A brakeman holds up a lantern at the depot next to The Valley Railroad Company #40 during a night photo shoot at Essex, Connecticut, on October 8th, 2024, during a photo charter conducted by Dak Dillion Photography. According to Wikipedia: The Valley Railroad, operating under the name Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, is a heritage railroad based in Connecticut on tracks of the Connecticut Valley Railroad, which was founded in 1868. The company began operations in 1971 between Deep River and Essex and has since reopened additional parts of the former Connecticut Valley Railroad line. It operates the Essex Steam Train and the Essex Clipper Dinner Train. Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 24-70 @ 52mm, 2.8, 1/100, ISO 6,400. #photographyoftrains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #thevalleyrailroad #steamtrains

A brakeman holds up a lantern at the depot next to The Valley Railroad Company #40 during a night photo shoot

A brakeman holds up a lantern at the depot next to The Valley Railroad Company #40 during a night photo shoot at Essex, Connecticut, on October 8th, 2024, during a photo charter conducted by Dak Dillion Photography.

According to Wikipedia: The Valley Railroad, operating under the name Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, is a heritage railroad based in Connecticut on tracks of the Connecticut Valley Railroad, which was founded in 1868. The company began operations in 1971 between Deep River and Essex and has since reopened additional parts of the former Connecticut Valley Railroad line. It operates the Essex Steam Train and the Essex Clipper Dinner Train.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 24-70 @ 52mm, 2.8, 1/100, ISO 6,400.

Waiting on a Train - A group of photographers photograph cows and frame their shots with them, as they wait on the arrival of Norfolk and Western 475 on the Strasburg Railroad, on November 7th, 2021 at Strasburg, Pennsylvania, during a Dak Dillon Photo Charter. I love catching shots like this so much when I'm trackside that I created a Facebook group sometime back called Waiting On A Train for them. We all have shots that we take while waiting around trackside for our train to show up and if you're looking for a place to post those shots join the group!! Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 140mm, f/5.6, 1/400, ISO 140. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer

Waiting on a Train – A group of photographers photograph cows as they wait on the arrival of Norfolk and Western 475

Waiting on a Train – A group of photographers photograph cows and frame their shots with them, as they wait on the arrival of Norfolk and Western 475 on the Strasburg Railroad, on November 7th, 2021 at Strasburg, Pennsylvania, during a Dak Dillon Photo Charter. I love catching shots like this so much when I’m trackside that I created a Facebook group sometime back called Waiting On A Train for them. We all have shots that we take while waiting around trackside for our train to show up and if you’re looking for a place to post those shots join the group!!

Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 140mm, f/5.6, 1/400, ISO 140.

The Valley Railroad Company #40 sits in s shroud of steam at the depot at Essex, Connecticut, on the night of October 8th, 2024, during a photo charter conducted by Dak Dillion Photography. According to Wikipedia: The Valley Railroad, operating under the name Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, is a heritage railroad based in Connecticut on tracks of the Connecticut Valley Railroad, which was founded in 1868. The company began operations in 1971 between Deep River and Essex and has since reopened additional parts of the former Connecticut Valley Railroad line. It operates the Essex Steam Train and the Essex Clipper Dinner Train. Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 24-70 @ 70mm, 2.8, 1/100, ISO 10,000. #photographyoftrains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #thevalleyrailroad #steamtrains

The Valley Railroad Company #40 sits in a shroud of steam at the depot at Essex, Connecticut

The Valley Railroad Company #40 sits in a shroud of steam at the depot at Essex, Connecticut, on the night of October 8th, 2024, during a photo charter conducted by Dak Dillion Photography.

According to Wikipedia: The Valley Railroad, operating under the name Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, is a heritage railroad based in Connecticut on tracks of the Connecticut Valley Railroad, which was founded in 1868. The company began operations in 1971 between Deep River and Essex and has since reopened additional parts of the former Connecticut Valley Railroad line. It operates the Essex Steam Train and the Essex Clipper Dinner Train.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 24-70 @ 70mm, 2.8, 1/100, ISO 10,000.

