W.W.&F. Discussion Forum

WW&F Railway Museum Discussion => Work and Events => Topic started by: Stephen Hussar on April 04, 2010, 08:50:42 AM

Title: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Stephen Hussar on April 04, 2010, 08:50:42 AM
Thank you to all the volunteers -who along with the absolutely spectacular weather, made Saturday a very memorable day!

Image is from the last stop on the morning's photo freight, at Humason Brook. Happy Easter everyone!

(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/342468/widehumason2springfreight2010_sm3.jpg)
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 04, 2010, 11:25:43 AM
Stephen,  Great photo, thanks for posting it.
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Mike Fox on April 04, 2010, 04:29:05 PM
Stephen, that photo looks even better blown up. Another awesome job.
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Joe Fox on April 04, 2010, 05:23:55 PM
Wow. Love how the steam and water came out. That looks beautiful.
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Frank Knight on April 04, 2010, 08:01:31 PM
Steve,

Time to change my laptop's wallpaper. Thanks for the great photo.

Frank
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Steve Smith on April 04, 2010, 10:40:45 PM
Terrific picture, Stephen! On our computer screen it actually looks like a marvelous painting.
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Dave Buczkowski on April 05, 2010, 08:25:30 AM
Stephen;
   I can always count on you for a new seasonal background for my computer! Your photos always impresses my coworkers.
Dave
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Joe Fox on April 05, 2010, 06:40:59 PM
Hey Stephen,

Can you post a few more photos of the Easter event? The day was very busy, which is an excellent way to start the season, and with a little luck will be a good sign for the season to come.
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Kevin Madore on April 06, 2010, 06:40:21 AM
Hi Folks,

Let me add my congrats on a very successful Easter weekend at the WW&F.  Once again, the trains were packed and everyone seemed to be having a great time!   Stephen, Matthew and I enjoyed shooting the morning photo freight (a special THANK YOU to the crew for doing it!!!) as well as the hunt for new angles in the afternoon.

Here's a shot of the run-by at Humanson: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=319871&nseq=0 (http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=319871&nseq=0)

Easter is about the only time of year you can get light like that at Humanson.  I'll try to post a few more in the coming days.   :)

/Kevin   
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Stephen Hussar on April 06, 2010, 06:59:14 AM
Gorgeous! You nailed it, Kevin!!

Stephen
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Mike Fox on April 06, 2010, 07:35:40 PM
Thanks for sharing Kevin. You and Stephen do absolutely beautiful work.
Mike
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Kevin Madore on April 07, 2010, 06:56:56 AM
Stephen, Mike,

Thanks guys!   I wish I had something like Stephen's shot from the dark side of Humanson....maybe some day!

I did get another one on RP last night....this one took an appeal.  I don't think the Screener who looked at it has ever been to the WW&F.   Fortunately, I think his boss is a narrow gauge fan.  I thought it was a cute shot.   Anyway, enjoy!

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=319956&nseq=6 (http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=319956&nseq=6)

/Kevin
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Glenn Christensen on April 07, 2010, 06:07:23 PM
I think the handcar shot would be great in our next version of the brochure.

Best Regards,
Glenn
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Joe Fox on April 08, 2010, 06:10:08 AM
Hey Kevin,

Nice shots. I love how the 10's brass shines nicely in the sun. I try to take pride in the engine and polish the brass any chance I get. Especially with competitors like Clark's trading post that keep their engine spotless. Even though it wouldn't have been polished originally, I think that it is important to keep a clean engine for our visitors to see.

Joe
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Kevin Madore on April 08, 2010, 06:35:22 AM
Number 10 always looks great, Joe!   You guys take great care of the equipment up there.   I cannot wait until you have Number 9 out on the line.  She'll be the most unique Forney around.

To polish or not to polish is always the tough question.   The railfans would probably rather have the engines look "well used".   I remember just before the charter with John Craft, he posted in this forum: "Please DON'T warsh the engine!"  LOL.   When I was down in Strasburg in February for Pete Lerro's "Virginia Creeper" charter with N&W 475, they actually spent a full afternoon spraying the locomotive with a mixture of ash, soot and water so she'd look pretty beat, like the 382 did in Winston Link's pictures of the Abingdon Branch.

