A Somber Day In Hamlet, NC

[JerseyMutt]

At least weather wise it was. Unlike my usual trip reports, this one will not be full of anecdotes or pithy comments. This is due to being out all day then having a bit of a drive home and being too tired to be witty. :o: This evening, I shall just let the pictures do the talking.

Retired Seaboard SD35 now part of a local railroad museum.
http://www.northeastfoto.com/gallery/files/9/9/1/sbd1117_4dec07-2.jpg

Another shot of the same unit, beneath the moon.
http://www.northeastfoto.com/gallery/files/9/9/1/sbd1117_4dec07-1.jpg

The restored station which houses both Amtrak and a railroad museum.
http://www.northeastfoto.com/gallery/files/9/9/1/hamlet-station_4dec07.jpg

An Eastbound freight, led by ES44DC #5322 bound for Pembroke.
http://www.northeastfoto.com/gallery/files/9/9/1/csx5322_4dec07-1.jpg

A Northbound freight headed through town bound for Hamlet Yard. SD70MAC 4702 is in the lead.
http://www.northeastfoto.com/gallery/files/9/9/1/csx4702_4dec07-1copy.jpg

http://www.northeastfoto.com/gallery/files/9/9/1/csx4702_4dec07-2.JPG

Another Northbound freight, this one lead by an EVO.
http://www.northeastfoto.com/gallery/files/9/9/1/csx5310_4jan07-1.JPG

http://www.northeastfoto.com/gallery/files/9/9/1/csx5310_4jan07-2.jpg

I hope everyone enjoys the pics!

Cheers,

[stoneylonesome]

Wonderful series of shots, I love the station photo, it is super.

[zacker]

wow Thomas, your shots have a really nice "feel" to them... what lens is this you used?

[JerseyMutt]

Thanks much stoney and zacker! I am definitely improving on my shots in less than "ideal" weather. When I first started getting back into railroad photography after traveling the world a bit, there were a few sites (that shall remain nameless) that had convinced me that the only good shots were ones taken in "perfect" light at the perfect angle, etc. I'm glad I don't subscribe to that notion anymore. To me, a good photographer can make a photo work in almost any lighting, setting, etc.

As for the lens, they were shot with the 28-135mm f4-5.6 IS. There are definitely better lenses, but for the price it allowed me to upgrade from the low-end lenses I had (35-80mm and 80-200) that I had with my old Rebel X film body.

[Orgnoi1]

Thomas I agree with Craig... the shots have a VERY nice feel to them... they are crisp and clean... good composition and color!!

[zacker]

damn Tom...Im swearing right now...lol I have that lens and its one of my faves!!!! Some say its not good, These pics would shut em up for sure!!!!