Comments on: Having received another tip, today’s 650 – the ethanol train – was supposed to be a catch with a SD-30 ECO and a tcouple of ‘Southern Belles’ thanks to the Kansas City Southern. BUt weather wise, Today turned out to be one of those days – torrential downpours to start, then it cleared and the sun was out, quite warm, then it clouded over again. While being at work, I ducked out on my breaks and lunch standing in the humidity just hoping to see this train in Chatham. No luck. Having to go to Jeannette’s Creek, I had just turned onto the Coutts Line from Merlin Road and rounded a curve, cleared some trees…my luck changed. There was 650!!! Sure enough, panic set in. I stopped and backtracked a little to Merlin Road. There was a private driveway, so I walked up and lined up my shot. Here, CP 5039 with KCS 4193 & 4768 leads a long line of tankers blowing it’s horn for the crossing. Looking back, would you have done what I did to get a fairly good shot? Or would you have just stopped, and gone for a quick side shot hoping to capture all the power leading this train? Let me know your thoughts… :)

By: awmooney

awmooney — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 12:30:33 +0000

Nothing wrong with this effort, Todd. These days, it is considered successful if you can get out and not pick up a tick or two along the way. (

By: mile27

mile27 — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 17:52:56 +0000

Nice. With little or no time to spare, you did good with the framing and exposure.

By: Todd Steinman

Todd Steinman — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 03:08:27 +0000

Man! Does the the crew look unimpressed with me photographing their train! Thank you for your kind words as well…see you posted another ‘F bomb’ of a photo (meaning absolutely fantastic!)…keep them coming I’ll comment on it too.

By: Extra 1014

Extra 1014 — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 00:45:32 +0000

My opinion, for what it is worth, this is one of your best photos Todd. Just enough hazy cloud so that the colours are more vivid and details standout. I love “in your face train shots”, especially with the crew visible. Good sharp picture. The whole face of the 5039 has been well caught. As much as I like the KCS paint, I’m going with this version.