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trainsonthebrain · 11-09-2011, 08:13 PM

Having read the post about Amtrak #66 being in the area I decided to venture out into the cold and darkness to see if I could catch the #4 in Downtown.

It's strange; I live in Riverside and this is, sadly, the first time I have photographed trains here. I tend to avoid Metrolink stations because of the rent-a-cop encounters that I've had, and have read about here. However, the roughly two hours I was there I was never even approached by security, and had a pleasant exchanges with some of the SCAX personel and train crews.

While I was waiting for the 'Chief' I decided to take some random pics to determine the best settings:

"At rest"

"Mug Shot"

"Coming or Going?"

"Twins?"

"Ladies of the Night"

"Lone Sentinel"

Once I was sastisfied with exposure times I set up for the real reason for my short adventure...

"I Spy the Chief"

It was kind of fun watching a few of the Amtrak passengers stand and ready themselves at the platform each time they saw lights in the distance.

"We Meet at Last!"

I was clueless as to how far they pulled down the platform. I was hoping that they would stop slightly further down, as I had a specific composition in mind, but after a quick scramble and a minor readjustment I settled for what I could get with the remaining platform space.

"Near...Far"

"Slipping into the Night"

"Tip-Toe past Tenth"

After watching the train slink into the darkness I grabbed one last shot on the way back to my truck.

"Bluelight Special"

All in all it was a pretty fun little photo session. I am going to have to do it again...SOON!

A special thanks to the for the 'head's up'. Without it I would've missed this chance.

kenszok · 11-09-2011, 08:33 PM

Nice series of images, Elliott. I especially like the one with the nose of AMTK 66 and the distant cab car facing each other. Thanks for sharing with us.

Ken

trainsonthebrain · 11-09-2011, 08:41 PM

Thanks, Ken! It's one of my favorite's too. I appreciate you taking the time to look and comment.

Snuffy · 11-09-2011, 10:47 PM

Very nice, specially AMTK 66 photos!

penguingeneral · 11-09-2011, 10:52 PM

Great photos! Riverside is a great place to railfan in my experience.

randy · 11-10-2011, 05:34 AM

Nice work. I've made the same Amtrak shot. It's a great set-up.

The sign on the bridge is great. I've never had a problem with security there.

Holloran Grade · 11-10-2011, 06:51 AM

I like the last one with the Riverside sign.

Too bad about the railing next to #66, but you did a good job catching what was avalible.

I was lucky the night I got 66 at Fullerton because the engineer turned off the ditch lights and dimed the head lights.

cabcar · 11-10-2011, 07:28 AM

Great night shots, they all look great.

--Robert

trainsonthebrain · 11-10-2011, 08:50 AM

(11-09-2011 10:47 PM)Snuffy Wrote: Very nice, specially AMTK 66 photos!

Thank you.

trainsonthebrain · 11-10-2011, 09:09 AM

@ Shawn ... Thanks. I need to remember that I don't HAVE to drive all over the state to get my fix. There are a couple of spots that I really want to try to take advantage of soon.

@ Randy ... Thanks for telling everyone that I am a plagiarist!! ;-)

@HG ... Then I have HG telling me that the railings RUIN it! Sad

( .oO(What is this Railpics.net???) ;-) ha ha .. I know what you mean. I REALLY wanted them to stop short of the Disabled access ramp, AND to dim the lights, but I think the engineer wanted to see me run about the platform like a chicken with my head cut off. Then, as I was trying to rearrange for another shot (with my face pressed to my viewfinder and concentrating on what I was doing) he honked for their departure. I nearly wet myself. LOL

@Robert ... Thank you, atleast the last comment was a hearty 'kudos'! ;-)

(p.s. for those of you who don't know me personally, I can be kind of a sarcastic smart***. I was, in no way, offended or felt slighted by anyone's comment. I sincerely appreciate you all taking a gander and leavin' your comments.)