Unfortunately, it isn't the railfans who pay the bills at museums and tourist operations.  The vast majority of the visitors are not hard-core.  Moms bringing their kids would probably be more likely to come back if everything looks clean as a whistle.   And the WW&F's stuff always looks well-cared-for!  :)

/Kevin 
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Joe Fox on April 08, 2010, 06:45:51 AM
Indeed it does. As you know, I brought one of my co-workers with me from Conway, and he had a great time. he looks forward to coming back again soon, and said how he was amazed at how we all act like family, and how everything gets done without any question. He couldn't believe his eyes. In fact, he noted how easily things get done at the WW&F, without any arguments or anything. Even though the railroad is run by all volunteers, he was amazed at how well everything was maintained, and as you said very clean.
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Stephen Hussar on April 08, 2010, 06:51:45 AM
Hey Joe, here's that last shot we were trying...in the machine shop. thanks for standing in!

(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/342468/widesmokeboxmachshop_sm.jpg)
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Jonathan B. Smith on April 08, 2010, 07:50:27 AM
The Easter Train 2010 -- Another feather in WW&F's cap! 
As fine a way to begin the season as The Chirstmas (Victorian) Train was to end it.  In my view these special public minded events really put WW&F on the map as a statement of Mission.  An organization which regularly gives back so much to the community at large remains vital and has a way of justifying all those hours of volunteer labor.
And the photograhers staged yet another coup.  Kevin's postcard is a great idea.  Steve with the handcar participants should be a part of a brochure.  The handcar, in fact, should be a regular feature as it provides a unique hands on experience with minimal outlay on the part of the RR. 
Kudos to all -
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Matthew Malkiewicz on April 08, 2010, 05:46:34 PM
http://mfmalk.zenfolio.com/p47324941

All,
Follow the link above to my pictures from the Easter Express/first steam-up weekend.
Click on “slideshow” in the upper right of the screen.
Thank you to Jason and the entire crew for giving Stephen, Kevin, and myself free rein to photograph the railroad.
You all put one great show every time I come up there, be back soon!
Matthew


Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Mike Fox on April 08, 2010, 09:00:30 PM
That little guy seated on the handcar with me did not want to leave. He was happy just sitting there. I think with a little planning for the handcar rides, track 7 could be made available for the most part to give a longer ride. The short ride on tha bay 2 track was great, but I think the kids would like just a little longer ride. Weather depending of course. That may not work to well in December.
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Dave Buczkowski on April 08, 2010, 09:42:00 PM
Matthew;
   Come again soon and make sure to bring your camera! You really did justice to our railroad.
Dave
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: John McNamara on April 08, 2010, 10:13:45 PM
Fantastic! I especially like the unusual shots. :)

-John
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Joe Fox on April 09, 2010, 06:26:33 AM
Nice photos taken by everyone. I am working on something special now for the museum to possibly take to train shows, and as well as another item that I will bring with me tomorrow to see what other people think of the idea. The idea I had to take to train shows was a photo album, with pictures of our regular train service days, as well as special events. The reason behind that idea is so that people can look through the album, rather than watch a half hour video. So far I have photos of the Easter photo freight, to show the general public what else we can offer besides a historic train ride. As the year continues, I am going to try and get more shots. If anybody would like to help me by donating a few pictures, credited to the photographer of course, please let me know. My thought was once the album is completed, I will give it to the museum to keep down there.
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 09, 2010, 06:29:37 AM
Matthew,  Thanks for the link.  I like that B&W shot looking into Bay 3, it's timeless.   Your "going away" view of the mixed is just super ... I like the smoke drifting back over the consist.   The shots of the other parts of the railroad like the switch lock and the timetable are cool too.   Beautiful photos!
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Pete "Cosmo" Barrington on April 09, 2010, 02:19:59 PM
Joe,
that's an awesome idea! ;D
Title: Re: Photo Albums
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 10, 2010, 08:22:52 AM
Joe,  I'll be moving all my WW&F photo albums to Maine and you are welcome to look through them for your project.  I don't have much from the last couple of years but there's alot of shots from the mid 1990's through 2007 or so.  I'll be at the track weekend if you want to see what I have.

