Another from the archives. Sunrise at Fairview Farm along the Strasburg Railroad during a Lerro Productions photo charter in February 2013.
Through The Lens 63 – Fairview Farm Sunrise
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Tag Archives: Locomotive
Through The Lens 62 – Snow Plow
A year ago this weekend I stopped to photograph the Strasburg Railroad on my way to a photo charter on the Reading & Northern. Shortly after I arrived I saw Strasburg’s Russell Snow Plow heading out of the yard. I went straight for a cut hoping for deep enough snow to capture the plow at work. Fortunately I guessed correctly.
Through The Lens 61 – Mercury Truck
One from the archives, this time from a Lerro Productions Photo Charter at the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in October of 2013. Shot just after sunset, this scene featured a perfectly restored Mercury pickup truck, Western Maryland 734 and Mr. Helmstetter’s Barn.
Through The Lens 59 – Cathedral of Steam
The B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, Maryland is often referred to as the Cathedral of Steam, a name it lives up to and then some.
For those not familiar with the museum, it houses the finest collection of early locomotives and rolling stock in the nation. A roof collapse on Feburary 16, 2003 almost destroyed the collection. Fortunately everything damaged has been restored and returned to display.
Through The Lens 56 – Steam in the Snow
Helmstetter’s Curve on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.
Photographing steam locomotives in the snow is one of my favorite things to do. The snow acts as a giant reflector bouncing light into the running gear, allowing you to really see all of the detail and textures that is often missed. The cold weather also allows long white exhaust plumes to hang in the air.
Through The Lens 47 – Rosie the Riveter
Last year I had the opportunity to attend a Rosie the Riveter themed photo shoot. I’m typically not interested in this sort of thing, but decided to attend on a whim and I’m glad I did because it was a lot fun. Tomorrow I get to participate in another with the same group and I can’t wait to see the scenes they have planned this time.
Through The Lens 43 – Cass Fall Photography Workshop
Its that time of year again. Tomorrow I’ll be attending the Cass Photography Workshop for the third year in a row. Even though I’m arriving a little late due to a prior commitment, I’m looking forward to seeing what Walter and Clayton have in store for us this year.
Through The Lens 39 – Hangman’s Trestle
Sunrise at Hangman’s Trestle on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. Legend has it that a locomotive was commandeered from the Antonito Colorado Yard and used to transport a Mr. Ferguson to the trestle, the first suitable structure from which he could be hanged for an unknown capital crime. Nobody knows if that really happened or not, but what we do know is that the trestle makes a great location to photograph a locomotive at sunrise. Next month I’ll be visiting the Cumbres and Toltec again, but will be attending a charter that focuses on the west end of the line, closer to Chama, New Mexico.
Note: Due to technical difficulties user error this posted late.
Through The Lens 36 – Snow on the Narrow Gauge
Since we’re in the middle of a heatwave here in the mid-atlantic region, I thought I’d share one from winter’s past. This one was taken on a private photo charter on the Durango & Silverton back in February 2011. Enjoy and try to stay cool out there!
Trip Report – Western Maryland Scenic Railroad 734
This past February I attended a photo charter at the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad hosted by Lerro Productions. The charter included a full day of photography on the railroad plus a night session at Cumberland Station. With 734 almost out of operating days before a required major rebuild, the charter sold out quickly as many photographers wanted to spend one more day with one of their favorite locomotives. As it turns out, due to a landslide on the line a couple of weeks after the charter, this would be the last time 734 ran all the way to Frostburg.
After lunch the clouds rolled in, so rather than shoot in poor lighting, a couple of us elected to head back to the caboose and ride with the brakeman for the rest of the afternoon. This turned into a portrait shoot since this particular crew member takes great pride in accurately dressing the part for these photo shoots.
Finally, 734 was parked in front Cumberland Station for one last night session before her rebuild. What made this on unusual is that she was turned facing East when most night sessions had her facing West to take advantage of the water spout at the other end of the station.
It will be a few years before 734 is running again since the railroad is focusing on restoring C&O 1309. Current reports indicate that the WMSR’s “new” steam locomotive will be running next year. As always in the world of steam preservation, “it’ll be done when it’s ready.”