72 hour Challenge "Railroad Bridges" due Monday 29th

[Colonel]

1. All challenges close at 12 midnight (24:00 hours) Eastern Standard Time on Monday 29th January 2007, and will be noted with a "Time's up!" post within the thread.
2. Please use the challenge as a motive to take a new photograph rather than using a photograph that you have taken in the past.
3. Challenges are open to everyone, have fun!!
4. Though not required, commenting on other peoples pictures is encouraged.

Ok I thought I'd make this one easy, now it is up to you to decide how you are going to include a railroad bridge in your photo. Good luck and look forward to seeing some great photos. As a tip the bridge does not have to be the focus of the photo it could be a train running over a bridge etc.

Remember this is about going out and finding a subject and taking a photo rather than posting pics of previous photos.

Good Luck

[Colonel]

If you have any questions about this challenge please post in this topic

New Contest (http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?p=363573#post363573)

[r_i_straw]

How many images can we enter? Here is one to kick it off.
UP MOW equipment crossing the Brazos River in Richmond, Texas.
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/601/IMG_0811.JPG

[Colonel]

At this stage to encourage others to participate you can post as many as you like however once we get some good participation I envisage it will be one per person..

Great pic by the way and you have the honour of being the first to post in this inaugural challenge

[HemiAdda2d]

Rainbow Bridge over the mighty Missouri, east of Great Falls, MT:

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/930/BNSF_bridge_3.jpg

[Scott Stutzman]

North end of the Massive Swing Bridge that crosses the Columbia River at Vancouver, Washington. It's a huge double tracked monster!
A shot with a UP stacktrain crossing it.
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/968/Vancouver_1-27-07_UP_stack.jpg
1-27-07

[Stourbridge Lion]

:shade: :shade: :shade: :shade:

[BugNerd]

I thought the challenges were supposed to be pictures taken within the 72 hour challenge period? :) I'm not complaining, just checking.

Fun idea either way :D

I have a bridge in mind, btw, I'll try to get pick of it.

[Colonel]

I thought the challenges were supposed to be pictures taken within the 72 hour challenge period? :) I'm not complaining, just checking.

Fun idea either way :D

I have a bridge in mind, btw, I'll try to get pick of it.

you are correct only images taken within the 72 hour challenge will be judged but I'm not going to discipline hytech this time :D

Some great shots guys keep them coming

[Hytec]

you are correct only images taken within the 72 hour challenge will be judged but I'm not going to discipline hytech this time :D

OOOPS....:embarassed:

At my age, reading instructions is just a waste of time. :angel:

[Powersteamguy1790]

The CSX uses this bridge on its run from Miami north through Jupiter.


The rusting patterns are very interesting on this bridge span. I used this as a model when I weathered the bridge and deck of the 135' turntable on the JJJ&E.


http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/1361/DSCN21871.JPG




Stay cool and run steam...:cool::cool:

[Powersteamguy1790]

Extra photo's of bridge removed at Paul's request.

Stay cool and run steam......:cool::cool:

[OC Engineer JD]

There is a long timber approach to the main span.
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/CoosaRiver_012807.jpg

[SecretWeapon]

Hide the matches !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:omg:

[Colonel]

Wow I'm so impressed with all the effort you guys have undertaken. Looks like this challenge is going to set a great precedent for future challenges.

[mtaylor]

I am currently doing battle wth RailImages.....photos to come shortly :)

[Flash Blackman]

Live Oak low water crossing at Pat Booker Road right across from Randolph AFB, 28Jan2007.
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/aBrij7--004.JPG

[mtaylor]

(Edited per request of Contest Rules)

This is the ancient Union Pacific lift bridge in downtoan Saint Paul Minnesota. This line is former Chicago NorthWestern. I am not sure when the bridge was built but it is old and still in regular use. The trains crawl in this area...very cool to see.

Speaking of cool, it was about 7 degrees F when I took this photo....it was crisp :)

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/542/tn_Union_Pacific_Bridge_-_Saint_Paul_Minnesota_003.jpg

[campp]

The Salt River Bridge was built in 1912 (in case you couldn't tell :))

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/996/Salt_River_Bridge_Jan_2007.jpg

[fitz]

Great response, members! I think this is going to be a fun forum. Can't wait to get out and get some shots to participate. :teeth:

[Hytec]

Matt, I think your #1 image is the best. Sorta like looking off into a Black Hole.....

[Hytec]

Jerry, do you actually drive across that rickety wooden span...voluntarily?

[OC Engineer JD]

Yes, with a permanent 10mph slow order! :) At the far end of the bridge is also the beginning of the street running through Gadsden, also 10mph. The end of last year, several pieces of the wood bracing was replaced/repaired. It should be good for another 50yrs.:)

[mtaylor]

LOL that happens waaaaaay up north :)

[MRL]

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/742/2007_0128SB_130060.JPG

[mtaylor]

Awesome stuff everyone.