Stewart

Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Joe Fox on April 11, 2010, 05:39:17 AM
Ok Stewart. Thanks. I plan on being there from Friday through Sunday, but I'll have to wait and see what my work schedule is going to be.

Joe
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Stephen Hussar on April 12, 2010, 06:45:04 AM
Here's another from the day...No 10 steaming past Head Tide tank on a cool and foggy April morning.

(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/342468/No10rollsbytanksteamy_sm.jpg)
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Kevin Madore on April 14, 2010, 06:49:26 AM
When Stephen said "another from the day" he may have meant the Spring Steam-Up, but he could just as easily have meant the hey-day of the WW&F.   For although the locomotive might not be original WW&F equipment, there is nothing in the shot that could not have been there back in 1915.   The facilities and operating practices at the museum really lend themselves to the creation of "period" photos.   I don't know how many times I've shot reenactment pictures at other places, only to discover hand-held radios and other modern devices that were too prominent to overlook.  No photoshopping necessary at the WW&F!

Here's another "period photo" from the Easter Freight.  To be different, I thought I'd try a Sepia.   The image of Steve Z. riding the catwalk makes this basic wedge a real eye-grabber.

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=320799&nseq=12 (http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=320799&nseq=12)

/Kevin
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 14, 2010, 07:25:55 AM
Kevin,  Beautiful photo, it looks great in sepia tone.  It would make a good calendar shot.  Thanks for the comments about Sheepscot's period look.  From the three way stub switch to goose neck lights... to the use of hand signals, crank telephones, kerosene hand lanterns and flags, the volunteers work to keep the steam era alive.

Stewart
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Mike Fox on April 14, 2010, 08:14:46 PM
Well looking at the photo, I find it hard to tell if that is a rifle or a flag (It's a flag). Back in the day it was not uncommon for train crew members of other two footers to carry firearms. I don't remember reading any tales from the WW&F but it is very likely they did the same.
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Tom Casper on April 15, 2010, 11:57:57 AM
Mike,  I think he is carrying a brake club to tie the hand brake down.  A tool all good brakeman use when riding the "roofwalk".

Tom C.
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: John McNamara on April 15, 2010, 12:22:38 PM
Mike,  I think he is carrying a brake club to tie the hand brake down.  A tool all good brakeman use when riding the "roofwalk".

Tom C.

I thought that, too, until I saw a picture from the front of the train in Matthew's excellent slideshow (http://mfmalk.zenfolio.com/p47324941 (http://mfmalk.zenfolio.com/p47324941)) that shows the item in Steve's hand much more clearly. It is indeed a rolled-up green flag.

Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Jason M Lamontagne on April 15, 2010, 06:26:15 PM
We actually don't permit the use of brake clubs as it's too easy to lock the wheels up.  We use rolled up green flags as "arm extensions" to better enable the engine crew to see and interpret brakemans' signals.

Jason
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Mike Fox on April 15, 2010, 07:13:56 PM
Some of us armstrongs can do enough damage without the club.
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Kevin Madore on April 15, 2010, 08:39:36 PM
I had some reservations about posting that shot because I wasn't sure what the RP viewership's reaction would be to a Brakeman riding the catwalk in 2010.   Sometimes photos of railroaders or other folks doing things that look a little risky provokes (negative) discussion or comments about the merits of same.    What is the WW&F's policy about maneuvering around up there?   Would FRA regulation change all of that (he asked, suspecting the answer is yes)??  :)

A while back, I thought long and hard about posting this one:  http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=303624&nseq=70 (http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=303624&nseq=70)

