Railroads are an endlessly fascinating subject for photographers. Thousands of railfans photograph trains every year, and the focus of all that activity is often on trains and specifically locomotives.
But there is a wealth of interesting railroad lore along the tracks: depots, freight houses, signals, interlocking towers, bridges, trestles, shops, turntables and other trackside structures and equipment. The railroad tends to define the landscape it passes through and it is that railroad landscape the is the focus of The Trackside Photographer.
Many of these trackside elements that were common sights in years gone by have disappeared in the wake of modernization, consolidation and abandonment of unprofitable lines. Rapid change instills a sense of urgency to document what may soon be lost forever.
The Trackside Photographer is not a personal project, but is intended to showcase the work of photographers throughout the world who take the time to record the ever-changing railroad landscape. The next time you are trackside waiting for that train, look around. There is lots to see out there.
I am looking for photos of the Coal Silos in Absecon, New Jersey 08201. I grew up on Ohio Avenue in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s. We had the railroad as the backdrop of our lives and I am working on a story of New Jersey Transit and the Absecon Train Station, the last stop before Atlantic City.
I would appreciate any and all help. Thanks in advance,
annajjon@gmail.com
Anna, you might be interested in this article:
http://thetracksidephotographer.com/2016/06/30/ghosts-of-winslow-junction/
The author, Michael Brotzman, is an expert on New Jersey railroad subjects. His website is listed in the article–you might try to contact him for information. Thanks for reading The Trackside Photographer.
You shouild contact Neelon Crawford — neelon@polarfinearts.com. In the 1980 he made 4 trips to China to photograph in its steam locomotive factories. Profusely documented + all sorts of experiences to tell about.
It’s been over two months since the last update – hope all is well.
I love this site!! Wonderful pictures and text.
Thanks for your wonderful Images. As a retired railway man, they bring back many great memories.
I enjoy your website. I may think about contributing here someday.
Thank you for the article and pictures of the street runners on Erie in Pueblo. I worked for an electrical contractor on Erie back then and I always enjoyed seeing them run.
I am looking for pictures of the ten digits needed to create R&D mile post markers.
My name is Thinh Tran, and I am the Director of Landscape Architecture at The WLB Group.
Currently we are working on a public park with Clark County in Nevada. With your permission we would like to use one picture from your website, https://thetracksidephotographer.com/2018/03/29/the-leadville-colorado-southern-railroad/, for our interpretive board. Of course, we would credit or compensate you for the copyright.
I would much appreciate if could let us know.
I can be reached at 702-458-2551
I am looking for photos of the Palmdale-Coulton cuttoff for an article I am preparing for the Desert Symposium, April 2024. See https://desertsymposium.org/ I want to use the photo I saw at https://thetracksidephotographer.com/2017/02/23/colton-palmdale/
Can you send me a digital copy of that photo to include in my article?”