Source photos

[Toripony]

I don't know if this is a typical thing to do or not, but here it is... (I don't do modeling, so I don't know where you get your source material)....

I took some photos this week with my Nikon and have a decent set of bmps (2592 x 1944 x 24bit converted from RAW format 300dpi). I just wanted the photos but I thought if anyone is bored and looking for something to model, maybe you want these files? Here's a sample and a link to the jpg versions:



This is the current pusher unit assigned for the crew stationed in Ronceverte. It has apparently been modified to be an "H" model (upon zooming the crude change of this model letter is obvious). It makes a few runs every day pushing coal drags up over the Alleghany Front here on the WV/VA border.



Just happened to see this in town as a result of a small derailment last weekend. A worker told me that an axle broke and dumped 7 cars right in the convergence of double-track to single at West Ronceverte (former WR Cabin). The switch was destroyed and closed the railway for ???? time (he did not say). Trains were running Tuesday. Can't say I've ever seen one of these around Railworks!


Got to see 5 of the 7 derailed cars sidelined here; minimal damage. No sign of the other two.


...the rest: http://s959.photobucket.com/albums/ae73/Toripony/Misc/
Tori

[Trainguy76]

That certainly is helpful Tori, speaking from my own experience, direct views, ie front, left, right, back, top, bottom are very helpful, but you also need a "perspective" photo, it also is helpful to have pics of bogies/trucks and the underside, as it doesn't get photographed too often. For trucks, an angled shot and side shot are nearly required, since how do you know how far something sticks out from xyz object?

Nice shots, by the way.

[Toripony]

Thanks for the tips, Alex. I just happened to be nearby with some time to waste... I never shot a loco so thought I'd give it a try. Bet I'll do better next time.

The temptrack car is totally new to me; never saw one before.

Tori

[KCJones]

As a modeller I need as many shots as possible. The angle that is always difficult to get is the one looking down on the top of the vehicle. From my experience more rare than those showing the under side. With a good quality photo, even from the net, it is often possibe to alter the contrast and brightness to reveal a surprising amount of extra underneath detail.

Dick

[grumplstink]

Great pics Toripony, I agree that top, side, front, back, bottom, bogies (close-up), couplers and hoses(close-up) of anything interesting or missing from RW would be a plus for modelers. Most time is spent on research and anything to reduce this time means more time available for building freeware. Keep taking great pics mate, I'm sure we will all enjoy them and will stimulate us in our individual endeavors. Thanks Dick for the tip on contrast/brightness adjustments to pull out more bottom detail etc. will definitely try this, regards.

[Toripony]

I have opportunity to shoot this unit again... it's parked nearby. Handily, there's a bridge that will allow me shots of the top, too.

I actually had trouble getting far enough back from any of these subjects to capture an entire side in one photo. Well, I could have but it would have put me standing in the middle of the mainline (I know the pusher crew, but even so, I'm not sure they would turn the other way if they saw me standing there)! Or, I could have used wide-angle but was afraid that would distort things too much for a modeler???

Tori

[g_nash]

Or, I could have used wide-angle but was afraid that would distort things too much for a modeler???

Tori

Wide angle not a good choice .. If you're after hints for side shots take a look at these pics of the BNSF #161 http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/locoPi ... 470&Page=2 , the photographer has taken that nice line down the side of this unit and maintained a good image overlap . This example ( and at the resolutions you've used ) would make great resource material .

Nice job on the pics you've posted , just the right amount of cloud cover