[Colonel]

wurlitzer, NSFan14 and Hytec

Your image post was deleted as the image was not taken in the designated 72 hour period, sorry

[Hytec]

wurlitzer, NSFan14 and Hytec

Your image post was deleted as the image was not taken in the designated 72 hour period, sorry

Picky, picky, picky........:laugh:

[Stourbridge Lion]

Looks like a few people took this on and got some great photograph this weekend.

:teeth: :teeth: :teeth: :teeth:

[Stourbridge Lion]

With this first contest heading for a vote, don't forget we have a Railfan Topic "A BRIDGE over troubled waters (http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=73868)" that these images would be a great addtion too as well.

[Greg Lussier]

here's mine.
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/1091/thumbs/Greg_s_pics_150_copy.jpg (http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showphoto.php/photo/43617)

[Colonel]

Only a few hours left before close, so far I'm really impressed with this weeks challenge.

[SecretWeapon]

Who's going to do the judging every week?

[Stourbridge Lion]

But I'm not going to tell you the names of them...

:zip: :zip: :zip: :zip:

[SecretWeapon]

Your such a tease.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:shade:

[Kit]

I'd like to thank whoever edited my post so the pictures would show up. Is there a tutorial somewhere I could go to to figure out what was edited in?

[HemiAdda2d]

here's mine.
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/1091/thumbs/Greg_s_pics_150_copy.jpg (http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showphoto.php/photo/43617)

I love the subdued light you harnessed.. Very moody!:shade:

[Colonel]

I'd like to thank whoever edited my post so the pictures would show up. Is there a tutorial somewhere I could go to to figure out what was edited in?

Phil,

all part of the service, if you go to our tutorials forum there is a topic on posting imges.

Here is a link tutorials (http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=237)

[okane]

Here is my Entry, CN Autorack crossing over the 401 east of Toronto with a partially hidden Via Rail Montreal to Toronto express in the background.

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/818/DSC_0221_adj.JPG

[Kit]

My last one.
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showphoto.php/photo/43521/ppuser/4489http://http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/543/thumbs/NYC_over_Erie.jpghttp://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/543/NYC_over_Erie.jpg
Former New York Central bridge above Former Erie tracks. Also located in Urbana, OH.

[Flash Blackman]

You know, that is a pretty big through plate girder bridge. It's a long span and looks like the sides are pretty tall.

[OC Engineer JD]

Some good photos! Railroad bridges sure come in a variety of shapes and sizes! :)

[Ed M]

Man, I just got back home from my trip in time to enter the contest. Good thing I read through today's posts before hitting the sack. This may be the only time I get to participate in one of these contests. The 72 hour limit is tough for me as I don't have any trains within striking distance. But as luck would have it I went on a railfan trip with a few friends this weekend, and some of the last shots I took were of a bridge.

By the way, thanks for reminding me of the "Bridge over troubled water" thread. I thought I had posted a shot of this bridge in that thread, and I had. Of course that was from my old RI album, so the link no longer worked. I took the opportunity to edit that post and put in one of these new shots.

Anyway, by lead in, this is an old (1900-1910 era) bridge over the Panuco River, which is the border between Tamaulipas state and Veracruz. This line headed south from Tampico and was designed to be a short route between Tampico and Mexico City. It never got built more than 50 miles south from the bridge (construction interupted by the Mexican Revolution and never resumed). That's a shame, because that line would have passed very close to where I now live. The line remained in service with little traffic until the 1990's when it was abandoned and the rails lifted.

The first shot is my contest entry, the other three are included only for information. The shot only shows six of the 7 spans. I couldn't back up far enough to get a good shot including the first span on the left. The first two spans that you see on the left in the picture actually pivoted over that center mechanism to allow boat traffic to pass. Beyond the last truss section at the right are six or seven deck girder spans (not visible) that carry the approach over the low bank on the north shore.
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/1261/bridge21.jpg

Here's a closer view from the river bank.
[/URL]

And a shot from the other side. Better light from here but more stuff in the way.
(http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showphoto.php/photo/43637)

And the obligatory shot from the end of the bridge, showing that the ties and rails have been removed. I'm surprised that they haven't yet cut it up for scrap.
[URL="http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showphoto.php/photo/43638"]

Whew!! Pictures downloaded from the camera, edited and uploaded to RI and I still have an hour to spare before the contest closes!! (Or at least I think so.)

Regards

Ed

[Stourbridge Lion]

:shade: :shade: :shade: :shade:

[Kit]

It is a pretty tall bridge. There is also a narrow road that goes under the bridge on the right side. The road leads to a residential area. I got pictures of about 6 different bridges yesterday.

[Colonel]

30 minutes till the challenge closes. Those who have posted multiple photos please delete all but the one you would like to enter. I would suggest all the other images be posted in the bridge over troubled waters thread (http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=73868&page=9).