CSXT 9717 leads a southbound freight out of Evansville, Indiana on the viaduct, passing an old barn which is no longer standing, on a beautiful fall morning of November 28th, 2006, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision. Tech Info: Nikon D200, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 40mm,f/8, 1/250, ISO 800. #photographyoftrains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography

CSXT 9717 leads a southbound freight out of Evansville, Indiana…

CSXT 9717 leads a southbound freight out of Evansville, Indiana on the viaduct, passing an old barn which is no longer standing, on a beautiful fall morning of November 28th, 2006, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision.

Tech Info: Nikon D200, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 40mm,f/8, 1/250, ISO 800.

Norfolk and Western 475 heads past the Strasburg Railroad engine shop as dusk with a mixed freight approaching the depot, on November 7th, 2021 at Strasburg, Pennsylvania, during a DAK Dillon Photo Charter. Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 24mm, f/2.8, 1/125, ISO 400. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #jimpearsonphotography #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer

Norfolk and Western 475 heads past the Strasburg Railroad engine shop

Norfolk and Western 475 heads past the Strasburg Railroad engine shop at dawn with a mixed freight approaching the depot, on November 7th, 2021 at Strasburg, Pennsylvania, during a DAK Dillon Photo Charter.

Tech Info: Nikon D800, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 24mm, f/2.8, 1/125, ISO 400.

June 26th, 2006 - Blast from The Past – CSXT 9993 leads the CSX Business Train northbound across the Gum Lick Trestle, between Kelly and Crofton, Kentucky, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision on June 26th, 2006. The “Gum Lick” name comes from the fact that the valley here is named Gum Lick Hollow and it sits between Crofton and Kelly Kentucky where it crosses over the West Fork of Pond River. Tech Info: Nikon D2H, Sigma 24-70 @24mm, f/4, 1/640, ISO 500. #trainphotography #railroadphotography #trains #railways #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography

June 26th, 2006 – Blast from The Past – CSXT 9993 leads the CSX Business Train northbound…

June 26th, 2006 – Blast from The Past – CSXT 9993 leads the CSX Business Train northbound across the Gum Lick Trestle, between Kelly and Crofton, Kentucky, on the CSX Henderson Subdivision on June 26th, 2006.

The “Gum Lick” name comes from the fact that the valley here is named Gum Lick Hollow and it sits between Crofton and Kelly Kentucky where it crosses over the West Fork of Pond River.

Tech Info: Nikon D2H, Sigma 24-70 @24mm, f/4, 1/640, ISO 500.

East Broad Top (EBT) steam locomotive #16 pulls a passenger train through the yard at Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania on October 6th, 2024, on a beautiful fall afternoon. According to the East Broad Top Website: Locomotive #16 was built in 1916 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. Entering the age of modern steam in 1916, the EBT received its first of three large Mikados. Unlike the previous three smaller locomotives, #16 came with superheaters, piston valves, and Southern valve gear. One story mentions #16 pulled 60 empty hoppers from Mt. Union to Rockhill in one train, literally clearing out the yard. #16 underwent an overhaul in 1955 and made only a handful of trips in early 1956 before the railroad shut down an overhaul when the EBT shut down. On February 1, 2023, the locomotive returned to service. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 120. #steamtrains #JimPearsonPhotography #trainsfromtheair #EastBroadTop

East Broad Top (EBT) steam locomotive #16 pulls a passenger train…

East Broad Top (EBT) steam locomotive #16 pulls a passenger train through the yard at Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania on October 6th, 2024, on a beautiful fall afternoon.

According to the East Broad Top Website: Locomotive #16 was built in 1916 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works.

Entering the age of modern steam in 1916, the EBT received its first of three large Mikados. Unlike the previous three smaller locomotives, #16 came with superheaters, piston valves, and Southern valve gear. One story mentions #16 pulled 60 empty hoppers from Mt. Union to Rockhill in one train, literally clearing out the yard. #16 underwent an overhaul in 1955 and made only a handful of trips in early 1956 before the railroad shut down an overhaul when the EBT shut down. On February 1, 2023, the locomotive returned to service.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 120.

