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.
Erik…The shot of the BNSF loco is AWESOME!!! The lighting is perfect, the whole layout/setup is incredible. One of those really rare photo ops! Nice work! BobJ
Tough choice. I think the rain effect and more train did it for me so Mike got my vote.
Both of you guys are really making it tough on us out here. Mike’s almost got my vote but the effects that Eric created are a true work of art. Nice going guys, keep up the good work. The photos keep getting better and better but remember, no dressing up the pics back in the office, keep the artistry at the camera.
Eric’s pict all the way! What a unique shot, the face so illuminated, snow, overall great picture. Wow!
I voted for Mike… it was a cool shot. Both shots were good though, so it was a tough choice. I didn’t really like the light beam shooting through Erik’s shot, I’m not sure why. 
Erik:
three words for the picture:
PICTURE PERFECT SHOT!!!
Sweet shot Erik! I love the Warbonnet paint scheme and the aesthetics of the composition are awesome. I know you can’t control it Mike, but there is nothing special about any new Union Pacific locomotive. They’re all the same! The precipitation was a nice touch though. It was a nice photo, but it wasn’t outstanding.
BJG -Trainut Jr.
I love warbonnets. There so awsome.
I voted for Mike. Something about seeing precipitation in the headlights of the train, plus more train, plus the fact that it was obviously after sunset. Having said that I would agree that both shots were absolutely stunning and it is very difficult to choose between them. Wish I could get one shot even half as good.
both good photos but Erik’s had a nice effect to it
Real Tough!!! I voted for Mike’s. I love the rain and the fact that you can see a good part of the train. The fact the train was coming from Sheboygan (wifes home town) didn’t hurt.
Nice job.
I had to go with Erik again, for several reasons. Mikes shot brought back too many memories of miserable days spent standing in the rain waiting for that train that didn’t come, and getting soaked in the process. Erik’s on the other hand, brough back memories of shooting trains with the snow falling lightly late at night. I just wish I could have a good camera to shoot night photography with! I also like the time lapse, and the snow on the plow of the locomotive. Oh how I wish it would just snow up here in Wisconsin! I also liked the Warbonnet scheme, I’ve always loved them.
And Mike, I agree, had you had that pacing shot last week, I think I would have voted for you this time.
BTW, I’d like to see a time lapse of the CP holiday train that’ll be moving through Wisconsin soon! That would be neat!(Hint Hint)
Noah
I had a hard time on this one, but had to end up going with Erik’s again. I think the lighting (just look at that deep blue sky) and exposure, plus the composition were beautiful. Mike’s was really great too, I think what swayed my decision was Mike’s was just a bit too grainy for my taste, it was just too bad that he had to used such a high ASA (the precip. in the headlights almost pushed it his way though, that was just too cool!).
Yep, it was tough this week. The red color of the warbonnet added the variety/touch of warmth these grey days need, and I guess that tipped it to Erik. But the rain in the headlights…can I change my vote? Great job to you both!
Great visual effects on both pictures… How to choose? Well, the well lit nose, the frost on cab sides and snow on nose of unit, the ray of light, the distant clouds, and best of all the feeling of “being there” with the photographer: Erik gets my vote today! Thanks for another great contest, Mike your rain effects are cool 
Vianney Roge, France [:D]
I could feel Mike’s photo, getting dark, rain falling, train getting ready to pass by.
Got to go with Eric’s shot, the lighting’s great and the hint of light in the sky behind the trees makes it a winner. Where did you get the cable relese for the Rebel. I have the 35mm Rebel and I really should get a cabel relese.
-Justin Franz
Both superb, but Erik gets the edge on this one - better color saturation makes it for me.
Awesome photo’s both of you. I had to go with Erik’s though. I love the way the light from the approaching locomotive lit up the one in the siding. It gives it an almost “heavenly” appearance!