OF MOVEMENT AND DIRECTION WHICH IS WHAT RAIL TRANSPORTATION IS REALLY ALL ABOUT.
I had to look at each photo a couple of times. Even though Mike’s photo shows some good action, I had to go with Erik’s photo. The first time I saw it immediately I started to think of the Twin Towers of NYC. The skyline seems to have that flavor to me. But still I think many of us feel that the yard environment is the guts of railroading. All trains have to start somewhere. But I do know the ‘hurry up and wait’ all too well; I spent 6 yrs in Uncle Sam’s army; 3 years in what some consider paradise - Hawaii (even managed to observe some of their island rr’ing - was somewhat stupid though as I don’t really have any pixs); and 2-1/2 yrs in the ‘concrete jungle’ of Washington DC around the old days of Potomac Yards and RF&P. I was in the military from 03-1976 to 03-1982. Unfortunately, my other half is not a railfan; so my train watching and chasing is rather limited even to this day. I try to grab some time by myself when I can. I managed to convert my 5-year old grandson though. So sometimes he is a good excuse to go watching.
This may be too “artsey,” but the contrast of colors and the balance between the locomotive and the skyline were compelling enough to have me vote for Erik’s work.
Another difficult choice!! Sorry Mike, I had to go with Erik’s photo. The color contrasts and the background setting were just too cool to pass up. His photo really gets your attention. Both of you keep up the GREAT work!!