Southern Heritage on the CNO&TP

[PGupton]

Through the will of some higher power I was able to catch the Southern heritage unit, along with several of the regulars here, on NS #197 heading south on the CNO&TP.

After sitting in Rockwood for a while waiting for the unit, I got word that it cleared Emory Gap. Naturally at the exact moment that I staked my ground where I was gonna shoot, a police officer came to ask what I was up to (this doesn't surprise me---after the incident in Quebec many are undoubtedly extra sensitive when it comes to suspicious persons around trains). After quickly explaining what a heritage unit was, I was able to get my photo and then head south in pursuit. The officer was very nice and stood by to watch the train come by.

Afterwards I headed to south Roddy, where 197 would wait in the siding for two northbounds to hustle past. I met up with Evan Lofback (forgive me if I misspelled your name bud) there where we chatted with the crew, and then headed up the road a short ways to get the train passing the old searchlights.

Following Roddy we caught them at Spring City and Evensville, and I ended up giving up around Dayton.

Very fun, interesting, and WET chase indeed! (Did I mention it was pouring rain the entire time, too?)

[PGupton]

Some more photos.

[PGupton]

I'll spare everyone from more photo posts but here's a link to my Flickr set for the CNO&TP where everything is/will be up:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/peytongupton/sets/72157634742084280/

[csx6900]

Awesome pics, Peyton!  You got my name correct.    I stand by my comment earlier that you are truly one of the greatest young photographers around.  I could never be as creative as some of the shots you just posted!  I thoroughly enjoyed buffing with you today as well as seeing the results of your handy work!

-Evan

[chipallen16]

Great shots, Peyton! I was able to get it with my friend Jordan at Tenbridge and twice at DeButts after leaving the National Train Show in Atlanta.

-Chip 

[Ponce de Leon]

Awesome pics, Peyton!  You got my name correct.    I stand by my comment earlier that you are truly one of the greatest young photographers around.  I could never be as creative as some of the shots you just posted!  I thoroughly enjoyed buffing with you today as well as seeing the results of your handy work!

-Evan

I would offer my sincere concurrence. Peyton, you have an exceptional "eye" for good photography. Some have it, many do not...but you certainly do!

RF

[JHood4501]

Great shots, Peyton! Another impressive set of yours. But to go along with what Chip said, we did in fact made in impromptu trip to the Chattanooga for 197. I have to say that it was the perfect way to end what had already been a great weekend with many different friends at the NMRA Convention and catching 8100 & 1071. But here's one from Tennbridge, the other can be found on RP if y'all are interested.

Jordan

[E.M. Bell]

Glad to see someone else was out in that rain besides Gage and myself! 

I think its great to see such good work from our younger members.  As Ron said, you both have a great eye, and a promising future in photography! Most folks would have taken one look at the rain and clouds and not have bothered, but yall did VERY well with the poor conditions we had.

[PGupton]

Thanks for the kind comments everyone!

As for the rainy conditions.. they were better than sunny ones at the time of day the train came through! I love shooting in foul weather, but alas it's all fun and games until your camera dies in the middle of a stormy chase (did I mention I just got a new 60D?)




P.S. My old camera survived that incident to shoot another day (on the WMSR in Frostburg about 3 weeks ago) but the irony would be that I had just ordered the 60D the day before...

[Ponce de Leon]

One of my many "rules" of train photography:

The most memorable shot you'll ever take will be exposed under the worst weather conditions possible.


Corollary: Anyone can shoot a sunny day shot of a train. It's not very hard at all.

[chipallen16]

Even with video, horrible weather conditions can be incredibly fun. Following on the Southern on the Southern theme, here's my video from yesterday. I hope y'all enjoy it as much as the photographs!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxMscHDfz7U

-Chip