Bill Botkin has been capturing trains in black and white for more than 40 years. His adventures have brought him to various corners of the Earth. You read about his journey as a photographer and traveler in July 2009 Trains. Below are a few more of Botkin’s favorites.
Bill Botkin
Rio Grande Mikado at Tanglefoot Loop
Since I was too young to experience steam in regular service in the U.S., I have actively pursued authentic recreations of steam operations around the U.S. This classic view of a Rio Grande narrow gauge freight, complete with mid-train helper, was taken at the quintessential Rio Grande narrow gauge location, Tanglefoot Curve, near Cumbres, Colo. Though a generation after regular steam operations ceased on the Rio Grande, there is very little to give away the fact that this photograph was taken in 1992 on a charter freight sponsored by John Craft.
Since I was too young to experience steam in regular service in the U.S., I have actively pursued authentic recreations of steam operations around the U.S. This classic view of a Rio Grande narrow gauge freight, complete with mid-train helper, was taken at the quintessential Rio Grande narrow gauge location, Tanglefoot Curve, near Cumbres, Colo. Though a generation after regular steam operations ceased on the Rio Grande, there is very little to give away the fact that this photograph was taken in 1992 on a charter freight sponsored by John Craft.
Bill Botkin
Erie Lackawanna “Lake Cities,” No. 5, at Hoboken, N.J.
Like virtually all rail enthusiasts, my favorite railroad was the one that ran through my hometown of Morristown, N.J., the Erie Lackawanna. As the last Erie Lackawanna through-passenger train in operation, the Lake Cities lasted until January 1970. During Christmas break from college in December 1969, I captured some images of the Lake Cities in its last weeks of operation. With the dinner already being served in the heavyweight ex-Erie diner, you can almost smell the savory meals being prepared as the 7:00 p.m. departure time nears for its overnight journey to Chicago on the “Friendly Service Route.”
Like virtually all rail enthusiasts, my favorite railroad was the one that ran through my hometown of Morristown, N.J., the Erie Lackawanna. As the last Erie Lackawanna through-passenger train in operation, the Lake Cities lasted until January 1970. During Christmas break from college in December 1969, I captured some images of the Lake Cities in its last weeks of operation. With the dinner already being served in the heavyweight ex-Erie diner, you can almost smell the savory meals being prepared as the 7:00 p.m. departure time nears for its overnight journey to Chicago on the “Friendly Service Route.”
Bill Botkin
South African Railways mixed train at Bleshoender
Long ago I learned that great black and white photographs aren’t always made under sunny skies. Often the soft light of an overcast and dreary day can form the perfect textures for black-and-white photography. This silhouette of South African 2-8-4 class 24 with its mixed train from George, South Africa in July 1984 shows how the subtle shades of gray can be just as dramatic as a shot made in brilliant sun.
Long ago I learned that great black and white photographs aren’t always made under sunny skies. Often the soft light of an overcast and dreary day can form the perfect textures for black-and-white photography. This silhouette of South African 2-8-4 class 24 with its mixed train from George, South Africa in July 1984 shows how the subtle shades of gray can be just as dramatic as a shot made in brilliant sun.
Bill Botkin
South African Railways 25NC at Sterkfontein
Steam survived on the Bethlehem-to-Bloemfontein line until 1987. On of my favorite locations was a place called Sterkfontein Farm. When the Bethlehem bound local, pulled by a 25NC 4-8-4, approached Sterkfontein just as the sun was setting, the elements for a great photograph were assembled. A couple of bottles of Coca-Cola for the driver and fireman at the water stop at Ficksburg would assure adequate smoke for added drama. With the mountains of Lesotho forming the backdrop, No. 3402 completes the scene as it pounds upgrade toward Slabberts with train No. 55549 in May 1985.
Steam survived on the Bethlehem-to-Bloemfontein line until 1987. On of my favorite locations was a place called Sterkfontein Farm. When the Bethlehem bound local, pulled by a 25NC 4-8-4, approached Sterkfontein just as the sun was setting, the elements for a great photograph were assembled. A couple of bottles of Coca-Cola for the driver and fireman at the water stop at Ficksburg would assure adequate smoke for added drama. With the mountains of Lesotho forming the backdrop, No. 3402 completes the scene as it pounds upgrade toward Slabberts with train No. 55549 in May 1985.
Take a peek at what’s inside the July 2009 issue of Trains magazine.
