This week, Trains art director Tom Danneman is joined by Trains managing editor Kathi Kube. See Kathi’s recent photos from California, including BNSF on Tehachapi Loop, and Tom’s photos from the BNSF transcon in Illinois during Galesburg Railroad Days 2008.
Read Trackside with Trains.com Volume 95
Click here to vote then add your comments about this week’s photos here.
Erik
I went with Tom’s shot. I think if I had been basing my vote off of the thumbnails, I probably would have gone with Kathi as the scenery and such is much more interesting. After viewing the larger images, I couldn’t get over the lack of sharpness in her shot (a result of diffraction at f16 perhaps?).
On the other hand, the larger shot of Tom’s image is bitingly sharp, and gives the ACe a neat “in your face” kind of look. Those bulldogish ACe’s are cool to see, and Tom’s shot doe a good job of portraying that.
Just my [2c].
…I note by looking at the bar graph I’m not in tune with the majority critics at this time…I voted for Kathi’s shot of Tehachapi Loop.
Tom, I would have voted for your shot taken from the overpass that shows an approaching coal train with beautiful contrasting green off to the left side of the composed shot. But alas…that was not on the menu.
The shot you submitted is nice and sharp but the angle is a typical RR shot.
Both submitted shots are nice renditions of photography but to break the tie…I had to resort to the content of the famous Tehachapi location to cast my vote.
Well - I certainly couldn’t vote based on the railroad… [:D]
I really like Kathi’s classic loop shot, but Tom’s classic 3/4 wedge struck me a little more forcefully. It was a choice between voting for both/neither or picking one, so I picked one.
I was at Vandenberg AFB (which surrounds Surf) back in the 70’s and saw more than a few SP and Amtrak trains running on the coast line. Wish I’d gotten some pictures, although they would have been with an Instamatic…
I agree with CopCarSS in that Kathi’s shot seems a bit ‘off’; however, I think it has more scenic appeal. Additionally, I like the way the loop shows an immense train, as well as acknowledging the engineering that goes in to building a railroad.
I also agree with modelcar when he says he’d have voted for the approaching coal train; I also liked the BNSF 571 with the cumulous clouds in the background, seemingly lost in a sea of green corn.
Tom’s BNSF image is powerful, and the image certainly is tack-sharp. On the down side, it isn’t a very scenic location, and one cannot see much of the train.
Bergie, et.al.
Any plans on something special for the 100th installment?
Perhaps a huge multi-participant, multi-category contest?
Little different perspective. I see Tom’s view everytime I watch trains. Kathi’s is something I don’t see around here.
Both are very good, but Kathi’s because it is different to me!
Well, neither shot really grabbed me so I’m voting in absentia for the COAL TRAIN.
I mean, Look at that shot! - It almost has everything…surging motive power, identically undulating rolling stock, parallel arch in the tracks, greenery (NO SNOW!), the visual dissonance of uneven power lines and poles . . and even some semblance of animal life in the northwest acreage.
All that’s missing is Dolly singing with Appalachian banjo music in the background and a covey of happy smiling female hikers waving jauntily to the engineer!
That WOULD be the perfect world!
Yessirree - one vote for the coal train from me!
I gave my vote to Kat (the “other” cat), and came close to the same reason for doing it: I can witness heavy freight activity every time I go trackside. New locomotives aren’t all that uncommon around here–most of UP’s start their service at Proviso.
But I voted for Kat’s because I have experienced Tehachapi, and could feel the struggle there. Chris, you raise some valid arguments bout the picture’s lack of sharpness, but, as I’ve said before, I’m not in the league of even amateur photographers. They both spoke to me, but Kat’s spoke louder.
Nonetheless, one of the most difficult decisions I’ve made.
Both are excellent, but I see what you mean about the sharpness. I’ll have to remember that next time I’m ‘given’ f/16 as an option on the menu. But Kathi got my vote because between two great possibilities, I’ll go for the one actually moving. A train sitting there gives you too much time to try view after view. When the train is moving, you have to line it up fast and use some quick judgement – even if the settings aren’t perfect, the shot is great.