It's a picture of a Videographer from CBS News preparing for a "cab ride" on the WM 734.   He was there with Reporter Jim Axelrod filming the story about Carl Franz and his efforts to help John Helmstetter rebuild his famous barn that burned down.    The camera guy apparently wanted a new angle and decided to ride the 734 like a bucking bronco....and for those of you who've seen her run by close-up, she really is.   Like a trooper, he rode up there with that stoker blasting coal slurry into the firebox.   I hope he had some serious eye protection.  BTW, the guy standing behind him on the coal pile is the Railroad Superintendent.    Later, the camera guy even placed that mega-expensive video camera in the gauge and let the train run over it!   Fortunately, it survived.    The shots were indeed shown on the evening news around Christmas time.
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: John McNamara on April 15, 2010, 10:09:09 PM
Kevin,

As WW&F Newsletter editor I have been gun-shy about showing people in possibly dangerous situations ever since I published the following photo on the front page of the September/October 2003 WW&F Newsletter. I'm told that the people at Owl's Head Transportation Museum, who lent us the railcar, were so upset that they never lent us the car again!

-John

(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-11/1225017/RailcarOnTrestle.JPG)

Photo by Bob Cavanagh
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Kevin Madore on April 16, 2010, 06:58:43 AM
Hi John,

It is sometimes a very tough call to make.  You've got a dramatic picture, but at the same time, you don't want anyone to get in trouble because of it.   In the case of my WM picture, I actually e-mailed a couple of videographer friends, including Stephen.   Interestingly, BOTH indicated that the CBS guy was just doing his job.  I had no idea that line of work was so exciting!   I also reasoned that the RR Superintendent standing right behind him clearly approved of it and must have thought through the ramifications of having the operation appear on the national news.

I still draw the line at derailments, equipment failures and operational errors.   While I have photos of such things, none will ever see the light of day.   Despite their popularity on RP (they get a ton of views), I picture such shots as just taking advantage of someone else's misfortune.   I'm constantly amazed at how many alleged "railfans" totally disagree with me!
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Cliff Olson on April 16, 2010, 08:08:35 AM
This discussion reminded me of the spectacular c. 1970 series of night-time photos entitled "Armageddon and Creation", taken from the low hood of an SD 40-2 trailing a Little Joe on St. Paul Pass with electricity arcing overhead, that appears in Dick Steinheimer's "The Electric Way Across the Mountains".
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Stephen Hussar on April 16, 2010, 11:01:44 AM
Color version, Jason and Joe steaming past Head Tide tank...
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=321036&nseq=1
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Duncan Mackiewicz on April 16, 2010, 01:21:38 PM
Stephen,
The picture looked very "period" in black and white.It looks extremely nice also in color.  Great shot.
Duncan
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Joe Fox on April 18, 2010, 08:52:23 AM
Amazing photos done by everyone. I get a real good feeling when I volunteer at the railroad, but when you see awsome pictures like Stephens, and Kevin's, you got to think to your self, wow, I was there, I was part of that. We are not only making history yesterday, but are remaking history of 1900. It is amazing the photos that come out of events like Easter.

Joe
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Stephen Hussar on April 19, 2010, 09:11:31 AM
Thank you, Joe.  
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=321398&nseq=0

Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Stephen Hussar on April 20, 2010, 03:19:26 PM
Here's a different version of the same shot. Since the red rag was nearly the only splash of color I decided to accentuate that.

(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/342468/Joefiringlookback_de_sateffectsm.jpg)
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Stewart "Start" Rhine on April 11, 2011, 06:32:13 PM
All,
     I've been looking through this thread to see some of the things we did for last years Easter event.  Lots of beautiful photos and interesting posts.   I hope the weather is as good for this years trains.   Maybe we can run another mixed train.  Whether the visitors notice or not I think it would look great.

Stewart

p.s.  Stephen, in the wonderful photo above - how did you manage to catch Joe without soot on his face!!?!
Title: Re: Happy Easter 2010!
Post by: Joe Fox on April 15, 2011, 08:13:36 AM
My guess is that was first thing in the morning before I could even have a chance to really get dirty, or dump the coal buckets. :)