Planning on some "serious" railroad photography, Shays in West Virginia. On another thread there has been a discussion of shake reduction and using a tripod. All agreed turn it off as the book says but there was one response specifically noting vibrations from traffic. As we know a stationary steam locomotive can shake the ground. Anyone have some experience with this issue or any other tips you would like to pass along. I was doing hand-held as recently as last summer but have never used a tripod on this subject.

If your shutter speed is sufficient to stop a moving train, I'm not sure why you would need IBIS. I don't remember the Cass locomotives as exactly ground shakers - kind of like an automobile drifting past.

Thanks. Being new to this technology I may be overworking the situation. I hope to find something more "artsy" after I get the usual "builders photo" and the run past. I am not familiar with Shays but remember air pumps on locos that could shake the area nearby. I will be camped near the Durbin Rocket and will, of course, spend time at Cass.

I don't believe those locomotives have air pumps .... the trains don't have air brakes. When we rode the Cass last year, the conductor explained {over PA system} how he {where we were in the back car} and brakemen {every other car} were constantly adjusting the (hand)brakes on the way down. The train never moves very fast, and geared locomotives are "unnaturally" smooth.

Unless you are making movie, you don't need a tripod, at least if you are picturing moving trains.

The challenge in train photography tends to be composing the picture. It's not always easy to visualize from seeing the track how the train will look, and when it arrives things happen fast. So keep it simple.

You are correct, of course. I could bore you with a hundred or more shots over the last five years and maybe could find stuff from the late 60s from "fan trips" out of Chicago. This will be my first experience with this subject using a DSLR. As you suggest. I am sure there will be numerous hand-held opportunities but I have tentative plans to experiment with the new (to me) features of the K-70 which may suggest/demand a steadier base than I can provide. The second consideration is that the environment is mountainous (Eastern US) and within a national forest. I am not familiar with the ground and would like to "pace" the train if the roads are there. In this case, or others, the lighting may present a problem. I may be over-planning this but it is my nature. (Ask him the time and he will tell how to build a clock.)

Sounds like a great trip - using Google Sat View of Cass SP, it appears there's a road that parallels the tracks for a bit, then actually crosses the tracks which should provide a great vantage point (hopefully). Wish I was going!! Have a great time - post photos!!

Chip

Thanks Chip. I have used the same tool (Google) and I think the Cass run and the Durban run will provide opportunities. I usually limit to steam but there are diesel runs out of Elkins. As you are out west have you done the Chama, NM or Durango, CO trips? We paced the durango to Silverton route and it is outstanding. Also, near the end of the earth is Ely, NV, 160 miles from Walmart. The Nevada Northern not only has a short but nice trip, it has complete repair facilities. They rehab locomotives and rolling stock.

Andy

Years ago the wife and I 'did' the Durango/Silverton trip - great time!!

Also, I had some property in the Sangre De Cristos Mountains (South central CO) where the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad on it's run between Alamosa, CO and La Vita, CO would be visible. Almost every run was with a steam locomotive (don't know which model) - could hear the whistle echoing amounge hills for miles!! I have some photos I'll try to find and add to the group.

Chip