East Broad Top (EBT) steam locomotive #16 pulls a passenger train past the depot as they enter the yard at Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania to wye their train for another trip, on October 6th, 2024, on a beautiful fall afternoon. According to the East Broad Top Website: Locomotive #16 was built in 1916 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. Entering the age of modern steam in 1916, the EBT received its first of three large Mikados. Unlike the previous three smaller locomotives, #16 came with superheaters, piston valves, and Southern valve gear. One story mentions #16 pulled 60 empty hoppers from Mt. Union to Rockhill in one train, literally clearing out the yard. #16 underwent an overhaul in 1955 and made only a handful of trips in early 1956 before the railroad shut down an overhaul when the EBT shut down. On February 1, 2023, the locomotive returned to service. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 110. #steamtrains #JimPearsonPhotography #trainsfromtheair #EastBroadTop

East Broad Top (EBT) steam locomotive #16 pulls a passenger train past the depot…

East Broad Top (EBT) steam locomotive #16 pulls a passenger train past the depot as they enter the yard at Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania to wye their train for another trip, on October 6th, 2024, on a beautiful fall afternoon.

According to the East Broad Top Website: Locomotive #16 was built in 1916 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works.

Entering the age of modern steam in 1916, the EBT received its first of three large Mikados. Unlike the previous three smaller locomotives, #16 came with superheaters, piston valves, and Southern valve gear. One story mentions #16 pulled 60 empty hoppers from Mt. Union to Rockhill in one train, literally clearing out the yard. #16 underwent an overhaul in 1955 and made only a handful of trips in early 1956 before the railroad shut down an overhaul when the EBT shut down. On February 1, 2023, the locomotive returned to service.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/2000, ISO 110.

East Broad Top (EBT) steam locomotive #16 pulls a passenger train out of Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania on October 6th, 2024, on a beautiful fall afternoon. According to the East Broad Top Website: Locomotive #16 was built in 1916 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. Entering the age of modern steam in 1916, the EBT received its first of three large Mikados. Unlike the previous three smaller locomotives, #16 came with superheaters, piston valves, and Southern valve gear. One story mentions #16 pulled 60 empty hoppers from Mt. Union to Rockhill in one train, literally clearing out the yard. #16 underwent an overhaul in 1955 and made only a handful of trips in early 1956 before the railroad shut down an overhaul when the EBT shut down. On February 1, 2023, the locomotive returned to service. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 100. #steamtrains #JimPearsonPhotography #trainsfromtheair #EastBroadTop

East Broad Top (EBT) steam locomotive #16 pulls a passenger train out of Rockhill Furnace, Pa

East Broad Top (EBT) steam locomotive #16 pulls a passenger train out of Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania on October 6th, 2024, on a beautiful fall afternoon.

According to the East Broad Top Website: Locomotive #16 was built in 1916 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works.

Entering the age of modern steam in 1916, the EBT received its first of three large Mikados. Unlike the previous three smaller locomotives, #16 came with superheaters, piston valves, and Southern valve gear. One story mentions #16 pulled 60 empty hoppers from Mt. Union to Rockhill in one train, literally clearing out the yard. #16 underwent an overhaul in 1955 and made only a handful of trips in early 1956 before the railroad shut down an overhaul when the EBT shut down. On February 1, 2023, the locomotive returned to service.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 100.

Reading & Northern's RDC "Buddliner" #9168 (RDC-1) their two car train towards Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, after passing through Nesquehoning Tunnel on October 5th, 2024. According to their website: The Reading and Northern Railroad owns and operates three self-propelled Rail Diesel Cars #9166, #9167, and #9168. The cars were built by the former Budd Company of Philadelphia in the 1950's for commuter use by various railroads. All of our RDCs have functional windows and clean restrooms, and are fully climate controlled. The #9167 & #9168 are full coaches offering comfortable padded seats that flip to face whichever direction the train is traveling. The #9166 is a half coach. The other half of the car features a snack counter and seating area where snacks and light refreshments could be served. Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 24-70 @ 70mm, 1/320, f/2.8, ISO 720. #steamtrains #besttrainphotograph #JimPearsonPhotography #RBNRR

Reading & Northern’s RDC “Buddliner” #9168 (RDC-1) leads their two car train towards Jim Thorpe, Pa

Reading & Northern’s RDC “Buddliner” #9168 (RDC-1) leads their two car train towards Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, after passing through Nesquehoning Tunnel on October 5th, 2024.

