It's that time of year when photo special photos start showing up online in various places. The reason I stopped going on photo specials: During so many photo run-bys the organizers have decided that having steam blowing out of every possible outlet on the locomotive is the way to do it.

****** Steam locomotives never hauled fright trains with the steam heat line on the tender open and cylinder cocks wide open as they rolled along on a trip. ********

End of rant.

but its oh so dramatic!

even more on a cool foggy sunrise

(blowing off steam are ya....)

Well that is right up there with photographers wanting never ending billowing clouds of black smoke....not a fun day for the fireman.

You guys will both love this shot! ;)

Another one with smoke and steam. Unlike the last one, this one is 100% real. No showboating going on, that smoke is keeping her hot on the steep grade. What about the steam? Well, this was the engine's first revenue run, and she still had a bit of a packing leak as Stathi fine tuned things as the engine settled in. Combined with a cool crisp day, the results were pretty nice in my opinion.

They are both excellent photos, but for my money #2 gets the nod, why because she's working doing her thing and not putting on a show. Now personally I love steam on a cool damp day...the steam just lingers forever making for some stunning photography. But I like it to be natural like clearing the cylinders with the cocks open, some leaking packing, the stoker motor on those so equipped...blow downs ect but when needed and not for show. And the smoke is one thing when an engine is working hard slugging it out, but to be dumping mad amounts of coal just for effect is my "button" and drives me bonkers...lol. But again thanks for the pics they are great shots.

Thank you Chris. The second shot has been pretty well received, and gotten a fair amount of compliments.

BTW, if you think it looks familiar, it probably does.

http://trn.trains.com/en/Magazine%20Iss ... 02012.aspx

Yes it did look familiar but I couldn't place it....Mount Rainer right? That is an impressive 2-8-2. I'll have to get out that issue and take another look see....thank you for the reminder.

I find the seemingly constant leaking cylinder drains on many British locomotives irritating. Everytime I see one or watch a video and see and hear the drain(s) going hiss-hiss-hiss-hiss for miles I'm thinking 'Fix the dang thing willya!!'.

Yes, this is Polson #70, a 2-8-2 at the Mount Rainier Scenic RR. You can also find a second shot of her inside the same issue.

As for the steam leaks, rest assured they were a temporary thing in this case, and Stathi soon had them tightened up and working well. I'm glad I got this shot before he did. ;)