Union Pacific Challenger 3985

[jdando]

Took a vacation day today and spent it chasing the Union Pacific 3985 Challenger steam locomotive over Iowa and Minnesota. This is a beautiful train, the restoration of this train is fabulous!!

Here are a few from today. Worked hard to find some locations to show this massive beast.
#1
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/IMG_5789a.jpg
#2
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/IMG_5871d.jpg

A couple of my "signature" pacing shots

#3
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/IMG_5828a.jpg

#4
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/IMG_5811b.jpg

The climb towards Northfield MN

#5
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/IMG_5943c.jpg


Any comments and critique welcomed. I am still working on my post processing. Getting the dark locomotive exposed properly has been a challenge.

[Jamie Holladay]

Nice set. I like the second one best.

[RadAL]

if only you got the full tender and engine on the panning shots (which are quite good!)

[Desertraptor]

Awesome shots
thanks :)
Reminds me of Casey Jones

[FlyingPhotog]

if only you got the full tender and engine on the panning shots (which are quite good!)

I think (and the OP correct me if I'm wrong...) that in #3 and #4 the shots were taken while driving paralell to the right of way?

[jdando]

Nice set. I like the second one best.

Thank you!

if only you got the full tender and engine on the panning shots (which are quite good!)

I agree, I really tried to get the engine and tender in the shot, but that is a really tough shot. Perhaps I need more glass :)

Awesome shots
thanks :)
Reminds me of Casey Jones

Here was the "Casey Jones" of the day. This locomotive was a Fire Breather!
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/1/0/2/IMG_5858a.jpg

I think (and the OP correct me if I'm wrong...) that in #3 and #4 the shots were taken while driving paralell to the right of way?

Yes, these are done while "pacing the train" ie driving along the road that parallels the tracks. It requires the road be in just the right location, not to far, not to close and obviously parallel to the tracks.

[John Trogdon]

Good job Jeremy!

[Woolburr]

Nice shots...#2 and the shot with the ash pans open...cool!

[Quarantine]

nice series. Would've liked to see a bit more movement feel in the shots

[Carjo]

I have found that if you play with the levels in Photoshop you can bring more detail out of the shadows. I like how sharp the first two are, did you use Unsharp Mask at all?

[jdando]

I have found that if you play with the levels in Photoshop you can bring more detail out of the shadows. I like how sharp the first two are, did you use Unsharp Mask at all?

I am still learning PhotoShop. I have played with the settings over the weekend and think I have some better post processing on the levels. IE I am able to bring out more detail from the shadows of the locomotive. I am struggling with sharpening, these are sharpen since I shot RAW, but I really do not have a good feel for what settings are good.

[Allan_Love_Jr]

Outstanding Photos Jeremy.

[lkb-28]

Hello Jeremy;

Those first two are CRACKERS!

That is one HUGE beastie... well done...

Lee

[F/M Bill]

Nice set. I really like the first.

[M5Man]

Excellent series.....

[GeoffSFAs10]

those are really cool. what a neat train