Sunrise on the "Stump Dodger" With her conductor guarding the rear platform, a Sumpter Valley Freight backs to the McEwen Water Tank for servicing, just moments after sunrise. The bulk of the loads on today's run are carloads of raw timber, which is the primary reason this line was built, starting back in 1890. So many logging operations sprang up along the railroad in the early part of the 20th century that it acquired the nickname "Stump Dodger." In fact, a daily passenger train on the line actually carried that name for a time.
Landscape photography is difficult due to the challenge of combining good light and good scenery. Good railroad photography enters another level of complexity since it requires the first two while there is a train in view.