My skills are being honed each week this photo competition runs - and thanks for those of you who comment on the settings and sharpness, etc. It helps neophytes like me to understand a bit more.
Allen
This week’s vote was a pretty quick one for me: I chose Kathi’s BNSF Tehachapi Loop shot.
Tom’s shot from the Transcon with the SD70ACe is real clear, has good lighting, and quite in your face…all of the hallmarks for a good shot. However, in my opinion, Kathi’s has more detail and perspective with the raised track (I like how you can see the line of TTX spine cars), and the approaching lead engine through the tunnel below. There’s also a bit more scenery in Kathi’s picture, and these things seemed to give her shot the edge in my book.
Like her Wisconsin and Southern shot from Vol. 84, Kathi’s shot seems to combine perspective, background, and action very well. If I had taken either of these shots, I would consider putting them up on the wall.
Well shoot, since I was just at the loop and got similar photos, had to vote for Kathi’s pict. I did like tom’s since it was so well defined and sharp. Also liked the older 70mac behind the two new ones. Now that I’ve been to Tehachipi loop, I have a much better respect for the engineering that went into building it and for the spectactular scenery of the whole area. Larry of the Pacific NW (it’s sunny today!!!).
Where’s the picture of the SD40 in original Santa Fe blue & yellow that I saw switching in front of the Amtrak station at Galesburg on Saturday? It’s surprising that one in that color scheme is still around this long after the merger.
Like your trackside. It shows a personal touch.
This was a tough one to decide because I wasn’t too impressed with either of them. Yes, Tom’s photo features one of the newest locomotives but to me the shot was pedestrian. Kathi’s was more interesting but the locomotive coming out of the tunnel is too far away to appreciate it much. I voted for Kathi’s picture but I felt both of you could have selected better entries especially when you had 2 extra weeks to decide what to select for the voting.
Somewhat off topic–but has anyone else noticed that every time one of these competitions is posted, someone comes on and makes his first post? Check it out!
And welcome, Captain Jack!
This was a hard one. I really liked Tom’s as it was clear and defined but Kathi’s was unique and different. The front of the train coming through the tunnel with the rest up top is something to behold. Although Kathi’s was further away I had to go for this one. Sorry Tom.
Choo Choo Aussie
Two fine entries again, but Tom’s got my vote simply because it’s a good solid rail photo…well balanced with a great backdrop (and the shiny fresh paint on the 9232 doesn’t hurt anything, either).
Kathi…I think I’d have felt differently about your submission, and maybe even voted for it, if the lead unit had been closer…almost to the bottom of the frame. It’s an intersting shot…but somehow seems a little lackluster.
TJB in Nashville, TN
I would agree with “LU-Trains” very astute observations and voting wish. The coal train was best for the stated reasons. But, as “the lesser of two evils”, I selected Kathi’s shot: quite amazing to consider that it is the same train crossing under / over itself. Thanks for a glimpse of railroading many would probably never see - which I think, should be a consideration for any “Trackside” submission. DadH
I chose Tom’s photo this week for many of the same reasons as the rest of you… solid in your face power shot, great looking new BNSF which has (IMHO) one of the most striking paint schemes in railroading. I have never been to Tehachapi Loop, but would love to see it. I wonder what Kathi’s shot would have looked like if she would have had roughly the same at-grade perspective as Tom’s? Maybe the head-on view out of the tunnel with the rest of the consist up higher in the background? My guess is, if that perspective was available, Kathi would have tried it. On another note, I too also loved Tom’s photo from the overpass this week, the color was awesome! Welcome Captain Jack!
Unfortunately I’ve never been to Tehachapi - the closest has been in the Amtrak bus over Tejon pass, but isn’t the train in Kathi’s picture heading down the grade, not up, as in her description? Is it another train she saw? She’s also in a position different from the one in the article, down grade of Tunnel 9 surely.