According to their website: The Reading and Northern Railroad owns and operates three self-propelled Rail Diesel Cars #9166, #9167, and #9168. The cars were built by the former Budd Company of Philadelphia in the 1950’s for commuter use by various railroads. All of our RDCs have functional windows and clean restrooms, and are fully climate controlled.

The #9167 & #9168 are full coaches offering comfortable padded seats that flip to face whichever direction the train is traveling.

The #9166 is a half coach. The other half of the car features a snack counter and seating area where snacks and light refreshments could be served.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 24-70 @ 70mm, 1/320, f/2.8, ISO 720.

Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad steam locomotive 2102 pulls through the countryside on October 5th, 2024, during its first day of the year of pulling Fall Foliage Excursions, as it heads for Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. According to their website: The Reading Company T-1 class #2102 was built in the Reading’s own locomotive shops in 1945. With drivers of 70” diameter, it weighs 404 tons, and its tender holds up to 26 tons of coal, and up to 19,000 gallons of water. After the Reading Steam era was over, the Reading Company used 2102 for the Reading Rambles on several different excursions. The 2102 has had many different owners since it was retired by the Reading Railroad. It is one of only four to survive. The other remaining locomotives are the 2100, 2101, and 2124. The Blue Mountain and Reading Railroad purchased the 2102 in 1987, and it ran on the Temple to South Hamburg line into the early 1990’s. Once the Blue Mountain and Reading Railroad became the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern, the 2102 ran over Reading & Northern’s rails for a short time before it was removed from service in the early 1990’s. In 2022, steam locomotive 2102 reentered service on the Reading & Northern. The locomotive has been used actively to pull both passenger excursions and revenue freight trains. Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 70mm, 1/640, f/4.5, ISO 180. #steamtrains #besttrainphotograph #JimPearsonPhotography #RBNRR

Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad steam locomotive 2102 pulls through the countryside

Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad steam locomotive 2102 pulls through the countryside on October 5th, 2024, during its first day of the year of pulling Fall Foliage Excursions, as it heads for Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania.

According to their website: The Reading Company T-1 class #2102 was built in the Reading’s own locomotive shops in 1945. With drivers of 70” diameter, it weighs 404 tons, and its tender holds up to 26 tons of coal, and up to 19,000 gallons of water. After the Reading Steam era was over, the Reading Company used 2102 for the Reading Rambles on several different excursions. The 2102 has had many different owners since it was retired by the Reading Railroad. It is one of only four to survive. The other remaining locomotives are the 2100, 2101, and 2124.

The Blue Mountain and Reading Railroad purchased the 2102 in 1987, and it ran on the Temple to South Hamburg line into the early 1990’s. Once the Blue Mountain and Reading Railroad became the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern, the 2102 ran over Reading & Northern’s rails for a short time before it was removed from service in the early 1990’s.

In 2022, steam locomotive 2102 reentered service on the Reading & Northern. The locomotive has been used actively to pull both passenger excursions and revenue freight trains.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 70mm, 1/640, f/4.5, ISO 180.

August 30th, 2024, Steam locomotive Nickel Plate 765 pulls “The Limited” through the countryside during the golden light of sunset as they make their way to Reading, Michigan as part of Indiana Rail Experience’s Rolling Victory Weekend. According to their website: Rolling Victory was a three-day living history event celebrating American military, railroad, and home front history featuring vintage train rides, World War II reenactors, battles, a big band orchestra, and an immersive and educational experience for all ages in Pleasant Lake, Indiana. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 800. #railroad #railroads #train, #trains #railway #railway #steamtrains #railtransport #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailways #besttrainphotograph #bestphoto #photographyoftrains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #steamtrains #nkp765 #passengertrains #trainsfromtheair #trainsfromadrone

August 30th, 2024, Steam locomotive Nickel Plate 765 pulls “The Limited” during the golden light of sunset

August 30th, 2024, Steam locomotive Nickel Plate 765 pulls “The Limited” through the countryside during the golden light of sunset as they make their way to Reading, Michigan as part of Indiana Rail Experience’s Rolling Victory Weekend.

