Western Railroad Discussion > Monday Meets: Golden hour at Ellinor

No matter how experienced you are as a railfan photographer there are times when a pre-planned scene turns into a complete surprise. You have an extraordinary shot all set up. You mentally run through your final systems check: A train is on the way? CHECK! Camera turned ON/film wound? CHECK! Composition? CHECK! Focal length anticipation? CHECK! Light source & angle? CHECK! Background & incidental scenery? CHECK! Away shot? CHECK! Houston, all systems are GO.

5-4-3-2-1: The predicted ignition moment arrives and you perform that classic photo sequence you’ve followed a thousand times before. And you know this is gonna be a good one! The first stage (approach shot) is flawless:

1. In the Golden Hour BNSF 8278 slides gracefully through the 40 MPH crossover from main #2 to the Emporia Sub main line.

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A simple mid-flight turn-around maneuver is made for the second stage (egress shot). It also rolls off without a glitch. With the hard part over you’re on the glide path and you have the luxury of watching the rest of the event. Sun-burnished subject. Graceful curve. Relentless motion:

2. The 8278, 3 siblings + train ride off into the sunset.

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Suddenly caution envelopes the scene. Hello… what’s this? Some bogie slipped into the perimeter completely underneath your radar. You’re momentarily stunned. Shake it off, pal! And make the adjustment. Raise your camera and finish this sequence for a future Monday Meets thread…

3. BNSF 3770 rolls east off the La Junta Sub with a manifest.
(3 photos taken January 29, 2017 at Ellinor, KS)

Thanks for meeting me at Ellinor!
Lance Garrels
santafe199

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You can even see the engineer has shades on !

Posted from Android

Great ! Nice way to end the day.

Very nice..!!

Awesome shots!

Nices series, Lance!  Love that first shot the best.

Randy Lundgren

Thanks for another great series Lance!

Larry

Ohh the glint....where are my sun glasses?  The hogger on the 8278 has the right idea.

Kent in CArmel Valley

DynamicBrake Wrote: > ... hogger on the 8278 has the right idea ...

Out of necessity! I 'been there ~ done that' a few times in my career...

Lance

Outstanding, Lance !   -Kelly

Great captures!
(Ellinor I think you're swell . . . .(apologies to The Turtles)).
GK

WOW, WOW, & WOW. Another great series and your discussions really impact the whole package.

Don Allender

TheNavigator Wrote: > ... Ellinor I think you're swell ...

... you really do me well. You're my pride and joy, et cetra ...

Great drop-in with some awesome lyrics! Even though the spelling is different I've thought of that tune many a time while waiting for action at Ellinor...

DJ Sir L

Posted from Android

santafe199 Wrote:
> Some bogie slipped into the perimeter completely underneath your radar.

"Expect the movement of trains, engines or cars at any time, on any track, in either direction." 😎
 

Richie Kennedy
Lawrence, KS
route56.com

route56 Wrote: > ...  any time, on any track, in either direction ...

Just think... If a railfan could make that rule work every single time nobody would EVER miss a shot...

;^)

santafe199 Wrote: > Just think... If a railfan could make that rule work every single time ...

I'm 3 for my last 3 on the Transcon 😁

Richie Kennedy
Lawrence, KS
route56.com