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Just for the record, a post with the words "creative lighting" in it usually ends up in pictures that should have been deleted the minute they where taken (and I had a couple of those from this batch), but in this case, creative leans more towards making the best of what you have to work with.

With knowledge that the SD70Ace demonstrator EMDX 2012 would be leading a Northbound NS 69E, I headed South yesterday morning (04/15/12) to intercept. Northbounds are most always difficult to shoot on a North / South line like the CNO&TP, but there always seems to be a few places where the line will turn just enough to get some decent light. Knowing the territory is a big plus. I had figured on getting my first shot at Parkers Lake KY, but wound up missing the train by just a couple of minutes and had to hustle back North to get ahead again. While the train was making a crew change in Burnside, I drove all the way to Southfork KY, where the railroad twist and turns up the valley.

The shot I had in mind is usually good for a Northbound train after 1300 or so, but it became clear the 69E would get there a lot earlier than that. With no other choices, I got out the 300 and went for a head on shot with a tight crop, trying to keep the sky out of the frame. After seeing it on the big screen, I worked with it a bit and came up with this....B&W just seemed to work better.

NS 69E, EMDX 2012 at Southfork KY


And a little wider view..another 45 minutes and this would have been MUCH better I think.


While the train stopped in Danville for fuel, I went searching North of town at a couple of spots I rarely use. 69E got out a lot quicker than I had figured, and I beat them to a spot between Burgin and Brown by 30 seconds...I never even had time to get out to shoot this, just stopped on the bridge, rolled the window down and hoped for the best.


Earlier in the morning, I lucked into a Southbound 48A, and took the time to shoot them as they struggled up the grade at Kings Mountain KY...best light of the day.




And here is a straggler from earlier last week. While waiting for the 048 Circus train on Monday, NS 223 crosses the Green River Bridge at Southfork KY..

Nice shots E.M. Tell them boys to send that thing back east for awhile.


Paul

Great stuff EB... everytime I see pics of king mountain brings back so great memories . Thanks

Nice shots. I have to get there in a few weeks and do some shooting myself. The scenery looks great.