Steam & Excursion > Time To Give Credit For Those Who Took These Many Steam Photos!

Over the years I have posted hundreds, if not thousands of photos here and on other sites.  When I know the photographer of a shot I am posting I list it not only so they get the credit they are due, but also to keep their names alive for future generations of railfans that have followed in their footsteps.

Here are a group of these early photographers that were some of the most prolific in the early days and with whom we would have lost so much history of steam, including not only mainline steam but the shortline and logging line steam roads.

The 4 bay Area railfans took a minute to pose for their portrait in 1938 when they visited the Western Pacific roundhouse in Portola, California.  From left to right we see, Guy L. Dunscomb, Jim Boynton, Wil Whittaker, and then Bert Ward.  Each of these men spent most of their youth capturing on film the steam scene that was already changing and then fading from view.  Besides their weekend railfan pursuits, each of these men also took jobs for the railroads that they loved so much.  This gave them additional access to record even more of the steam scene that fascinated each of them through all of their lives.

Sadly, we have lost all these fine young men over the last 30 years.  Fortunately, their impressive collections of negatives and photos has survived and is still available to us to enjoy.

Martin



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 08/02/20 02:22 by LoggerHogger.

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They even practiced social distancing. 

Such a great photo.  I was lucky enough to get to know two of these historians when I was in my teens: Guy Dunscomb and Jim Boynton.  Got to know Jim very well in particular and worked on FRSL 2-6-2 8 with him.  Had some great stories about working on the Western Pacific.

Z

I was lucky to get to know all 4 of them.  Much of the photo collections of 3 of them I was able to acquire.  I understand the Jim Boynton photos finally went to CSRM.

Martin

Thanks for posting this tribute to those fellows.
Ant thank you for your sharing so many wonderful photos and thoughful, educational captions.

Well said.
I wholeheartedly agree.

railstiesballast Wrote:
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> Thanks for posting this tribute to those fellows.
> Ant thank you for your sharing so many wonderful
> photos and thoughful, educational captions.

An outstanding photo.  Pre-WWII and Pre-EMC FT.
Wonder how they envisioned the future.
Thanks for a truly great postinyg.
ALLEN

> railstiesballast Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> > Thanks for posting this tribute to those fellows.
> > And thank you for your sharing so many wonderful
> > photos and thoughful, educational captions.

Here here!!

railstiesballast Wrote:
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> Thanks for posting this tribute to those fellows.
> Ant thank you for your sharing so many wonderful
> photos and thoughful, educational captions.

HERE HERE INDEED!! Such a blessing!

Posted from iPhone

Living in the Bay Area and spent many years from the mid  1970's on trips to the Sierra with Dick Steinhemier.  I et Ted Wr and Will Whittiker about the same time.  He liked the NWP and when he stopped driving I would pick him up at his Mill Valley home, and spend a whole day shooting. 

Thank You for posting this.  I'm so very greatful to the gift they gave all of us.

Great shot! Thanks for all your hard work and daily innteresting pictures.

Larry