| Posted by on December 24, 2011 | |
Wow. What a superb and interesting photo.Really interesting to see American steam traction on shed in what was presumably steam's heyday. Very good quality photo from such a long time ago and good colour. Gives a good feel of the grime of steam depots. I would give my right arm to go back to those days and walk around such an array of power..and the smell..the coal.the oil. Nothing has such an evocative feel .Thankyou from a GB steam enthusiast .
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| Posted by Andrew on December 24, 2011 | |
When you see all these locos all needing coal, this is the coal dock after all, and the line of coal trucks at the right of the picture, it begs the question of how much traffic was generated by the railways carrying their own loco coal?
I also endorse the previous comments, I can remember this type of action but on a much, much smaller scale.
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I thought this was a modern photo of Chinese steam, was a bit surprised when it said PA!
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that is an awesome picture! Not one diesel in the picture.
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Obviously a pre-EPA shot John!
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All I can say is wow! That is one of the coolest shots I have ever seen. Oh to have been there and smelled the coal smoke.
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As fascinating and photogenic as steam locomotives were, I can't help but wonder how many of the people who lived and worked here during the steam era ended their days with Emphysema or throat / lung cancers. That was brought home to me by the memory of how, when living in Brunswick, MD, once a major B&O steam era engine terminal, the majority of older persons who had lived there during the steam era had real breathing problems. As they say, "There's no such thing as a free lunch."
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This has to be one of the best photos I've seen of the Altoona yard during the steam era! None of the many books I've read and looked at show such a collection of PRR steam power in one view. My mom and dad have told me stories of scenes such as this from when they grew up in Altoona during the steam era.....this brings it to life! Great photo and thanks for sharing.
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Oh, man - more steam then in my local hobby shop. In fact, likely more steam then available at most Internet shops. I envy you being able to witness such scenes, John! Congrats on the PC - so good, it couldn't wait till Sunday.
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This is a wonderful image. It dramatically shows how different railroading was "back in the days". As fascinating as steam engines are individually, en masse it must have been a whole different world. I saw similar scenes in Argentina, South Africa, and China....but never anything on quite this scale. Wow!
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| Posted by on January 3, 2012 | |
This image is incredible. Even in late summer it has a cold, grimy feel that can't be explained. The smoke hanging in the air from the locos and the open pit fire add a very gritty element to the frame. A wonderful, historical slice of American industry.
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My mother grew up in a coal town, and I remember the stories about the smoke and grime, especially the difficulty with hanging laundry outside to dry.
It wasn't always difficult to get in here for photos. In early Penn Central days, the dead line had some real rarities. All it took was an inquiry at the nearest yard office to get an escorted visit. I worked quickly, in case the official had company business to attend to.
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There is a stored T1 in the second row at the right side. The last locomotive shows curved coal bunker sheets which would identify the engine as a T1.
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| Posted by on January 4, 2013 | |
This is a world unto itself. This photo mesmerizes. It draws you in. If Cecil B. DeMille had been recruited by company brass to shoot a movie about the Standard Railroad of the World, he would start with such a scene. Imagine the camera on a dolly crane, starting at ground level and rising to this height. Cue the locomotives and...action!
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Such a mind blowing shot. I can't imagine the smells and the sounds that would have been present. I was born to late for sure!
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Call me crazy, but i TRIED to count.... i quit after 60 plus 'cause i was getting dizzy.
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