"The angle of the rails in the image are toward the upper left, so it is evidently a grade. " The angle of the rails is an illusion. The high tension towers and containers are all leaning toward the right. This is not due simply to wide angle keystoning, because even the vertical lines of the fuel tank and truck at left-of-center are leaning toward the right. This spot just east of Summit is not that steep, but even if you shot on the 3 percent grade of the former south track (now Main 3) in this same manner, camera at same height as rail, and with camera leveled, the track would look no steeper. Only with an area of lower-elevation flatland in the distance, or a segment of track that curves noticeably to the side in the distance, or an abrupt change in gradient, would you really be able to get some idea that track is inclined when photographed at rail level like this.
No contest really; Alex Mayes wins. I thing that it looks like a painting. It is a work of art.
I voted for Alex’s photo due to its pure grandeur, but Drew’s photo came in a strong second in my mind as I visited the line he photographed just about a week ago and know exactly why he used this line as his subject. Nice photos all around guys!
Alex gets my vote. anyone operating a train in the snow will know what makes this a great picture a heavy train on a grade in the snow earning his money today.