Topics

31

Work and Events / Annual Picnic 2012

« on: August 04, 2012, 09:52:42 PM »

Folks,

I've been browsing the forums every few days, just checking to see what might be in store for the Annual Picnic weekend.  Are there any special activities planned?   I'm looking for a good excuse to put my compass on NE next weekend.

Thx,

/Kevin

32

Maine Narrow Gauge RR Co. & Museum / Portland's Polar Express

« on: December 24, 2011, 01:19:42 PM »

Folks,

I spent the Thursday afternoon up in Portland, watching the MNGRR folks operate their Polar Express trains.   With the trains running mostly at night and the large crowds of folks looking for a shot with their kids in front of the engine, it was tough to get clean pictures of the train, but I did manage at least one good one in front of the Portland International Marine Terminal, which was the base of operations for the event:

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=384745&nseq=0

It was really nice to see Monson #4 back in operation, hauling 6 coaches and a caboose.  I haven't seen a 2-foot train of that length in some time.  It was also great to see the mix of younger and older volunteers working on the trains.  The MNGRR has lots of new talent in training.  Here's hoping that #4 will become a regular again on the Portland Waterfront next year!

/Kevin

33

Other Narrow Gauge / White Pass Rotary Run - The photos!

« on: May 15, 2011, 11:11:37 PM »

Folks,

During the last week of April, I traveled to the remote town of Skagway, Alaska to witness something that's become pretty rare these days: a steam-powered, rotary plow train.   The White Pass & Yukon folks brought out all of their steam equipment for the dual purposes of clearing their line for the 2011 tourist season, and documenting the procedures so that the next generation of WP&YR crews can do it again in the future.   The railroad offered a chartered chase train for people like myself who wanted to document this event, and a total of 17 photographers, including our friend, Matthew Malkiewicz made the trip to Alaska to do just that.

This was a high-risk trip for all of us, as poor snow conditions and/or mechanical issues could have easily spoiled the fun....but no such problems were encountered.   The event ran four days, during which we saw all kinds of weather conditions, ranging from snow, to bright sun.   Snow depths at White Pass were in the 10-20 ft. range, making for a hard struggle....and requiring some assistance from Caterpillar Bulldozers.   The WP&YR crews ran the 100-year-old equipment as hard as it ever did back in the day, and to their credit and the credit of the shop crews, absolutely no mechanical problems were encountered.   The railroad even brought back several retired guys, including 75-year-old, Rotary Pilot, Alvin Gordon to ensure that all possible expertise was on hand to conduct the operation and "write the book" for future events.

Without exception, all of the folks who attended the 2011 Rotary Event were delighted with the experience.  The folks at the White Pass & Yukon Route treated us extraordinarily well, making every possible effort to ensure that we had a good time.   In fact, we all demanded first right of refusal if they ever do it again!   

Here are a few of my shots from the event.   I will be adding more as time goes on.   Hope you enjoy seeing this operation as much as I enjoyed photographing it!


http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?offset=0&where=search|-2|-2|-2||-2|White%20Pass|5|3||||||||-2|-2||-2|-2|||5|-2|25775||||||7||1||||&newdisplay=2

/Kevin

34

Other Narrow Gauge / Winter Photo Trains on the DSNG

« on: March 03, 2011, 08:56:52 AM »

Folks,

Last week, I was fortunate to participate in the Willow Creek Productions Charter on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.   This was a 2-day charter that was run on the Monday and Tuesday after the DSNG's own Winter Photo Train.   The power was K-28 Locomotive 478, lettered for the D&RGW and the charter featured a Pullman Green Passenger Train on Monday and a Mixed Train on Tuesday.   Both trains were turned at Rockwood and backed into the canyon, ensuring a south-facing train all day.  Weather was wall-to-wall sun (when does that ever happen?).

Here are a few representative shots from this event.  Tough to beat Color-ado for scenery, particularly in the winter.   Enjoy!

http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?offset=0&where=search|-2|-2|Colorado,%20USA||-2|478|15|3||||||||-2|Colorado,%20USA||-2|-2||Kevin%20Madore|15|2011|25775||||||9||1||||&newsort=12


/Kevin

35

Maine Narrow Gauge RR Co. & Museum / Is MNG running steam any more?

« on: July 07, 2010, 07:04:22 AM »

Folks,

Is the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum still running steam?   I haven't seen any photos of #4 out in quite a while and the museum's website makes no mention of any steam operations.   What's the latest up there....anyone know?

Thanks,

/Kevin

36

Other Narrow Gauge / Colorado Narrow Gauge Photos

« on: October 21, 2009, 10:54:28 PM »

Folks,

A few weeks back, I paid my very first visit to Chama, NM and Durango, CO to see the former D&RGW equipment in action.   I must admit, I am thoroughly hooked!   The photographic opportunities at these two places are virtually unlimited.   Over the past couple of weeks, I've been posting some of my shots on RailPictures.net as I've had the time.   At this point, I think there are about 20 up there.

The following link will take you to my shots: http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?userid=25775

The NG stuff is the first stuff you'll see.   Clicking on each thumbnail will display the photo at full size.  If the spirit moves you, go take a look.  

Thanks!

/Kevin