Last minute maintenance. Here's an RGS mechanic attempting to troubleshoot a problem with Motor #5, as her Motorman waits impatiently in the cab. The #5 machine originally had a Pierce-Arrow Bus body, but was one of three RGS Motors that were modified in 1945 with a Wayne body to provide more room for passengers. Of course eventually, the freight boxes on all of the so-called Galloping Geese were modified with windows and seats, turning the entire machine into a sight-seeing platform.
Although this looks like an image from an organized photo shoot, it is really the product of an evening of experimentation by myself and colleague Mike Shade. Mike and I both stopped by the railroad yard on this particular evening, with the intent to try out some lighting ideas. Mike had two studio strobes and some radio triggers, and I had a couple of Nikon Speedlights. With the combined firepower, we set about to light the conveniently parked Goose #5. Just as we started taking test shots, the crew from Dolores happened by. We asked if they'd like to pose for a few images, and they enthusiastically said YES! After a few experiments with the lights, we were quickly hammering out some really nice photos. This is one of my favorites, and I'm pretty proud of it, because Mike pretty much made me decide where all of the lights should go. Not bad for a first effort....but I had a good teacher!
