The Photographers Railroad Page

The Photographers'

Railroad Page

Edition #15, October 1, 2005

Middle Division

Photographer: Rob Palmer

Middle Division

Friday, April 15th was a great day to be west of Harrisburg, PA on the "Middle Division". This ex-PRR main line between Harrisburg and Altoona is always busy, but this particular day was busier than usual. It was difficult to take a photo without being cut off by a train moving in the opposite direction.

Late in the day, my friend and I were in a field near Tuscarora. Westbounds make a fine sight as they round a sweeping curve into the low afternoon sun, with a long mountain range as a backdrop. The only problem was that NS continued to run eastbounds. We were cut off once. We were cut off twice. The light was starting to fade as we heard a third eastbound and westbound approaching at a pace that would likely have them pass in front of us.

My friend stayed in the field hoping for the westbound shot. I quickly changed locations to an elevation position looking back into the sun: actually hoping that the trains would pass in front of me. I think I made the right move.

Canon EOS 10D Digital Camera. 1/640 @5.6 ISO 100.

Canon 70-200f2.8 IS lens. Shot at 200mm

Rob Palmer