This month's Story

Fascination with trains

So many cities and towns across the country have train tacks running through them. Most of the time, they appear to sit idle. A combination of timber and cold hard steel stretching off into the distance with nothing but the sun glistening on the rails. Well, on a bright sunny day two years ago, I had the opportunity to see this CSX engine just sitting idle on the tracks. Now, I did know that people aren't supposed to go near trains. In my city, there's a hefty fine for doing so.

But, I threw caution and good judgement to the wind and walked straight up to it. I was nervous and excited. I haven't done something like this since I was a kid. And here it was in all of its glory. A powerful beast at my disposal for photos. So I went to work and snapped a dozen shots from various angles. The one you see here turned out to be the best. And when I captured it, I had no idea that I would turn it into a fine art photo just a few years later. I hope you enjoy these two images as much as I do. Trains are part of our nation's development and history. They are also a symbol of adventure and wonder. I crack a broad smile every time I see these images. A reminder of one of so many cool adventures behind the lens.