This has been a fantastic response to the challenge. I hope to set the poll for voting tomorrow provided we have only one image per participant.

[Colonel]

OK everyone the challenge has now ended, rather than post one image each please reduce your posts to one image each within 24 hours.

[mtaylor]

Man that was tough trying to choose one pic. I wanted to get downtown Saint Paul in with the shot....too bad the bridge is a bit hidden. Oh well....lots of fun :)

[Colonel]

Kit,

Let me know which image you want me to keep and i will delete the rest for you from the posts.

[Colonel]

Looks like the poll option will not work let me work out what we will do

[Colonel]

Poll has been posted and will close in 7 days.

[Colonel]

wow the vote is very spread its going to be interesting.

[NSFan14]

wurlitzer, NSFan14 and Hytec

Your image post was deleted as the image was not taken in the designated 72 hour period, sorry
Sorry about that Colonel

[Stourbridge Lion]

:zip: :zip: :zip: :zip:

[MOPMAN]

Darren, I too was surprised that only 25 votes were cast as of this morning. Given that 13 members submitted pics that qualified under the timeline, that means only 12 other people voted. Thats less than 10% of the membership!! :angry:

[r_i_straw]

Can I vote twice? No body voted for mine yet. :sad:

[Stourbridge Lion]

At this rate we might want to take the top 3 vote getters and vote again on the finalists since the spread of the votes is so wide. Maybe next time allow people to vote for more than one since there are a lot of great photos in the first round making a single vote tough.

[MOPMAN]

I'll second that as I must admit it was tough to pick a best photo. They are all great pictures.

[Colonel]

I wasnt sure whtehr to allow one vote or multiple, we will need to consider this for future challenges.

[Ed M]

I wasnt sure whtehr to allow one vote or multiple, we will need to consider this for future challenges.

I'm not sure allowing multiple votes really helps break deadlocks where you have 3 or 4 photos that seems to be in the lead.

But I agree with Flash's comment in the other thread that the contest may need better visibility. It's obvious to me because I view TrainBoard in "Live View" format so I see posts referring to it come up every now and then. But someone who just logs in and goes to his favorite two or three forums may not be that aware of it.

Regards

Ed

[Mr. Train]

I'm not sure allowing multiple votes really helps break deadlocks where you have 3 or 4 photos that seems to be in the lead.

But I agree with Flash's comment in the other thread that the contest may need better visibility. It's obvious to me because I view TrainBoard in "Live View" format so I see posts referring to it come up every now and then. But someone who just logs in and goes to his favorite two or three forums may not be that aware of it.

Regards

Ed
I use "24hours of trainboard" all the time then check my favorites. But may be a special banner some where that shows on all pages:lightbulb: ?

[campp]

We still have about six days to go, so lets just wait and see how it shakes out before we change any rules...

[Colonel]

Interesting we have a 3 way tie

[Flash Blackman]

The top three or four pictures are excellent choices. Any one of them is a winner.

[Colonel]

Looks like it is going to be a close finish, come lets keep the votes coming in. It would be great if at least 100 members voted

[Another ATSF Admirer]

Wow. 58 voters...
I saw this because someone stuck a banner above the topic list for each forum as I drifted past :)

I think for the next one, it might be nice when the re-edit time comes, to leave a link to the photos that weren't good enough, so they're still find-able for people who come through in a month's time and wonder what all the fuss was...

Now I just need a bit of warning before the next one starts, and some idea of where to actually find a train in this country :)
(about a mile south or two miles west, from memory)

[Colonel]

I'm hoping for this weekend but wont announce the subject till Thursday

[Stourbridge Lion]

Time is clicking away so get those votes counted!!!!!!!

Only 69 votes so far and we would love to see 100+ votes

:lightbulb: :lightbulb: :lightbulb: :lightbulb:

[Colonel]

The Salt River Bridge was built in 1912 (in case you couldn't tell :))

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/996/Salt_River_Bridge_Jan_2007.jpg

Congratulations Steve for being the inaugural winner of the challenge

[Ed M]

Good choice!! Congratulations.

btw, how did you get that little RailImages box in the lower right hand corner?

Ed

[HemiAdda2d]

Very good job, Steve!!!

[inch53]

Congrads Steve, that is a good photo

[Flash Blackman]

btw, how did you get that little RailImages box in the lower right hand corner?
That indicates the picture is stored in the old RI website. We may get them on the new RI site eventually, but I don't think that is a priority item.

Good picture, Steve. It did take some time to get all those shots, too.

[Pete Nolan]

Hmm,

Do bridges on model railroads like mine count?

[campp]

Nice job everyone, that was fun. I thought Jerry D's timber photo was my favorite. Let's see where the second Challenge goes, sounds like a good one.
Thanks Colonel!