I have to go with Erik’s photo because that is a different vantage point not to common since it’s normally only achieved from a bridge. I’m sorry Mike, but that’s not a very unique vantage point. Too bad that South Shore train wasn’t up for voting, that would’ve gotton my vote!
As to the name thing, I know what it’s like Erik. My total pet peeve is people who spell my name wrong [:P][V][:I]! (which is Erik by the way)
I live near where Mike’s photos were taken and they found a good spot. Mikes’ photo was my pick. - Dave
Remember: Everything’s better with a Warbonnet on it…even if it is orange and green(sigh).
If Eriks photo had been on a similar curve, He would have had my vote, hands down. The Straight line just didn’t cut it.
Ah, Mike- They do make coal out east. Maybe NIPSCO wanted to take a break from burning Wyoming dirt.
Jay
I think Mike’s selection of a viewing point was more creative. I gave Mike my vote, even though Ithink it is a little under exposed.
Well, back in the dull flat, non undulating plains of the mid-nothingness we find a southeastern thoruoghbred coupled to a southwestern cross-bred. That wins it for me. The mighty UP as colorful as she is, pales in comparison to anything east of the mighty Mississippi. Last weeks Reading and Northern will always be my favourite. Another biased reader from the Boyertown PA area.
wish someone had known why there was a westbound coal train! Virginia coal cheaper these days while work is being done on Powder River Basin line?
That photo of NS heading up a long coal drag is what a coal drag is all about NS still on the point. Mike you did good [^][^]
Sorry Mike, but Erik’s takes the vote for two reasons. First, I like the UP, which is second only to BNSF, and I go to Rochelle every chance I get so HOORAY for Erik’s Photo.
Rob Knight
Cuba, Missouri
Sorry Mike, but Erik’s takes the vote for two reasons. First, I like the UP, which is second only to BNSF, and I go to Rochelle every chance I get so HOORAY for Erik’s Photo.
Rob Knight
Cuba, Missouri
A coal train on an S curve is always great…that it was my fav NS with the Horsehead scheme was the icing on the cake…thanks Mike!!!
Mike’s photo won this week hands down. I have never liked photos like Erik’s photo because they seem to have no interest. I also love how the front of the NS locomotive in Mikes picture was cleaned and stood out in the picture. It really pulled your attention into the picture and didn’t let your eye wander. Better luck next week Erik.
Don’t sweat it, Karl… I mean, Carl. [:o)] You’re certainly not the first to make that mistake. It isn’t easy being a Swedish Erik in the USA! [:)]
Erik
Even being a fan of UP, I felt I had to go with Mike’s photo. the whole thing just seemed more "railroady’. Although I did like the headlight off in the distance that reminded me of my childhood summers visiting the grandparents who were 2 blocks from the main SP north-south line, south of Fresno, Ca. I can recall many times while watching the sugar beet cars being loaded, looking northward and catching the headlamp just as it appeared in the distance on a freight going full throttle southbound towards bakersfield and beyond.
Hey Guys,
Both were great shots!!. I have a hard time voting for anything that is Amour Yellow and Gray!!! This company soured me on anyhting that they have or do!!! I live in the midwest, NW Oh. and have the double track main of the Old B&O 7 miles away,and the Chicago to Bellview NKP line 5 mi. to the south. You can see about anythig you want to look at around here!!
Both arte Great,but I voted for mike also I’m a die hard ATSF ( Warbonnet) Lover!!!
Keep up the Great work.
GWJ.
Erik, Mike got my vote. Those UP locos are crawling along because out of five locos only one or two are actually capable of running. The rest are just dead weight much like the UP legal department.
I think both photos were great photographs, for what they had for a canvas. This is why those rare “perfect” shots we are fortunate enough to get are so cool. Both Mike and Erik had bad backgrounds to shoot against. Last week the gray woods worked perfectly with Erik’s SP photo, but this week the boring brown and so so blue skies detracted from both photos. Nearly anything could have been better, fall colors on the leaves, rich green fields, overcast, fog, sunrise/set, thunderstorm clouds. To me these are great practice shots to work on various aspects, such as depth of field, exposure, then go back on a day when the background can support the main subject not detract from it. Mike’s curve shot was interesting, but I think Erik’s had crisper depth of field, the Armour yellow and blue on the UP “popped” better to me as well. I definitely liked the perspective of train length of Erik’s as well, too bad that bridge was there!
Erik, you get the nod this time.
Alas, Erit caught the Union Pacitic freight train headon on a straightaway and the whole picture is just too static. Mike photographed the N & W (not my favorite railroad, they stole half of the old NYC!) at an angle and on a reverse curve. Really great!! You can see the diesel units and part of the train and, of course the right-of-way.
Midwest rolling hills versus midwest flat? Hmm… the S-curve has to take it this week with the train wending its way west into the sun with a paltry two U-Boats. Keep on keeping on, another great “contest” this week.
Will
I too am glad to not be seeing RED this week. Both are very good photos, but living next to BNSF mainline here in Southern Iowa, I have seen way too many coal trains. That is why Erik has my vote this week. Keep up the great work guys, and thanks. Robertdale