Messages

151

Work and Events / Re: Happy Easter 2010!

« 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

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.

152

Work and Events / Re: Happy Easter 2010!

« 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

/Kevin

153

Work and Events / Re: Happy Easter 2010!

« 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 

154

Work and Events / Re: Happy Easter 2010!

« 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

/Kevin

155

Work and Events / Re: Happy Easter 2010!

« 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

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   

156

Work and Events / Re: 2009 Victorian Christmas

« on: December 22, 2009, 07:27:32 AM »

A few more:

A shot of the horse team at Alna Center.   These are just the sweetest horses:

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=307874&nseq=1

Something I've been trying to get for a long time....a shot of #9's new boiler.   The shot's no masterpiece, but the subject sure is:

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=307888&nseq=0

#10 switching in the yard:

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=308074&nseq=62

157

Work and Events / Re: 2009 Victorian Christmas

« on: December 20, 2009, 10:16:58 PM »

The sun was bright but low in the sky, and there were a number of photographers taking pictures all up and down the line.

Yes, there were!    Stephen, Matthew and I had a grand time taking advantage of that beautiful, low-angle sun.

Here are a few of mine....a few more to come:

Entering Cockeye Curve...heading back to begin the afore-mentioned extras...
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=307763&nseq=15

Coming off Cockeye Curve...
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=307772&nseq=6

Hooking up in Alna Center for the last run home...
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=307761&nseq=17

/Kevin

158

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

159

Museum Discussion / Re: Annual Picnic 2009 *pics*

« on: August 18, 2009, 06:26:46 AM »

Hi Folks,

I've posted a bunch of my shots of the Annual Picnic over on RailPictures.net.  These are the ones that obviously fit the "mold" for that site.  As I get time, I will probably put up a few more.  I shot about 300 frames that day.   The weather was great and the museum crew put on a very nice show indeed!

First run-by at Albee's Field: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=293314&nseq=7

Freight train approaching Alna Center:  http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=293497&nseq=5

Mixed train highballing through Alna Center: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=293679&nseq=2

Switching cars at Alna Center....really, really nice light!:  http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=293499&nseq=4

Engine crew performing the run-around:  http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=293821&nseq=1

Final run-by with the Ford stakebed truck:  http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=293328&nseq=6

Capping the stack in the shop:  http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=294258&nseq=0

Enjoy!

Kevin Madore

160

Other Narrow Gauge / Re: Patten Travel Visits... EBT?

« on: August 13, 2009, 01:15:29 PM »

EBT is a great take if you like to explore.   That place hangs its shingle as a tourist railroad, but it really should be a museum.   The original infrastructure is pretty much all there, although is not in the best of shape.   I hope that some day a new owner will take over and give the place the attention it deserves.   Until that happens, the Friends of the EBT have done yeoman service to help preserve what's there.

Strasburg is the opposite end of the spectrum.  There, you'll see what money can do for preservation.  The line is extremely well-run and the equipment is top-notch.  Their coaches are pieces of fine furniture and their locos can probably run for another 100 years.  They start hostling locos around 9AM and they're fine with people watching it all.   Trains run every half hour from 11:00 to 1:30 and then hourly from 2:00 to 5:00.  They also run an evening trip at 7:00.   During the half-hour schedule, steam meets steam every 30 minutes at Groff's Picnic Grove.   
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=260549&nseq=155

Except for a few hundred yards near Lehman Place, the line is virtually all in open country and is extremely photogenic.  Be sure to take the shop tour at 12:00.   It's like $20, but is discounted if you ride the train.  The shops are impressive, as are the projects underway within.   Also, don't miss the RR Museum of PA across the street.   A lot of Pennsy history there.

Other RRs to check out down there include:

New Hope and Ivyland....about 1+15 from Strasburg.   They also run hourly steam.
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=289986&nseq=25

Wilmington & Western.....about 1+00 from Strasburg.   Check their schedule as steam ops are intermittent.
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=238310&nseq=266

Wannamaker, Kempton & Southern.....about 1+15 from Strasburg.   Weekend steam with a Porter 0-6-0.
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=282777&nseq=62

Ordinarly, I'd say, "see ya down there" as I usually hit Strasburg in that timeframe.   This year however, I'm doing Pete Lerro's Berk Charter in Owosso.

Happy Trails!