Txron: I think those Tropicana cars were on the Sunset Route in San Antonio. William Cowie commented that he had not seen that paint scheme before.
jasona, That green N&W box is just about the MOST beautiful boxcar I have ever seen! WOW! It is now my wallpaper (hope you don't mind)
I think you're right Flash. The picture was taken in Rosenburg. From my understanding of how the tracks run, that's the route that runs from San Antonio through there into Houston.
Yep, that's what I was thinking as well Peirce. That one's been sitting there for several months for some reason behind a GP9 that's not being used either.
I haven't had much reason to post lately. Dug out this old Ed Nowak official New York Central photo. Mohawk 3100 at Cold Spring, NY with a whole train of brand new BT (Before Tagging) Pacemaker boxes. April 1946.
Jim, that was, and still is a beautiful photo. I remember when that photo first appeared in either Life magazine or The Saturday Evening Post, or possibly both. I believe the photo was taken just south of the tunnel at Cold Spring, NY. That was one of Ed Nowak's favorite photo sites since it was near to his home, and to Harmon. Many of his PR photos of the Century, Empire State, and other Steel Fleet trains were taken at that same location. Thanks for posting it...
Hank, Nowak had a job to die for. Photographing the greatest railroad in the world. Terrific subject matter all over the system, with the scenery and the great hardware. Was it you or Russell who asked for a time machine? I'm ready.
Jim, in the early days of NASA's Apollo Program, I worked with a photographer who had apprenticed under Ed Nowak in the 50's. One day this guy was assigned to do an enroute shoot while in the cab of the Century from Harmon to Albany. This was the first time he had been in the cab of any diesel running full speed, let alone the Century, and the first time he was shooting "solo", i.e. without Ed. He said he was nervous to say the least. During the run, the engineer had to respond to nature and asked if this guy would mind sitting in his seat for a few minutes. (He didn't mention a "fireman", maybe he was back in the second unit?) After a minute or so he said a loud "horn" went off, scaring the dickens out of him. The engineer screamed from wherever he was to "step on the button on the floor, and quickly". This poor guy said he panicked, but finally found the button and "stomped" on it just before the Century went into Emergency from 80(+/-) MPH! He told me that he was sure the trip was great, especially since Ed had complimented him on getting some excellent shots, but that the "horn" and his panic was the only thing he remembered from the whole experience.
Great story Hank. Thanks for sharing. I photographed a NS MofW train on Friday. It had lots of very interesting equipment. Here is one of the box cars.