According to their website: Rolling Victory was a three-day living history event celebrating American military, railroad, and home front history featuring vintage train rides, World War II reenactors, battles, a big band orchestra, and an immersive and educational experience for all ages in Pleasant Lake, Indiana.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 800.

August 30th, 2024, Steam locomotive Nickel Plate 765 pulls “The Limited” through the countryside during the golden light of sunset as they make their way to Reading, Michigan as part of Indiana Rail Experience’s Rolling Victory Weekend. According to their website: Rolling Victory was a three-day living history event celebrating American military, railroad, and home front history featuring vintage train rides, World War II reenactors, battles, a big band orchestra, and an immersive and educational experience for all ages in Pleasant Lake, Indiana. Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 800. #railroad #railroads #train, #trains #railway #railway #steamtrains #railtransport #railroadengines #picturesoftrains #picturesofrailways #besttrainphotograph #bestphoto #photographyoftrains #bestsoldpicture #JimPearsonPhotography #steamtrains #nkp765 #passengertrains #trainsfromtheair #trainsfromadrone

August 30th, 2024, Steam locomotive Nickel Plate 765 pulls “The Limited” through the countryside…

August 30th, 2024, Steam locomotive Nickel Plate 765 pulls “The Limited” through the countryside during the golden light of sunset as they make their way to Reading, Michigan as part of Indiana Rail Experience’s Rolling Victory Weekend.

According to their website: Rolling Victory was a three-day living history event celebrating American military, railroad, and home front history featuring vintage train rides, World War II reenactors, battles, a big band orchestra, and an immersive and educational experience for all ages in Pleasant Lake, Indiana.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 800.

In this week’s Saturday Infrared Photo, we find The Valley Railroad Company #97 steams along the Connecticut River around Chester, Connecticut with a passenger train on October 9th, 2024, as part of a two-day photo charter conducted by Dak Dillion Photography. According to Wikipedia: The Valley Railroad, operating under the name Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, is a heritage railroad based in Connecticut on tracks of the Connecticut Valley Railroad, which was founded in 1868. The company began operations in 1971 between Deep River and Essex and has since reopened additional parts of the former Connecticut Valley Railroad line. It operates the Essex Steam Train and the Essex Clipper Dinner Train. Valley Railroad #40 is an ALCO 2-8-0 that was built in 1923. It was built as Portland, Astoria and Pacific No. 101, but never used there; transferred to Minarets and Western Railroad in 1921, later to Southern Pacific, then to the Aberdeen and Rockfish Railroad. Purchased by the Valley Railroad in 1977. Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, RAW, Converted to 720nm B&W IR, Nikon 10-24 @ 10mm, f/5, 1/250, ISO 400. #jimpearsonphotography #infraredtrainphotography #infraredphotography #infraredphotography #trending #thevalleyrailroad

In this week’s Saturday Infrared Photo, we find The Valley Railroad Company #97

In this week’s Saturday Infrared Photo, we find The Valley Railroad Company #97 at it steams along the Connecticut River around Haddam, Connecticut with a passenger train on October 9th, 2024, as part of a two-day photo charter conducted by Dak Dillion Photography.

According to Wikipedia: The Valley Railroad, operating under the name Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, is a heritage railroad based in Connecticut on tracks of the Connecticut Valley Railroad, which was founded in 1868. The company began operations in 1971 between Deep River and Essex and has since reopened additional parts of the former Connecticut Valley Railroad line. It operates the Essex Steam Train and the Essex Clipper Dinner Train.

Valley Railroad #40 is an ALCO 2-8-0 that was built in 1923. It was built as Portland, Astoria and Pacific No. 101, but never used there; transferred to Minarets and Western Railroad in 1921, later to Southern Pacific, then to the Aberdeen and Rockfish Railroad. Purchased by the Valley Railroad in 1977.

Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, RAW, Converted to 720nm B&W IR, Nikon 10-24 @ 10mm, f/5, 1/250, ISO 400.